Georgia HC Kirby Smart gives update on star WR Arik Gilbert’s status vs. Clemson

Gilbert has been away from the team dealing with a personal issue. Here’s his status for the top-5 clash with Clemson.

We are just days away from a top-five matchup between No. 5 Georgia and No. 3 Clemson on Saturday in Charlotte.

Much of the pregame discussion has revolved around Georgia’s receiver room as multiple stars are either out, or have missed significant reps at fall camp with injuries.

While guys like Kearis Jackson and Jermaine Burton are good to go against the Tigers, DawgNation is still thinking about a certain five-star LSU transfer, Arik Gilbert, who has been away from the team for weeks dealing with an undisclosed personal issue.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart gave an update on Gilbert’s status on Monday during his weekly press conference.

“No update other than he’s not with us,” Smart said. “We’re praying for him each and every day that he can come back healthy.”

Jul 1, 2019; Frisco, TX, USA; Tight end Arik Gilbert participates in drills at The Opening at the Ford Center at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Gilbert joined the Bulldogs this offseason to be closer to home. The Marietta, Ga., native flashed greatness in his freshman season with LSU, catching 35 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns.

When Georgia brought Gilbert in this summer and made the switch from tight end to receiver it provided a huge boost for Georgia’s receiver depth, which was lacking after stars George Pickens and Dominick Blaylock both went down with ACL tears.

That said, we may see Blaylock sooner rather than later and other than Pickens and Gilbert,  Georgia should have every receiver available for Clemson.

Here’s what that lineup could look like:

  • Kearis Jackson 
  • Jermaine Burton 
  • Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
  • Justin Robinson
  • Adonai Mitchell
  • Arian Smith 
  • Ladd McConkey
  • Dominick Blaylock (Questionable)
  • Arik Gilbert (Out)
  • George Pickens (Out)

 


“UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton” is back! This week J.C. is joined by college football analyst Josh Pate to answer questions surrounding Georgia football and break down what to look for versus Clemson! Listen here: