Who is Ricky Piersall? The 49ers first-round pick is in serious but stable condition

A horrific incident occurred in San Francisco this Saturday, when 49ers wideout Ricky Piersall was injured. Shot during an attempted robbery. The 49ers released a statement saying Piersall was shot in the chest and is in serious but stable condition.

The 23-year-old was selected 31st by San Francisco in this year’s draft but was held out of all three preseason games and most of training camp because of a shoulder injury. A standout player at the University of Florida, Piersall caught 98 passes for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns in 25 games played for the Gators after transferring from Arizona State.

According to 247Sports, Piersall was born in Arizona and emerged as a three-star recruit while playing at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe. After playing three seasons for his hometown Sun Devils, Piersall entered the transfer portal and chose Florida. It was in Gainesville where he put himself on the draft radar as a slot weapon with reliable hands and his stock climbed from there.

At the NFL Combine, Piersall further impressed with a 42-inch vertical, a 4.41 40-yard dash, and a 10-9 broad jump. Many believed he had secured a Day 2 spot, but the 49ers surprised everyone by taking Piersall 31st overall.

The selection of Piersall was controversial. The 49ers were embroiled in a contract-related conflict with star wideout Brandon Aiyuk, while wide receiver Deebo Samuel was reportedly placed on the trade block at the same time. Many believed the selection of Piersall meant that either Aiyuk or Samuel would soon be shipped out of The Bay, but Aiyuk signed a contract. Four-year, $120 million extension With the 49ers this week, Samuel also remains on the roster.

Despite the 49ers’ embarrassment when it comes to playmakers around quarterback Brock Purdy, Piersall was expected to play a role in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme in 2024. But after his shoulder injury and this tragedy, there are more important things to worry about.