Transfer Spotlight – Georgia TE Arik Gilbert
At CFB Saturdays we recognize that the landscape is always changing in College Football and the undeniable impact transfers have had on our beloved sport in recent history. Transfers have gone on to make College Football Playoff runs, win the Heisman, the National Championship, and become top NFL Draft Picks (Joe Burrow recently accomplished all of the above). In the Transfer Spotlight we take a look at the potential impact of top Transfers in 2021. Today we take a look at Georgia TE Arik Gilbert who showed promise at LSU in his true freshman season.
A Promising Start But A Quick Departure
Gilbert arrived at LSU with high expectations as a five star recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. LSU may have had a difficult season in 2020, but Gilbert was able to acclimate quickly to the college game and show why he was so highly thought of. Gilbert caught four passes in each of the first two games for LSU this year, then had his best game against Missouri. In just the third game of his career, Gilbert caught six passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. The promising prospect appeared to be well on his way to a big year for the Tigers.
Things did not materialize as was expected for Gilbert after the fast start. Inconsistent quarterback play and a difficult season overall for the Tigers derailed the fast start for Gilbert. He continued to make catches, never failing to record multiple catches in a game he played in, but he did not find the end-zone again in 2020. Gilbert played in eight games for the Tigers and caught 35 passes for 368 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Gilbert did not play the last two games of the season and entered the transfer portal. He decided in late January to transfer to Florida, but changed his mind soon after. After taking his time to finalize his decision, Gilbert has decided to enroll at Georgia. Georgia has a lot of talent returning on offense and Gilbert should have plenty of opportunities to make plays for his new team in 2021.
Arik Gilbert’s Game
Arik Gilbert had a solid first year, but he is capable of being one of the best tight ends in college football. He is 6’5″ 250 lbs, but moves more like a wide receiver than a tight end. Gilbert’s size and speed make him a mismatch for almost any defender. He has quick feet and can get separation against bigger defenders and is too big for most defensive backs. Even when he’s not open, Gilbert has the leaping ability and ball skills to win in contested situations. He can be a safety valve for his quarterback or he can be a big play threat to break open the game.
Gilbert is dangerous after the catch. He can break tackles and has the speed to run away from bigger defenders. Gilbert still has a ton of untapped potential and could be a threat as a receiver outside or from the tight end spot. Georgia has added a big play threat on offense to replace their injured star and Gilbert needed a change of scenery and an offense that could utilize his abilities. Georgia and Gilbert are a good fit for one another.
Outlook at Georgia
Georgia’s offense came to life when JT Daniels took over the starting quarterback job late in the 2020 season. With Daniels behind center the offense was more explosive and showed the ability to be championship caliber. The strong finish created high expectations for the 2021 season, but Georgia has already lost star wide receiver George Pickens to a knee injury this offseason. Though Georgia recruits at a high level this left a void at receiver for the Bulldogs.
The tight end position already includes Darnell Washington who creates huge mismatches with his size and athleticism. Gilbert is a mismatch physically as well and is the more fluid athlete of the two, and will be a big play threat in the passing game. Georgia returns most of their top players on offense from 2020 and, other than the loss of Pickens, was already primed for a big year in 2021. Gilbert’s addition will help mitigate that loss and keep Georgia near the top of the SEC.
With a lot of returning talent on offense, Arik Gilbert will not have to be the focal point of the passing attack and can find his spot in the offense. His talent will help him to exploit the space he will get in the middle of the field. If Gilbert is able to pick up the offense and contribute quickly, it will make it easier for Daniels and the rest of the offense to continue to perform at a high level in 2021.
Kirby Smart has been recruiting high level talent to Georgia since his arrival and has now added a top tight end in the transfer portal. He will have the talent on offense to take back the SEC East Championship from Florida and challenge Alabama for the conference title. With Gilbert added as another big play threat that can create mismatches, Georgia’s offense is ready to take off this coming season.
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