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Elias Pearl is a four-star wide receiver from Port Charlotte High School in Port Charlotte, Florida. He is 5-foot-11, and he committed to the Gators on May 19. He took an official visit from June 4-6. Pearl is the No. 91 ranked prospect in the nation, according to the Rivals Industry Composite.
Learn more about Pearl’s love for the game of football, his goals and why he chose the Gators in this edition of Getting to Know.
FOOTBALL/RECRUITING
What was the commitment process like for you?
“Well, Coach (Marcus) Davis, he evaluated me throughout the season in my film and stuff. We just kept on building our relationship, and then after I balled out at the Rivals camp, that’s when he gave me the offer. Florida, they just, they made me feel like their number one priority and not just for like a week or two for like months; they made me feel like their number one guy. So, you know, I feel like I was home.”
What school came in second in your recruiting process?
“Ole Miss.”
What inspired you to start playing football?
“I feel like I was really meant to play football because I was actually born on Super Bowl Sunday February 1st, 2009, so I feel like I’ve always just been meant to play this sport. Growing up, I really looked up to De’Anthony Thomas.”
What are your biggest strengths as a football player?
“I would say what I can do with my ball with the ball in my hands; I know how to make people miss and get good YAC (yards after catch). I honestly got really good hands, natural hands. I’m just elusive, twitchy, and I’m versatile. I can play anywhere on the field.”
What was the most appealing part of the University of Florida?
“I would just say the energy overall.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“Jesuit, the game-winning catch. First ever regional title, definitely my favorite memory, a 60-yard bomb.”
Who have you spoken to the most from your recruiting class?
“Davin Davidson.”
Who have you spoken to the most currently on the team?
“I’ll probably say, Vernell Brown, Dallas Wilson, Kjack (Kahleil Jackson), some of the quarterbacks.”
Who are you looking forward to going against the most in practice?
“Cormani McClain, because coming out of high school, he was one of the top corners in his class. I feel like that’s just a good guy to compete with every day.”
Who is your favorite NFL team?
“My mom’s from Boston, so the Patriots.”
Who is your favorite player?
“I’ll probably say Ja’Marr Chase, because I feel like me and him are kind of similar. Growing up, it was really OBJ (Odell Beckham Jr.) in his prime.
What is the one thing Coach Davis has said that stuck with you the most?
“I’m their number one guy, and he just wants me to come be a part of something special and help this ‘27 class win a national championship.”
What kind of player does the coaching staff envision you becoming?
“Vernell Brown III.”
What are your goals going into your freshman year?
“I would say definitely be a Freshman All-American.”
What part of your game are you looking to improve on the most?
“I would probably say understanding the game more, learning how to read defenses.”
What should Gator fans expect from you when you get to campus?
“They should just expect a kid coming in, working hard every day, lifting my teammates up.”
PERSONAL
What is your major going to be?
“I’m not sure about my major yet.”
If there was one sport outside of football you could play, what would it be?
“Basketball.”
What would your first purchase be if you were drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?
“Probably something for my mom and dad.”
What is one thing you can’t live without?
“Jesus, football.”
If you had the aux before a game, what would be your go-to song?
“Something by (NBA) YoungBoy.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Captain Phillips.”
What is your favorite TV show?
“Receiver.”
Do you play any video games?
“Call of Duty, 2K, NCAA, Madden.”
What wild animal would you be and why?
“A lion because he’s dominant, the king of the jungle. He overrules any other, an apex predator.”
What are you looking forward to most about college, outside of football?
“Meeting new people and just learning new things.”
What do you want people to think when they hear the name Elias Pearl five years from now?
“I want people to think, ‘Oh, that is the best that ever did it.’”
What advice do you have for younger players with dreams to play in college?
“Stay consistent, work hard, and you’ll end up where you want to be.”
What is your favorite quality in a teammate?
“Probably character.”
What is your favorite meal to cook?
“I’ll probably say some steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli.”
If you could have dinner with three people from any point in history, who would they be and why?
“Tom Brady, Odell [Beckham Jr.], then probably another receiver, Justin Jefferson, so they can just give me all their knowledge and stuff on the NFL and football.”
What are three things on your bucket list?
“Gatorade Player of the Year is one of them, beating my stats from last year, and just becoming the best version of myself.”
Apple Music or Spotify?
“Spotify.”
Early bird or night owl?
“Night owl.”
Cats or dogs?
“Dogs.”
Quiet or outgoing?
“Outgoing, I’m not really quiet.”
What is your message to Gator fans?
“This ‘27 class is special, and we’re gonna come there and win a National Championship.”
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