Interview with Overlooked Playmaking 2019 Arizona WR Ricky Pearsall
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One can easily assume that most defenses took Ricky Pearsall for granted during the 2017 season. One can also guess that every other corner or safety in the state of Arizona thought ‘no problem, I can shut him down’, yet, Pearsall consistently made fools out of opposing 6A competition. What is even more impressive, everyone in the stadium knew where the ball was going when the Aztecs were on offense last season, but that still did not matter.
To say that Pearsall was the heart and soul of Corona Del Sol High School’s offense last season is putting it mildly. The 6-1, 200-pound, talent put the offense on his back coming up with 74 receptions for 1,153 yards posting 13 of the team’s 29 total scores on the board. Pearsall’s hands, determination, and breakaway game speed showed out especially in a record-setting 14-reception 342-receiving yard game.
Despite his three-star recruiting status, one can also make a claim that Pearsall is being sorely overlooked by college scouts with two offers on the table from Northern Arizona and Air Force. Good news is, word is getting out on the first team All-Region and first-team All-City Tempe area product. Arizona State, Vanderbilt, Nebraska, and Iowa State are some of the schools taking a closer look at the Aztecs’ difference maker.
After scouting Pearsall in person at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional on Sunday, we sat down for a one-on-one conversation covering a little bit of everything including his recruitment to date.
*Shortly after this interview was posted, Pearsall received offers from UC-Davis and South Dakota State
Interview
Ricky, you put on a show last year on offense. Your game speed is the real deal. What is the fastest 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“The fastest time 40 I’ve posted is a 4.51.”
You had a career game, a full season for some receivers, tallying 342 yards with five scores off 14 receptions. If you will, which team did you do that against and rundown how the game played out for you.
“That was against Gilbert High School. We knew they were running a man scheme. I had an advantage on their corner. Our coach told our quarterback to look to me a little more. We used an isolation play on the corner that was successful.”
Your ability to make plays after the catch is not in doubt, what other areas of your game are strengths that allow you to be so productive?
“My determination is one of the aspects that sets me apart and my hard work off the field. My agility is a difference maker as well. Once the ball is in my hands, I have advantage side to side with my quickness.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I have two different trainers, one was for the Nike combine and the other is speed, agility, and strength trainer. I have been working on everything a receiver needs to get off the line and make plays. I have been working on all aspects of my game this offseason.”
I saw you perform at the Dallas Nike Regional, how did the camp go for you?
“I did well. My vertical was 40-inches and my SPARQ score was 113. I was the third best receiver at the camp. I think I placed 17th overall for score.”
What did you do well there during the one-on-ones?
“Prior to the camp, my father and I worked on releases and route running. I worked on being creative with my routes and that paid off at the camp; I put the DBs on their heels.”
Do you have any other upcoming camps you might attend?
“Yes. I just signed up for an Arizona State camp. I am going to a Nebraska camp and for a visit there too. We are looking at a bunch of camps. I may also attend camps with Colorado and Oregon State, but I am not sure about them yet.”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Nebraska, Rice, Iowa State, Arizona State, UC-Davis, and Vanderbilt.”
Have you visited any schools yet?
I have visited Arizona State, Vanderbilt, and Fresno State so far.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“My GPA is a 3.37.”
Back to football. Have you started spring ball with the Aztecs?
“We started on Monday, April 30. We practice every day except for Friday.”
How is the team looking overall?
“We are looking good. We have a lot of new faces. We have a few returners back as well. I think we will be good this season.”
Where all will you line up on the field during your senior year besides at receiver?
“I know I will be returning kicks this year.”
What goals have you set for yourself this spring and summer before the 2018 season kicks off?
“In the classroom, I want to finish with all A’s and knock the SAT out of the park. My other goals are to get faster, lower my 40, get my routes on point and continue to lead the team to a great season.”
Ricky, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of spring practices.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Ricky Pearsall
You had a career game, a full season for some receivers, tallying 342 yards with five scores off 14 receptions. If you will, which team did you do that against and rundown how the game played out for you.
“That was against Gilbert High School. ”
Concerning this comment. I think you need to clarify this a little more. Gilbert had Corona shut down the first half. I think they might have had one or maybe two first downs at the most. Gilbert started the second half with the second string team. In fact if you go back to the game film you will see they started a lot of their second string players in the 2nd quarter. It wasn’t until the 3rd quarter when Gilbert put in players that don’t see a lot of playing time until Corona moved the ball. So the stats are very deceiving in this game.
Now not taking anything away from Mr. Perarsall he is a talented player. But to use those stats from Gilbert is again very deceiving when you see what players were on the field for Gilbert. When you look how they did against teams like Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista I think it was like 54 yrds and 69 yrds. This was against starters.
John, first thanks for reading. I understand your viewpoint, not all statistics are the same. Still, against a second-string defense or not, Ricky still had the stats. Roster to roster, at any level, is the playing field always equal with talent? Regardless of who was in the game, it is still the defense’s job to stop any given offense.