Two Gators Invited to 2024 NFL Draft Combine
Photo: Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall; Credit: Alex Shepherd
Former stalwarts in the Florida Gators offense, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and center Kingsley Eguakun, have received invitations to the 2024 rendition of the NFL Draft Combine, the league announced Tuesday.
The duo joins 319 other prospects in the annual event, scheduled for Feb. 26 through March 4 in Indianapolis.
Pearsall returned for his final season of eligibility in 2023, building on his impressive redshirt junior campaign in his first year at the University of Florida to boost his stock heading into the pre-draft process. The Chandler, Ariz., native closed his two-season career at UF, having reeled in 98 receptions for 1,626 yards and nine scores through the air to pair with 175 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Following a dominant showing during Senior Bowl practices — showcasing a high-level route running prowess on top of reliable hands and notable twitch at the break of his route against other prospective draft talent — Pearsall climbed even more.
He notably earned his way into the top of the second round in a post-Senior Bowl mock draft by Pro Football Focus, where he was picked by the Carolina Panthers 33rd overall and coined as a perfect weapon for rising second-year signal caller Bryce Young.
Eguakun made 26 consecutive starts for Florida at center during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, proving to be a reliable piece in the middle of the offensive front. He was expected to maintain his role in 2023, providing a veteran voice on a drastically reconstructed offensive line that lost four starters from the year before.
However, he was hampered by a lingering ankle injury initially suffered in preseason camp and re-aggravated several times in his four appearances against Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Arkansas.
Following UF's overtime loss to Arkansas in Gainesville on Nov. 4, the Gators elected to move Egukaun to an emergency backup role for the remainder of the season. Jake Slaughter, who filled in during his absence throughout the year, became the full-time starter for the final three contests.
Despite his health struggles as a senior, the Jacksonville, Fla., native's abundant production previously has earned him looks from NFL scouts during the early pre-selection process.
Egaukun's showing at the Senior Bowl — displaying impressive arm length, burst off the ball and adequate pad level — helped him climb into the conversation for a potential late-round selection despite his undersized label.
Both former Gators will attempt to further bolster their resume for selection when they take the field inside Lucas Oil Stadium later this month.
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