Florida receivers Eugene Wilson and Ricky Pearsall both grade inside the top 30 wide receivers in the FBS through four weeks of the 2023 season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Wilson, a true freshman, has posted an offensive grade of 85.4, which ranks 11th amongst FBS receivers with 50+ snaps. In three games played, Wilson’s recorded 12 receptions for 104 yards while adding two carries for 27 yards.
The Tampa, Florida native has made an immediate impact upon arriving in Gainesville during the summer, ranking 2nd on the Gators in receptions despite dealing with a collarbone bruise since the second offensive possession of Florida’s week three game against Tennessee.
Wilson, much like Pearsall, is a guy they are comfortable moving around the field as the 5-10, 170 receiver has lined up 43 times out wide and 33 in the slot.
“Crazy athlete and speedy too,” RB Trevor Etienne said on Wilson. “I sit back and watch him and like, ‘he’s done this before.’”
“He’s deserving, and he’s going to only get better as we go forward,” Billy Napier said on Wilson. “So, still a freshman, and there’ll be some things that come with that. But he is proven to be a very effective player.”
Pearsall, a senior, has posted an offensive grade of 80.8, which ranks 27th amongst FBS receivers with 50+ snaps. Pearsall has filled in the stat sheet through four games, totaling 27 receptions, 357 yards, and one touchdown. After a 2022 season averaging just 2.5 receptions a game, Peasall is averaging 6.8 receptions a game and is on pace for over 80 receptions in 2023, which would more than double last season’s total.
Pearsall ranks 24th in the FBS in both receptions per game and total yards on the 2023 season.
“Ricky Pearsall, I’m telling y’all right now, this guy is a very underrated player. He is one of the best receivers in the entire country,” Napier said on Pearsall. “He’s bigger than you think. He’s more explosive than you think. He came back to improve his stock for the draft, and he’s doing it. Not to mention the leadership and the character that he brings every day, the work habits. Ricky is a very effective player because he’s highly skilled. He can get open at the line. He can separate at the top of the route, and he’s got fantastic ball skills and hand selection.”
Wilson and Pearsall also both rank inside the top 30 in route running as Wilson slides in the 18th spot and Pearsall the 27th.
Florida, Oklahoma, USC, and Liberty are the only teams in the FBS with multiple receivers ranked inside the top 30.