Port Charlotte football star returns after fibula surgery, metal plate

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WINK) — Port Charlotte High School wide receiver Elias Pearl broke his fibula during the team's spring game and needed surgery to put a metal plate in his foot.

After months of rehab and three missed games this season, the Florida Gators commit finally returned in Week 4. Pearl is a four-star recruit and one of Southwest Florida's top football players.

"I was running down the sideline. Kind of got grabbed up high. You know, step wrong, and you know, messed up my ankle. I needed surgery," Pearl said.

Getting back to the field required months of work, from rebuilding his strength to lateral plyometrics and even training through sand. 

"Mentally, I was positive every day. You know, just tacking every day like a game day, trying to get back on my feet. It was definitely a long process, though," Pearl said.

While his senior season was on hold, his future was not. WINK News was there in May when Pearl announced he would become a Florida Gator.

Then in Week 4, he finally got to trade the training videos for game film.

"It felt great to be back on the field. My brothers, you know, had a lot of fun. You know, it was good. Got a couple passes, catches. Starting to get more comfortable," Pearl said.

Pearl was in the Swamp to watch Florida win its home opener against FAU. He plans to return Sept. 26 when the Gators take on Ole Miss.