Florida Gators 2024 Pro Day Set
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- As several players attempt to move from the University of Florida to the NFL this offseason, the Gators officially set Thursday, March 21 as the program’s Pro Day on Tuesday.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and center Kingsley Eguakun will highlight the seven draft-eligible prospects participating in the pro day activities in front of NFL brass.
During the pre-draft process, Pearsall has generated positive buzz regarding a boost in his draft stock at the late April selection period approaches.
After accounting for 965 receiving yards and six total touchdowns a year ago, the Chandler, Ariz., native has already stood out during his time at the Senior Bowl and at the NFL Combine to earn a Day 2 draft grade in recent weeks. Pro Football Focus analysts placed him as early as the first pick of the second round by the Carolina Panthers, although a mid-second round selection is more likely at this stage.
Several general managers, coaches and scouts are anticipated to be in attendance to view Pearsall’s performance, although he’ll likely skip several exercises after a stellar display at the combine.
Eguakun, on the other hand, continues to jockey for position as a potential Day 3 selection. Starting 26 consecutive games for the Gators during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the 6-foot-3.5, 304-pound center proved to be a reliable piece in the middle of Florida’s front.
He was expected to command the role again in 2023, but had his year derailed by a high ankle sprain suffered in fall camp. The hurt lingered throughout the season, resulting in him seeing action in just four matchups, all of which he started.
As a result, his testing metrics and medical evaluation during the pre-draft process became exponentially more important. Eguakun has one final opportunity to answers some of the frequently asked questions in Gainesville on March 21.
Pearsall and Eguakun are expected to be joined by offensive lineman Lyndell Hudson II, quarterback Micah Leon, running back Eddie Battle, punter Jacob Watkins and former offensive lineman Griffin McDowell.
Events include weight room weigh-ins, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump as well as the 40-yard dash, 60-yard shuttle and position workouts.
Last year, current Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson drew considerable attention to Gainesville as he vied to earn his eventual top five selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. It offered Florida a valuable opportunity to showcase Billy Napier’s program as it entered year two under his command.
Although attending NFL teams will likely be more sparse this time around without the lure of a potential franchise quarterback, the Gators will again aim to use the spectacle to generate a positive impression for the program and select underclassmen who will bid for selection in future NFL Draft processes.
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