Ricky Pearsall, WR, at 49ers preseason camp. Pearsall was drafted 31st overall by San Francisco.
Gators in the NFL: Season Preview
Friday, August 9, 2024 | Football
A quick look at where Gator Greats are before the NFL season starts
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The 105th season of the National Football league is right around the corner which means 42 former Gators will suit up across 23 teams.
A complete look at how former Gators played last year can be found here.
Last season saw former Gators build upon already storied careers while others used the 2023 campaign to make a name for themselves. Here are a few NFL Gators to keep track of this season.
Anthony Richardson -
Richardson flashed early as a rookie, becoming the first signal caller to rush for a TD in each of his first three career games. Unfortunately for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, a shoulder injury in week five forced the budding star to sit out the rest of the season. In the four weeks leading up to his injury Richardson racked up 577 passing yards and three TD's with another 136 yards and four scores on the ground.
Expect Richardson to build on what was a promising start to his career this season on a revamped Colts offense that signed and drafted new talent to complement the
Gervon Dexter -
Dexter finished strong in his rookie season, racking up 20 tackles (13 solo), 2.5 sacks and 29 pressures. The Bears made multiple changes to its defense this off season including the hiring of Eric Washington as defensive coordinator, who subsequently named Dexter a starting defensive tackle.
Besides the promotion, Dexter's 2024 outlook has improved thanks to Washington who has spent 14 years int he NFL as a defensive line coach among other defensive coaching duties.
Kyle Pitts -
Pitts is entering his fourth year in the league and will look to become a focal point of a revamped Falcons offense that features a new signal caller and offensive coordinator. Pitts has had a solid career up to this point, amassing 149 catches, 2,049 yards and 6 touchdowns oer three seasons. The new staff in Atlanta has been adamant about getting Pitts more involved in a more dynamic role.
"He's learning basically two different positions," Falcons OC Zac Robinson said. "There's some tight end, and there's some receiver. So, he's got a lot on his plate. He's handled it really well. I'm just excited to see him continue to get more comfortable in the system."
Van Jefferson -
Jefferson split time between the Rams and Falcons last season before signing with the Steelers in the off season. Despite a down season in 2023, Jefferson has shown out in training camp, looking to lock down the WR2 spot.
Jonathan Greenard -
Greenard burst onto the scene in 2023 with career highs in tackles (52), sacks (12.5), TFL's (15) and QB hits (22). His sack totals ranked 10th among NFL players and fourth among defensive ends. Greenard was rewarded for his efforts in the off season signing a 4-year contract with the Vikings joining Brandon Powell and Jonathan Bullard in Minnesota.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson -
After an outstanding season in 2022 Gardner-Johnson left Philly, moving further north to Detroit where he would rack up 17 tackles, 3 pass deflections and a pick while helping the Lions reach their first NFC title games since 1991. Gardner-Johnson will now return to Philly, looking to return to his 2022 form and lead The Birds back to another Super Bowl appearance.
Florida has two players entering their first season in the NFL with wide out Ricky Pearsall drafted in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers and Kingsley Eguakun signed as an un-drafted free-agent with the Detriot Lions.
Ricky Pearsall -
Pearsall transferred to Gainesville ahead of the 2022 season from Arizona St. and would go on to play in all 25 games in the two seasons he spent in Gainesville, racking up 98 catches, 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns in a Gator uniform.
Kingsley Eguakun -
Eguakun, who was named the Gators started prior to the 2023 season, only made four starts due to injury. The Jacksonville native started all 13 games during the 2022 campaign. Eguakun was also named to four SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll's (2020-23) while earning two degrees from UF, a bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a masters in Tourism & Hospitality Management
This years NFL Free Agency saw massive names join new teams including 13 Gators who will find themselves dawning new uniforms come week one.
Freddie Swain WR: Signed by Bears
Trent Brown OL: Signed by Bengals
Tommy Townsend P: Signed by Texans
C.J. Henderson CB: Signed by Texans
David Sharpe OL: Signed by Texans
Tyrie Cleveland WR: Signed by Colts
Marcus Maye S: Signed by Dolphins
Jonathan Greenard DE: Signed by Vikings
C.J. Gardner-Johnson S: Signed by Eagles
Van Jefferson WR: Signed by Steelers.
Jeremiah Moon LB: Signed by Steelers
La'Mical Perine RB: Signed by Steelers
Dante Fowler Jr. DE: Signed by Commanders
For a complete list of Gators in the NFL see below.
