LSU tight end Arik Gilbert has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to AL.com’s Matt Zenitz.
Gilbert missed the final two games of the season and returned back to his home state of Georgia, with reports emerging that indicated he was “homesick.”
Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron said last week he had spoken with the freshman pass-catcher, who opted out during the 2020 season, and said that the team would be happy to have him back if he chose to return.
“That’s what he discussed with me (Monday),” Orgeron said. “I think if he opts out and he wants to come back I would definitely take him back. He’s a great young man and we treat him like family.”
Orgeron elaborated upon that in his Tuesday appearance on Off the Bench.
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“We love Arik,” he said. “He entered the transfer portal. We’re still in contact with his mother and family. Hopefully he wants to come back. I just wish the best for him.”
Gilbert was the LSU offense’s leading target after Terrace Marshall Jr. departed, reeling in 35 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns over eight starts in 2020.
LSU star freshman tight end Arik Gilbert has now officially entered the transfer portal
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 5, 2021
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