247Sports described Gilbert’s receiving skills this way
Brings mismatch ability to the tight end position with both size and athleticism. Can play attached, split out as a wide receiver or as a ‘move’ tight end . Adequate hands and ball skills that have improved steadily over HS career. Can sink hips and change directions as a route-runner with receiver proficiency. Catches in traffic effectively. Highly competitive. Has elite verified combine athleticism.
Gilbert’s body is uniquely enormous and lean at the same time, giving him ability on both sides of the ball. His large, 6-foot-5-inch, 253-pound frame allows him to be a proficient blocker. As a converted defensive tackle, he also has some idea of how to use his mass correctly. His presence in passing downs drawn up for other receivers will be especially valuable while the Gators establish Emory Jones as their starting quarterback.
The Gators already boasted one of the deepest tight end rooms in the nation before this addition, and now the team is carrying six tight ends on the roster as they enter 2021. Whether the Gators’ others tight ends get the opportunities they seemed to be in line for next season will largely hinge on how often the Gators line up Gilbert as a wide receiver, where he is entirely capable of playing as a mismatch option.
Mullen has never been shy about his activity on the transfer market, but the Gators’ incoming class of transfers is positively spectacular. Gilbert’s name will be added to the existing trio of incoming likely starters – DT Antonio Shelton, DT Daquan Newkirk, and RB Demarkcus Bowman – as the Gators add immediate impact players to the team in an obvious effort to stay competitive.
In short, Gilbert is an massively important addition for this team. His presence raises the ceiling of Florida’s offense, which will be crucial as they make up for the loss of key players to the NFL.
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