Gators Notebook: Bett Makes Impact As Banks Recovers, More Tidbits Heading Into USF Matchup
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall‘s performance in the season opener against Utah State drew praise from coaches, with emphasis on his effort and toughness. “He plays with effort. He’s tough, you know. It’s one of the things I respect about bryce,” a coach stated, adding, “He’s competitive, he’s tough, he plays really hard; it’s critically important to him. And he’ll only continue to improve as he goes forward here.”
Behind Pearsall,Caden Jones and Devon manuel offer depth at the receiver position. Jones made his season debut against the Sharks, while Manuel was unavailable for the opener. the atmosphere of playing at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium,”The Swamp,” resonated with players,especially transfer receiver J.Michael Sturdivant. “First game in The Swamp, man, it was lit. I love night games. Being able to play under the lights, and then have that third quarter with ‘Won’t Back Down’ with the lights off was turnt. It was a blessing to be in that stadium,” Sturdivant said.
Receiver Eugene Wilson III, returning from a season-ending hip surgery, expressed his excitement about being back on the field, recounting sprinting past Coach Napier during the team’s entrance. “I didn’t even realize I ran past Coach Napier. something just told me to get out in front right away,and I just haven’t been able to run out the tunnel like that in a minute. Most definitely missed it,” Wilson noted.In administrative news, Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin has signed a contract extension through October 2030, earning over $2 million annually. Stricklin, who succeeded Jeremy Foley in November 2016, signed the extension in June following the UF men’s basketball team’s national championship victory.The agreement includes a provision for a five-year “special assistant to the athletic director” role beginning in 2030.
