DETROIT — Two former opponents on the Arizona high school gridiron are now NFL teammates.
Ricky Pearsall, a wide receiver, was named as the San Francisco 49ers first-round draft pick. Pearsall played high school football for Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, now joining Perry High School alumni and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
Pearsall was announced as the 49ers first-round pick Thursday.
"It's been a surreal moment for sure," Pearsall told reporters Friday during a press conference hosted by the 49ers. "Words can't really describe my feelings right now, man. It hasn't hit, it hasn't hit yet."
But Pearsall going to the NFL was something that former Corona head coach Jon Becktold knew would happen years ago.
"It's outstanding. He deserves it, like I said. When I texted him, I said, 'You've worked hard for this', And he hasn't stopped working hard," Becktold said.
While Becktold recalls how good of an athlete Pearsall was in high school, it's his character Becktold remembers too.
"He was the ultimate leader," Becktold said. "He had a chance to leave and go to other places and he stayed at Corona and that shows how much character he has."
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Becktold recalls a game in 2017 when Perry High School and Purdy, beat Corona del Sol 70-24.
That game has already been discussed between the two now 49ers.
"I just told him I'm happy to be on the other end this time - that we're playing together," Pearsall said.
The wide receiver played a few seasons at Arizona State University before heading to the Florida Gators.
But now, with hometown support, Pearsall is headed to be a Niner.
"I think he's going to do extremely well. I think they're going to scheme things up for him and it's going to be awesome," Becktold said.
"I just appreciate the entire organization taking a chance on me and I'm going to prove them right," Pearsall said.
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