The Florida Gators continue to operate masterfully in the NCAA Transfer Portal, having already landed several former five-star recruits this way. Their latest win on the Transfer Portal is former 2020 class five-star recruit and former LSU Tiger Arik Gilbert. This addition is big in the fact that Florida showed the tight finishing position in their offense with the 2020 Mackey Award winner Kyle Pitts. That prize goes to the tight end of college football. With Pitts leading the 2021 NFL Draft, the Gators will bring another elite tight end in the fold in his absence. Florida ends tight coach Tim Brewster was instrumental in adding this elite piece to the puzzle.
Gilbert shared the news of his comment on his Twitter account on Sunday.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to enroll in the University of Florida. This is the best situation for me and I love being with the family. “
Gilbert came to the NCAA Transfer Portal on Jan. 5 after opting out during the Tigers 2020 season. For eight games (all starts) in the 2020 season, the Marietta, Georgia native and 2020 National High School Gatorade Player of the Year caught 35 passes for 368 yards (10.5 average) and two touchdowns. In December, Geaux247 reported that Gilbert was considering leaving LSU and had missed Monday’s workout that week. Sources suggested that Gilbert was homesick and would likely return home for the rest of the semester, despite the Tigers head coach. Ed Orgeronand the efforts of its staff to maintain the talented blue chip. He eventually entered the portal and will now partner with Dan Mullen and co.
The Gators are also returning tight Kemore Gamble, Keon Zipperer, and Jonathan Odom last year’s team. The Gators also drew a pair of tight ends into the 2021 cycle in four-star Gage Wilcox and three stars Nick Elksnis. The Gators saw Elksnis register early in Gainesville.
Below is the evaluation of 247Sports high school students about Gilbert:
Muscular, V-shaped athlete with long limbs and a frame that can naturally continue to add lean mass. Rare body. Has played both sides of the ball for his high school and makes consistent effort in every role. Brings mismatch power to the tight end position with both size and athleticism. Can play plugged in, split as a wide receiver or as a move tight end. Plenty of hands and ball skills that have steadily improved over HS career. Can drop hips and change direction as a route runner with receiver skill. Effectively traps in traffic. Very competitive. Has elite verified combination of athletic ability. Once looked like a higher upward prospect on the defensive end, but has honed his offensive skills to become one of the most uniquely tight end prospects in years. Best prospect we’ve seen since OJ Howard. Powerful player with five impact on either side of the ball with the first round NFL Draft upside down.
The 247Sports Composite, an industry-generated average, ranked Gilbert as the nation’s # 5 in the recruitment class for 2020 and the # 1 tight side in the 2020 class.