Florida football WR Ricky Pearsall looks to be a mentor to incoming freshman Eugene Wilson

Florida football wide receiver Ricky Pearsall emerged as one of the top slot wide receivers in the SEC last season, with 33 catches for 661 yards and 5 TDs last season.
This fall, Pearsall will get a chance to mentor his potential replacement in 2024. Incoming Florida freshman Eugene Wilson III, a borderline four/five-star recruit from Gaither High in Tampa, has already demonstrated playmaking ability in summer workouts.
“Right away his quickness stood out, his twitch," Pearsall said. "I think he’s going to help us out a lot.”
Wilson caught 40 passes for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior year at Gaither and was invited to, but didn't attend, the 2023 Under Armor All-American Game. He chose UF over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Florida State and Texas A&M.
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Pearsall said it's part of his responsibility to bring Wilson along as he adjusts to fall camp. Wilson didn't take part in spring drills, choosing to enroll instead this summer.
"As a leader on my team I have to take him under my wing, help him out as best as I can," Pearsall said. "I think the main thing to teach him is how to be a pro, how to operate around the facility, getting treatment on a daily basis, just doing the right things day to day.
"He’s got all the talent in the world so he’s going to have a lot of success moving forward.”