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Gators WR Ricky Pearsall Named to Maxwell Award Watch List

Gators wideout Ricky Pearsall lands on the Maxwell Award Watch List prior to the 2023 season.

Brandon Carroll

Gators WR Ricky Pearsall Named to Maxwell Award Watch List
Gators WR Ricky Pearsall Named to Maxwell Award Watch List /
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It's preseason watch list season, and Florida's top pass catcher earned recognition on Monday.

Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall landed on the Maxwell Award Watch List, given to the most outstanding player in college football annually.

The Arizona State transfer burst onto the scene for Florida in 2022, proving to be the dynamic weapon out of the slot Napier expected of him when bringing him over. Accounting for 33 receptions, 661 yards and five scores, Pearsall served as a big-play threat with the fourth-highest yards per catch (20) average in the NCAA.

Now, in 2023, Pearsall is the undenied leader of the unit and will serve as the top option for Graham Mertz through the air. Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. expressed high expectations for his skill position teammate to elevate himself for Florida this season.

"I see explosiveness," Johnson said on Sunday. "Ricky is a dominant player. He's able to win 50/50 contested catches, able to win one-on-one battles. I expect him to have a big year this year."

Pearsall is joined by three other SEC wideouts, including LSU's Malik Nabers, South Carolina's Antwane "Juice" Wells and Vanderbilt's Will Sheppard on the watch list.

A Gator has taken home the Maxwell Award on three occasions. Quarterback Danny Wuerfel took home the first crown for Florida in 1996 before Tim Tebow won the honor in back-to-back seasons (2007-08).

Tebow finished as a finalist one more time in his Florida career. Since, only running back Mike Gillislee (semifinalist; 2012), quarterback Kyle Trask (semifinalist; 2020) and tight end Kyle Pitts (semifinalist; 2020) have earned the prestigious recognition.

Pearsall looks to join the fold in 2023.

You can find the entire Maxwell Award Watch List here.

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Brandon Carroll
BRANDON CARROLL

Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.

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