ASU receiver Pearsall transfers to Gators

Arizona State transfer wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is all in on Billy Napier and the Gators.

Pearsall will leave behind his hometown and childhood team after leading it in receptions to join the first-year Florida coach’s rebuild across the country in Gainesville.

Pearsall announced his decision on a Twitter account he created for the occasion. He wrote, “Scared Money Don’t Make Money,” echoing Napier’s now signature phrase uttered during a halftime TV interview.

Pearsall led the 2021 Sun Devils with 48 receptions, 580 yards and 4 touchdown catches but decided to seek a new opportunity. Ironically, Florida quarterback Emory Jones transferred recently to ASU after struggling for the 2021 Gators.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Pearsall was a high school standout with Corona Del Sol in Tempe, Arizona, home to ASU. He committed to the Sun Devils in June 2018, just six months after Napier left after one season as ASU offensive coordinator to become head coach at Louisiana.

Pearsall adds experience and production to a Florida receiving corps needing both.

The Gators are expected to have 11 scholarship wide receivers. But redshirt senior Justin Shorter’s 41 receptions for 550 yards and 3 scores were 2021 highs among a group of pass-catchers that has proven pedestrian thus far.

Pearsall also offers a change-up option for Napier’s play calls. He ran the ball 6 times for 44 yards and a score. Pearsall also completed a pair of pass attempts for 59 yards and a touchdown.