Julian Pearl

Julian Pearl
No. 72 – Minnesota Vikings
Position:Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1999-10-06) October 6, 1999 (age 25)[1]
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:325 lb (147 kg)
Career information
High school:Danville (Danville, Illinois)
College:Illinois (2018–2023)
Undrafted:2024
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Practice squad

Julian Pearl (born October 6, 1999)[1] is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Illinois.

Early life

Pearl attended high school at Danville. Coming out of high school, Pearl initially committed to play for the Northern Illinois Huskies.[2] However, Pearl flipped his commitment to play for the Illinois Fighting Illini.[3][4]

College career

In Pearl's first season in 2018, he decided to redshirt and did not appear in any games.[5] During the 2019 season, Pearl played in just two games.[6] In the 2020 Covid-shortened season, Pearl played in seven games where he made four starts.[7] During the 2021 season, Pearl played in 12 games with 11 starts at left guard.[8] During the 2022 season, Pearl was a part of a Fighting Illini offensive line that were semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award.[9] During the 2022 season, Pearl started 12 games for the Fighting Illini, where he was named a honorable mention all Big-Ten selection.[10] Heading into the 2023 season, Pearl was named preseason second-team all Big-Ten.[11] In 2023, Pearl would play in and start all 12 games for the Fighting Illini.[12]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 6 in
(1.98 m) 		312 lb
(142 kg) 		35+1⁄8 in
(0.89 m) 		10+1⁄4 in
(0.26 m)		 5.60 s 1.95 s 3.11 s 4.77 s 8.20 s 31.0 in
(0.79 m)		 8 ft 9 in
(2.67 m)		 18 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[13][14]

Baltimore Ravens

Pearl signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2024.[15] He was also selected by the Michigan Panthers as the sixth overall selection in the 2024 UFL draft on July 17.[16] He was waived on August 27.[17]

Minnesota Vikings

On October 29, 2024, the Minnesota Vikings signed Pearl to their practice squad.[18]

References

  1. ^ a b Asmussen, Bob (October 10, 2023). "At every Illini game, Danville grad has his own cheering section". The News-Gazette. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  2. ^ Tim, Egdy (February 6, 2017). "Danville offensive tackle Julian Pearl verbally commits to Northern Illinois". NBC Sports. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  3. ^ Vainisi, Jim (April 21, 2017). "Three-star OL Julian Pearl flips commitment from Northern Illinois to Illinois Football". The Champaign Room. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  4. ^ Wierda, Marlee (November 17, 2020). "Body transformation paying off for Pearl as he prepares for possible first start at Nebraska". WCIA.com. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  5. ^ Choate, Craig; Wierda, Marlee (April 22, 2019). "Griffin, Pearl ready to contribute after redshirt seasons". WCIA.com. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  6. ^ "JULIAN PEARL OT/EDGE ILLINOIS". nfldraftbuzz.com. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  7. ^ Harvey, Paul (January 8, 2023). "Julian Pearl, Illinois OL, announces plans on 2023 season". Saturday Tradition. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  8. ^ Kimball, Anderson (August 26, 2022). "Illini Julian Pearl's position switch vaulted him up NFL Draft boards". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  9. ^ Kimball, Anderson (March 26, 2023). ""My heart was full": Isaiah Adams and Julian Pearl ready for last ride together on Illini line". The Pantagraph. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  10. ^ Olson, Andy (January 9, 2023). "Julian Pearl returning for sixth season with Illini". WCIA.com. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  11. ^ Olson, Andy (August 8, 2023). "Danville's Julian Pearl making the most out of final year with Illini". WCIA.com. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  12. ^ "Julian Pearl". Illinois University Athletics. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  13. ^ "Julian Pearl Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  14. ^ "2024 NFL Draft Scout Julian Pearl College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  15. ^ Brown, Clifton (May 3, 2024). "Ravens Announce 22-Member Undrafted Rookie Class". BaltimoreRavens.com.
  16. ^ "2024 UFL College Draft: Showboats select Kansas QB Jason Bean with No. 1 pick". FoxSports.com. July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  17. ^ Brown, Clifton (August 27, 2024). "Ravens Make Cuts, Set 53-Man Roster". BaltimoreRavens.com.
  18. ^ Kleifield, Rob (October 29, 2024). "Vikings Sign Offensive Lineman Julian Pearl to Practice Squad Among Roster Moves". Vikings.com. Retrieved October 29, 2024.