Despite missing some time in fall camp, Pearsall recorded four receptions on five targets for 67 yards and appears to be the only true slot receiver the Gators currently have. The former low-three star recruit from Arizona logged 48 catches for 580 yards last season in the Pac-12 and had a terrific SEC debut.

The Gators searched high and low for an impact wideout and were finally able to land Arizona State transfer Ricky Pearsall (6-1, 200, RJr) in May. Florida had some returning pieces but little depth and not any real potential No. One of the many positions that needed upgrading was wide receiver when Napier arrived in Gainesville. Florida will need these players to be stars all season long. The Gators have three legit game-breaking talents on defense, and each was a five-star recruit coming out of high school.

(6-1, 198, So.) is the next star cornerback for Florida. (6-6, 312, Jr) has first-round talent and can be a load for interior offensive linemen to deal with. The edge rusher was very active in the win over Utah with 10 tackles and recorded 14.5 tackles for loss last year showing real playmaking potential. (6-3, 252, RSr.) is a former blue-chip recruit who was a second-team All-SEC producer in 2020. Luckily, the Gators have some defensive star power that could lead them to more strong play than bad if some of the depth fails.īrenton Cox Jr. On defense, that line of scrimmage depth will be tested as Florida goes through the rigors of an SEC schedule. Any injury that occurs to those positions could be crippling to the Gators this season. Most notably there is a lack of depth at multiple positions - wide receiver, tight end, and defensive line. Star power on defenseĪs Napier took over in Gainesville, the coaching staff inherited a talented roster, but it was one with more than a few holes. Kentucky faces a stiff challenge and must have a better plan for him than Utah did as he gave the Gators supreme efficiency throughout the game with just enough explosive plays to log a win. There will be a lot of buzz for Richardson this week.

Richardson was the best player on the field in a huge win for the Gators. On the ground, the 232-pound quarterback was a difference-maker with 106 yards on 11 attempts with three touchdowns on an outstanding rushing success rate (72.7%). The dual-threat quarterback threw for 168 yards on 24 attempts in the win with a high passing success rate (58.3%) and zero sacks taken.

New head coach Billy Napier has handed Richardson the keys as the primary play-caller, and the NFL prospect delivered big-time on Saturday. The redshirt sophomore out of Gainesville (Fla.) Eastside flashed his intriguing multi-dimensional skillset last year, but Dan Mullen refused to play the young quarterback over veteran Emory Jones. Kentucky did a very good job defending Brett Gabbert and that helped slow down the Miami (Ohio) offense, but Florida’s Anthony Richardson brings on a whole new set of challenges. For the second week in a row, the best player on the opposing offense is at the quarterback position.

Let the beat blast