49ers: How Pearsall’s dad turned son’s sweet tooth into catching prowess

SANTA CLARA — Ricky Pearsall Sr. clutched an official NFL football in his right arm, an initial memento from the 49ers upon his son’s arrival Friday at Levi’s Stadium as this year’s first-round draft pick.

“This came from the locker room,” beamed the proud father. “They said, ‘Go ahead, take it.’ I said, ‘All right, a little present for Dad.’ ”

That Wilson football is supersized compared to what father and son played catch with 20 years ago: Skittles.

“I have a funny story...