Tight side Arik Gilbert is back on the market after announcing that he will re-enter the transfer portal on Sunday.
Gilbert entered the transfer portal while enrolling with LSU and eventually chose Florida as his next destination on January 31. Four weeks later, Gilbert took to Twitter to say he backed off that decision and will not enroll with the Gators.
“I’ve decided to drop out of the University of Florida and reenter the portal,” Gilbert tweeted“I will not announce my final decision until I am enrolled in school and on campus.”
Gilbert was the No. 6-ranked recruit, a five-star, in the 2020 class, playing in eight games last season like a true freshman. He accounted for 368 receiving yards and two touchdowns, but retired for the remainder of the season on December 9.
At the time of Gilbert’s withdrawal, LSU coach Ed Orgeron said he had hoped Gilbert would come back with the program. But Gilbert never played another down for the Tigers, announcing his intention to switch almost a month later.
The Gators still have two 2021 class ESPN 300 tight end signers in Gage Wilcox and Nick Elksnis; they also have Kemore Gamble, Keon Zipperer and Jonathan Odom on the roster.
Florida wants to replace Kyle Pitts, who led the team in receiving touchdowns.