Atlanta Falcons
8 - Kyle Pitts - TE - 4th year
Buffalo Bills
18 - Justin Shorter - WR - 2nd year
24 - Kaiir Elam - CB - 3rd year
64 - O'Cyrus Torrence - OL - 2nd year
75 - Richard Gouraige - OL - 2nd year
Carolina Panthers
4 - Eddy Pineiro Jr. - K - 7th year
Chicago Bears
86 - Freddie Swain - WR - 5th year
99 - Gervon Dexter - DL - 2nd year
Cincinnati Bengals
2 - Evan McPhearson - K - 4th year
77 - Trent Brown - OL - 10th year
95 - Zachary Carter - DL - 3rd year
Dallas Cowboys
34 - Malik Davis - RB - 3rd year
Detriot Lions
34 - Alex Anzalone - LB - 8th year
65 - Kingsley Eguakun - OL - Rookie
Green Bay Packers
57 - Brenton Cox Jr. - DL - 2nd year
93 - T.J. Slaton - DL - 4 years
Houston Texans
6 - Tommy Townsend - P - 5th year
21 - C.J. Henderson - CB - 5th year
31 - Dameon Pierce - RB - 4th year
75 - David Sharpe - OL - 8th year
Indianapolis Colts
5 - Anthony Richardson - QB - 2nd Year
12 - Tyrie Cleveland - WR - 4th year
96 - Taven Bryan - DL - 7th year
Jacksonville Jaguars
51 - Ventrell Miller - LB - 2nd year
Kansas City Chiefs
19 - Kadarius Toney - WR - 4th year
74 - Jawaan Taylor - OL - 6th year
Las Vegas Raiders
56 - Amari Burney - LB - 2nd year
Los Angeles Rams
15 - Demarcus Robinson - WR - 9th year
Miami Dolphins
46 - Marcus Maye - S - 8 years
Minnesota Vikings
4 - Brandon Powell - WR - 7th year
58 - Jonathan Greenard - OLB - 5th year
90 - Jonathan Bullard - DL - 9th year
New England Patriots
19 - Marco Wilson - CB - 4th year
Philadelphia Eagles
8 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson - S - 5th year
74 - Fred Johnson - OL - 6th year
Pittsburgh Steelers
11 - Van Jefferson - WR - 5th year
38 - La'Mical Perine - RB - 3rd year
49 - Jeremiah Moon - LB - 2nd year
San Francisco 49ers
14 - Ricky Pearsall - WR - Rookie
Seattle Seahawks
78 - Stone Forsythe - OL - 4th year
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2 - Kyle Trask - QB - 4th year
Washington Commanders
68 - Dante Fowler Jr. - DE - 10th year
Follow Gators Football on Socials:
X: @GatorsFB
Instagram: @GatorsFB
Facebook: @GatorsFB
Join the Conversation: #GoGators
A complete look at how former Gators played last year can be found here.
Gators to Follow
Last season saw former Gators build upon already storied careers while others used the 2023 campaign to make a name for themselves. Here are a few NFL Gators to keep track of this season. Anthony Richardson -
Richardson flashed early as a rookie, becoming the first signal caller to rush for a TD in each of his first three career games. Unfortunately for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, a shoulder injury in week five forced the budding star to sit out the rest of the season. In the four weeks leading up to his injury Richardson racked up 577 passing yards and three TD's with another 136 yards and four scores on the ground.
Season 2 OTW. 🐊#GatorMade | @GVOaant pic.twitter.com/LsJj3finyL
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 2, 2024
Expect Richardson to build on what was a promising start to his career this season on a revamped Colts offense that signed and drafted new talent to complement the
Gervon Dexter -
Dexter finished strong in his rookie season, racking up 20 tackles (13 solo), 2.5 sacks and 29 pressures. The Bears made multiple changes to its defense this off season including the hiring of Eric Washington as defensive coordinator, who subsequently named Dexter a starting defensive tackle.
Besides the promotion, Dexter's 2024 outlook has improved thanks to Washington who has spent 14 years int he NFL as a defensive line coach among other defensive coaching duties.
Kyle Pitts -
Pitts is entering his fourth year in the league and will look to become a focal point of a revamped Falcons offense that features a new signal caller and offensive coordinator. Pitts has had a solid career up to this point, amassing 149 catches, 2,049 yards and 6 touchdowns oer three seasons. The new staff in Atlanta has been adamant about getting Pitts more involved in a more dynamic role.
"He's learning basically two different positions," Falcons OC Zac Robinson said. "There's some tight end, and there's some receiver. So, he's got a lot on his plate. He's handled it really well. I'm just excited to see him continue to get more comfortable in the system."
Van Jefferson -
Jefferson split time between the Rams and Falcons last season before signing with the Steelers in the off season. Despite a down season in 2023, Jefferson has shown out in training camp, looking to lock down the WR2 spot.
#Steelers QB Justin Fields finds WR Van Jefferson on a deep flag. Jefferson has been solid as the WR #2. Great placement and toe tap
— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) August 3, 2024
🎥@PickensBurd
pic.twitter.com/eYBgasGU8Y
Jonathan Greenard -
Greenard burst onto the scene in 2023 with career highs in tackles (52), sacks (12.5), TFL's (15) and QB hits (22). His sack totals ranked 10th among NFL players and fourth among defensive ends. Greenard was rewarded for his efforts in the off season signing a 4-year contract with the Vikings joining Brandon Powell and Jonathan Bullard in Minnesota.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson -
After an outstanding season in 2022 Gardner-Johnson left Philly, moving further north to Detroit where he would rack up 17 tackles, 3 pass deflections and a pick while helping the Lions reach their first NFC title games since 1991. Gardner-Johnson will now return to Philly, looking to return to his 2022 form and lead The Birds back to another Super Bowl appearance.
