Former LSU tight end Arik Gilbert announced on social media on Sunday that he is moving to Florida.
Gilbert was the # 6 ranked prospect in the 2020 class from Marietta, Georgia, initially hitting the transfer portal on Jan. 5.
He was fourth in receiving yards for LSU last season with 368 yards and two touchdowns on 35 receptions in eight games. Gilbert abruptly retired from the season on December 9, and coach Ed Orgeron said at the time that he expected Gilbert to return in 2021.
Gilbert will give the Gators another excellent pass-catch option at the tight end. Kyle Pitts, who is in the NFL draft, was second on the team this season in receiving yards with 770 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Florida has expanded its roster for 2021 through the transfer portal with Gilbert, as well as Demarkcus Bowman, who passed from Clemson and was the # 23-ranked recruit in the 2020 class.
Staff also added defensive equipment DaQuan Newkirk of Auburn and Antonio Shelton of Penn State to the Florida roster.