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Gators add significant weapon to round out 2024 roster

Discussion in 'Awesome Recruiting' started by Gatorrick22, May 17, 2024.

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  1. May 17, 2024 #1
    Gatorrick22

    Gatorrick22 GC Hall of Fame

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    This story (about Elijhiah Badger) deserves it's own thread... And his connection to Rick Pearsall and how he helped sway Badger to Gainesville...

    This is almost as much about Ricky Pearsall as it is about Elijhah Badger. Ricky made Badgers decision that much easier... You know Badger was watching his boi Ricky from Arizona State these last two years.



    Ricky Pearsall wasn't even 24 hours removed from his own first-round selection in this year's NFL Draft when he sent a text to a former teammate, opening a dialogue about his collegiate experiences in hopes that they would resonate with the recipient.

    But it wasn't a Florida player — at least not at the time — who received Pearsall's communication that day, it was former Arizona State wideout Elijhah Badger, who had entered the NCAA transfer portal roughly a week earlier.

    "He reached out to me the day after he got drafted when I was in the portal," Badger said of his former teammate. "He heard Florida was in contact."

    A transfer from Arizona State ahead of the 2022 campaign, Pearsall thrived in Gainesville after a move from the desert, racking up 1,626 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns over two seasons and establishing himself as one of the nation's most productive receivers.


    The 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Pearsall saw similar growth potential for Badger with whom he shared the field for two seasons in Tempe from 2020-21.

    Pearsall made it clear.

    https://247sports.com/college/flori...ger-gators-roster-breakdown-napier-231873733/
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2024
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  2. May 17, 2024 #2
    gatormonk

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  3. May 17, 2024 #3
    deepwater

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    Great play by both Badger and Jones.
     
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  4. May 17, 2024 #4
    bullish

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    Elijah looks very talented on all the clips I have seen on him. Looking forward to seeing him rounding out a very talented group of receivers. Who ever is calling the plays is going to have to spread it around, no excuses. Welcome to the Gators and thanks to all the coaches and recruiters who played a part.
     
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  5. May 18, 2024 #5
    DeBigLeezard

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    Don't get me wrong, glad that we got Badger on board...
    BUT, I am really looking forward to see how Kahliel Jackson does this year.
    Call me sentimental, but as a Gator Legacy, I want him to shine.
    (I remember being introduced to his grandfather, Willie Jackson in Yon Hall back in 1969.)
     
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  6. May 18, 2024 #6
    Gatorrick22

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    If I had to guess right now the 3 receivers would be Wilson, Jackson and Badger.
     
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  7. May 18, 2024 #7
    gatordadx2

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    Wilson Badger and Dike
     
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  8. May 18, 2024 #8
    Gatorrick22

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    Could be too... Maybe we can add a 10 personnel offensive set and make it Wilson, Jackson, Dike and Badger?
     
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  9. May 18, 2024 #9
    gatordadx2

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    I think Gators are going to run 60-65%
     
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  10. May 18, 2024 #10
    Gatorrick22

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    Yep and it will be from the 11 and the 12 personnel most likely...
     
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  11. May 18, 2024 #11
    candymanfromgc

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    Thanks for posting, i was on the road.
     
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  12. May 18, 2024 #12
    Crusher

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    If they can they will. Last year was a struggle running the ball at times.
     
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  13. May 18, 2024 #13
    Skink

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    I hope so. I got no problem with a ball control offense. When it works it’s a wonderful thing.
     
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  14. May 18, 2024 #14
    Crusher

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    The problem is that for it to work consistently, it generally requires one team to out-talent the other. You better be able to throw effectively when it doesn't work.
     
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  15. May 18, 2024 #15
    Skink

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    No question. And of course it requires solid run blocking by the line. But as you recall, the 72 and 73 Dolphins were a thing of beauty to watch. You knew they were going to win every game. I know it’s a different game today, but I have no problem with a run game setting up the passing game. I’ll bet Mertz feels the same way
     
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  16. May 18, 2024 #16
    Crusher

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    Agreed, but its gotta work. Getting stoned on the ground and being forced to pass after you get behind and aren't prepared for it isn't a good strategy....I'm thinking of the UK-UF game last year.

    Yes a good offense of that nature is a thing of beauty, but the 72 Dolphins were unicorns of the first order.
     
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  17. May 18, 2024 #17
    Skink

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    17-0-0
     
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  18. May 18, 2024 #18
    kryptonite

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    Not gonna happen. Way too predictable.
     
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  19. May 18, 2024 #19
    Skink

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    And using the same example, possibly the most prolific passing offense in NFL history with arguably the best throwing QB ever, was limited to 16 points by San Francisco in Super Bowl 19. If Miami had any kind of running game it could have been different. 6 defensive backs only works if you don’t have to worry about the other team running the ball.

    Arguing the run setting up the pass vs. the pass setting up the run, I’ll take the former
     
  20. May 18, 2024 #20
    INGATORSWETRUST

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    We can have a good rotation and no one should be fatigued this year. Experienced group from what could have been an area of weakness.
     
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