The defending champion LSU Tigers had an opening at tight end in 2020 after Thaddeus Moss and Stephen Sullivan completed their collegiate careers and went on to the NFL.
Fortunately for LSU head coach Ed Orgeron, he had a pretty good replacement lined up. Arik Gilbert, the No. 5 overall player — and No. 1 tight end — in the 2020 recruiting class, per 247Sports, committed to the Tigers last October.
Gilbert also happens to be the highest-rated tight end in 247Sports history.
This week, Gilbert was named to the Mackey Award watch list. The Mackey Award is given annually to college football’s top tight end.
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#LSU freshman tight end Arik Gilbert was named to the John Mackey Award watch list
Foster Moreau was the last LSU tight end to be named to the preseason watch list in 2018
— Glen West (@glenwest21) July 17, 2020
Gilbert has yet to play one snap of college football.
The Tigers are replacing a host of starters on the offensive side of the ball in 2020. Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow is the most notable departure and he will be replaced by junior Myles Brennan.
Brennan will have plenty of talented weapons around him. Receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall are arguably the best duo in the country. In Gilbert, Brennan has a tight end who can not only beat defenders down the field but become a safety valve in the short passing game, too.
Regardless of whether or not Gilbert wins the award, making the watch list ahead of his freshman season is indicative of the massive expectations he has before him.
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