49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall looking to build off first-TD performance Week 10

Nov 11, 2024, 12:18 PM

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Ricky Pearsall #14 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 49ers escaped Week 10 in Tampa with a win, but the biggest story of all had to be that of Ricky Pearsall.

The San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver had a breakout game Sunday, recording his first touchdown of his NFL career. And he did it in a big way, catching a pass over the middle of the field before racing to the endzone for the 46-yard score. Pearsall would end the contest with four catches for 73 yards and a TD. He would also be pivotal down the stretch, helping the 49ers get into field goal range with under a minute to go.

But the highlight of all was the touchdown reception, especially considering what the rookie has gone through the last few months. That wasn’t on his mind however, just wanting to get back a mishap from a similar play earlier in the game.

First NFL TD for Ricky Pearsall ‼️

📺 #SFvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/J8kjN1jYLB

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 10, 2024

“Me, personally, I wanted to get it back,” Ricky Pearsall said postgame about the play. “On that one, you know, we connected on that. And then after that it was just make a play with the ball in my hands get in the end zone, get my first [touchdown].”

The first-round pick didn’t allude to much glorification about the moment as well, not entirely sure what to do with his first NFL game ball. Sure it means a lot to him and his family, but Pearsall is more focused on team success over anything. And yet, he won’t let the moment go to waste.

“Probably just hang it up somewhere in the room,” he said about the game ball. “I probably should start a little memorabilia area in my room or something.”

Peearsall’s lackadaisical response to his first score falls in line with his approach to the game.

As previous stated, the rookie responds to team success over everything. And when the chips are down, and the 49ers are stacked against the wall, he shines.

Ricky Pearsall had two catches on the team’s final drive, one for six yards and one for 14. Those may not seem like much but his willingness to rise to the occasion is what caught SF’s eye during the draft process. Now six months removed from draft night, the rookie is starting to round into form, unafraid of being the guy down the stretch.

“I think there’s always pressure,” Pearsall stated. “I don’t think it’s too much, just the way you got to handle it. And I think we got the guys on our squad that are able to handle it and go out there and make plays. And our coaches put us in the right position, and we go out there and execute.”

#49ers Ricky Pearsall said he scored on a route similar to a play that was broken up previously and he wanted to get that back.

The mindset of Pearsall is phenomenal, bright future ahead 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/tGLEj98Y52

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) November 11, 2024

The 24-year-old played five seasons of collegiate football, including two at the University of Florida. Playing in the SEC gave Pearsall the platform to be unfazed in crucial moments, leading the Gators in receiving yards his final season.

But going from Saturdays to Sundays is a whole different monster. The young wideout understands that, but honestly, doesn’t care. He’s up for the challenge every step of the way, a proven fighter both on and off the gridiron.

“Obviously being back in this Florida heat, we knew it was going to be one of those grimy games, and it came down to the wire. So, it was just about what team is going to battle the most at the end. I think we had a little bit more fight in the end, and we pulled out with it,” Ricky Pearsall explained.

Ricky Pearsall had a 19.1% chance of scoring on his 46-yard TD, gaining 31 yards after catch, +13 over expected.

Pearsall reached a top speed of 19.47 mph on his first career touchdown, the fastest speed through his first three games this season.#SFvsTB | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/e6w9aryW99

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 10, 2024

That dawg mentality is a necessary characteristic for coach Kyle Shanahan and his wideouts. It’s why some players in the first year (Brandon Aiyuk) have been put in the proverbial “doghouse” until they play team football. The 49ers haven’t had to do that with Ricky Pearsall, impressed with his demeanor and willingness since he arrived in Santa Clara.

Now down Aiyuk for the rest of the season, expect Shanahan to get the ball in Pearsall’s hands often, with Week 10 just the beginning for budding WR.

“Ricky was awesome. He made the plays he needed to when we went to him, scoring a touchdown on that, he beat his guy in coverage and then made a great catch,” Shanahan said. “I know it was close, but great job getting [into the endzone] and his hands on the last drive. I know he got the out route, which was a big one, but the dagger that he caught was a huge one that got us down there.”