Rookie Gators
Florida has two players entering their first season in the NFL with wide out Ricky Pearsall drafted in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers and Kingsley Eguakun signed as an un-drafted free-agent with the Detriot Lions. Ricky Pearsall -
Pearsall transferred to Gainesville ahead of the 2022 season from Arizona St. and would go on to play in all 25 games in the two seasons he spent in Gainesville, racking up 98 catches, 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns in a Gator uniform.
Ricky is heading to the Golden State! @S1ickSzn 🐊#GoGators | #GatorMade pic.twitter.com/zAMNr3p8s8
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 26, 2024
Kingsley Eguakun -
Eguakun, who was named the Gators started prior to the 2023 season, only made four starts due to injury. The Jacksonville native started all 13 games during the 2022 campaign. Eguakun was also named to four SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll's (2020-23) while earning two degrees from UF, a bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a masters in Tourism & Hospitality Management
Same Gators, New Threads
This years NFL Free Agency saw massive names join new teams including 13 Gators who will find themselves dawning new uniforms come week one. Freddie Swain WR: Signed by Bears
Trent Brown OL: Signed by Bengals
Tommy Townsend P: Signed by Texans
C.J. Henderson CB: Signed by Texans
David Sharpe OL: Signed by Texans
Tyrie Cleveland WR: Signed by Colts
Marcus Maye S: Signed by Dolphins
Jonathan Greenard DE: Signed by Vikings
C.J. Gardner-Johnson S: Signed by Eagles
Van Jefferson WR: Signed by Steelers.
Jeremiah Moon LB: Signed by Steelers
La'Mical Perine RB: Signed by Steelers
Dante Fowler Jr. DE: Signed by Commanders
For a complete list of Gators in the NFL see below.
Atlanta Falcons
8 - Kyle Pitts - TE - 4th year
Buffalo Bills
18 - Justin Shorter - WR - 2nd year
24 - Kaiir Elam - CB - 3rd year
64 - O'Cyrus Torrence - OL - 2nd year
75 - Richard Gouraige - OL - 2nd year
Carolina Panthers
4 - Eddy Pineiro Jr. - K - 7th year
Chicago Bears
86 - Freddie Swain - WR - 5th year
99 - Gervon Dexter - DL - 2nd year
Cincinnati Bengals
2 - Evan McPhearson - K - 4th year
77 - Trent Brown - OL - 10th year
95 - Zachary Carter - DL - 3rd year
Dallas Cowboys
34 - Malik Davis - RB - 3rd year
Detriot Lions
34 - Alex Anzalone - LB - 8th year
65 - Kingsley Eguakun - OL - Rookie
Green Bay Packers
57 - Brenton Cox Jr. - DL - 2nd year
93 - T.J. Slaton - DL - 4 years
Houston Texans
6 - Tommy Townsend - P - 5th year
21 - C.J. Henderson - CB - 5th year
31 - Dameon Pierce - RB - 4th year
75 - David Sharpe - OL - 8th year
Indianapolis Colts
5 - Anthony Richardson - QB - 2nd Year
12 - Tyrie Cleveland - WR - 4th year
96 - Taven Bryan - DL - 7th year
Jacksonville Jaguars
51 - Ventrell Miller - LB - 2nd year
Kansas City Chiefs
19 - Kadarius Toney - WR - 4th year
74 - Jawaan Taylor - OL - 6th year
Las Vegas Raiders
56 - Amari Burney - LB - 2nd year
Los Angeles Rams
15 - Demarcus Robinson - WR - 9th year
Miami Dolphins
46 - Marcus Maye - S - 8 years
Minnesota Vikings
4 - Brandon Powell - WR - 7th year
58 - Jonathan Greenard - OLB - 5th year
90 - Jonathan Bullard - DL - 9th year
New England Patriots
19 - Marco Wilson - CB - 4th year
Philadelphia Eagles
8 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson - S - 5th year
74 - Fred Johnson - OL - 6th year
Pittsburgh Steelers
11 - Van Jefferson - WR - 5th year
38 - La'Mical Perine - RB - 3rd year
49 - Jeremiah Moon - LB - 2nd year
San Francisco 49ers
14 - Ricky Pearsall - WR - Rookie
Seattle Seahawks
78 - Stone Forsythe - OL - 4th year
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2 - Kyle Trask - QB - 4th year
Washington Commanders
68 - Dante Fowler Jr. - DE - 10th year
Follow Gators Football on Socials:
X: @GatorsFB
Instagram: @GatorsFB
Facebook: @GatorsFB
Join the Conversation: #GoGators
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