Former 5-Star TE Arik Gilbert Transfers from LSU to Florida
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The buzz had been building in Baton Rouge for weeks, former five-star tight end Arik Gilbert was seeking out of LSU. All the talk came to an unfortunate fruition for LSU, but to the delight of Florida fans. On Sunday night, Gilbert announced on social media that he was transferring to Gainesville.
Gilbert was the fifth overall rated prospect in the 2020 class hitting the gridiron with determination. Although only playing in eight games opting out on Dec. 9 after the Tigers 55-17 loss to No. 1 Alabama, he still earned All-SEC Freshman honors. Gilbert ended his true freshman season third on the LSU roster in receptions (35), fourth in receiving yards (368), and tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns (2).
With the transfer, the outlook for Florida is great. Replacing All-American Kyle Pitts, an early NFL Draft entrant, is no easy task, but head coach Dan Mullen has standout talents in sophomore Keon Zipperer and redshirt junior Kemore Gamble on the ready. Adding Gilbert assures the ongoing talent at the tight end position will not ease up against SEC competition.
Pushing past the recruiting trail, Florida has stockpiled former high-end talent via the transfer portal. Gilbert may grab the spotlight, but another former five-star, running back Demarkcus Bowman, is on his way from Clemson. The Gators have also landed former four-star defensive tackle Daquan Newkirk from Auburn and three-star defensive tackle Antonio Shelton from Penn State.
Photo credit: LSU Wire; No. 2 Arik Gilbert
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