Florida Football: Arik Gilbert is perfect replacement for Kyle Pitts

Arik Gilbert announced his intention to transfer from LSU this offseason and Florida football won the sweepstakes. He’s a perfect Kyle Pitts replacement.

In an offseason filled with dozens of big-name transfers, Arik Gilbert may end up being the most impactful by the time his college career is over.

Gilbert committed to LSU in the 2020 recruiting class as the No. 1 tight end in the entire country and was a five-star prospect. He was expected to be the next star in that offense, even without Joe Burrow throwing him the football.

Unfortunately, he cut his time short, announcing his transfer from the program and many assumed he would head back home to Georgia and join JT Daniels and Co. On Sunday evening, he announced he would be “joining the family” at Florida in one of the more lowkey commitment tweets you’ll ever see.

https://twitter.com/arik_gilbert/status/1356018599580868611?s=20

Gilbert is one of the best young tight ends in the country and finished his freshman season with 35 catches for 368 yards and two touchdowns.

That’s what Florida is going to need moving forward.

Why? Because Kyle Pitts is moving on to the NFL this offseason and will be the No. 1 tight end drafted after a huge 2020 season. He’s going to be virtually impossible to replace, but if there’s anyone who can fill his shoes, it’s going to be Gilbert. He has the potential to be a first-round draft pick down the line and he checks a lot of boxes for an elite tight end.

Pitts was 6-6, 246 pounds and Gilbert is 6-5, 249 pounds. Pitts was also not nearly as productive as a true freshman (three catches for 73 yards) as Gilbert. They both have an elite skill set as receivers and for all the Florida fans who were worrying about replacing Pitts, their prayers were answered on Sunday evening.

Expect Gilbert to be “the guy” in the passing game moving forward like Pitts was.