Florida got an appointment on Sunday from LSU’s moneyed transfer, Arik Gilbert, who was the nation’s No. 1 potential client in the 2020 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite ranking. Gilbert hit 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games for the Tigers as a freshman.
“After careful consideration, I decided to commit to the University of Florida,” wrote Gilbert in a message posted on Twitter. “This is the best situation for me and I am excited to join the family.”
Landing Gilbert must go a long way in helping the Gators replace the stars of tight end Kyle Pitts, who is heading into the NFL Draft after receiving 12 touchdown passes in just eight games for Florida as a junior in the 2020 season. When Gilbert entered the transfer portal in early January, it immediately became one of the main commodities in the transfer market.
The Marietta, Georgia native was ranked 5th overall in any position in the 2020 class by 247Sports Composite and had an extensive offer list of many of the country’s best programs. Gilbert lived up to the hype with LSU last season, despite the fact that the Tigers struggled to get a consistent quarterback game by replacing Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Joe Burrow.
Gilbert’s status in Baton Rouge was questioned at the end of the season, however, when 247Sports reported that he missed training and was considering leaving the program. He will return to Baton Rouge in October, as Florida is scheduled to play at LSU on October 16.