A player’s path through college football is seldom direct, especially in the era of the transfer portal. Perhaps no better player in the sport right now represents this better than [autotag]Arik Gilbert[/autotag].
The former LSU and Georgia tight end is moving on to his third school as Gilbert announced on Friday that he’ll be heading to Nebraska to join new head coach Matt Rhule. Gilbert appeared in three games for the Bulldogs this fall, totaling two catches for 16 yards and a touchdown, all of which came against Vanderbilt.
A former five-star recruit and top-five overall prospect in the 2020 recruiting class, Gilbert had 35 catches for 368 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman at LSU. After that season, he transferred to Florida briefly before changing his mind and joining the Bulldogs.
BREAKING: Former Georgia TE Arik Gilbert has Committed to Nebraska!
The 6’5 250 TE from Marietta, GA was ranked as the No. 5 Player in the 2020 Class.
One of the top overall players in the transfer portal https://t.co/w3fE568nHP pic.twitter.com/pHWkLoLIXq
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 19, 2023
Gilbert didn’t play at all in 2021 after missing fall camp due to personal reasons, and coach Kirby Smart said during his prolonged absence in 2022 that he was dealing with off-field issues.
A rare talent at the tight end position, Gilbert’s career hasn’t gone as planned so far. He’ll hope the change of scenery helps with the second act of his career. He will have up to three remaining years of eligibility with the Cornhuskers.
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