If you want to get familiar with more highly touted 5 star recruits, checkout my pieces on DJ Uiagalelei and Paris Johnson Jr. Now, it’s time to breakdown LSU’s incoming 5 star TE, Arik Gilbert. 

Player Profile

First things first, Arik Gilbert has a MASSIVE frame at 6’5, 253 and is FREAKISHLY athletic. He is the nation’s #5 overall recruit and #1 overall Tight End. Based on my research, he is the highest nationally rated Tight End since Greg Olsen (#10 overall in 2003), and the first ever Tight End to crack the Top 5 of 247 sports prospect list. SHEEESH.

Yet, the title of Tight End doesn’t do him justice. As you’ll see in the proceeding highlight tapes, Arik has speed and is a gifted route runner, which often draws him comparisons to Rob Gronkowski.

Peep the first couple minutes of the video below so you can understand how gifted this kid really is.

“Someone you can play anywhere and put points on the board.”

LSU

Gilbert grew up in East Atlanta, so naturally, the college football world thought he was going to commit to Georgia. Add in the fact that Gilbert and his family kept their preferences to themselves and little to no information leaked about what school he was leaning towards, the college football world was shocked when he committed to LSU on October 23rd, 2019. Checkout the video below to see why he chose LSU over Georgia and Bama.

Last year we saw Joe Brady implement the Spread offense into LSU’s program and Joe Burrow was unconsciously good. As a team they threw for 6,000 yards and 61 touchdowns (between Burrow and Myles Brennan), which is more absurd than Kim Kardashian becoming the First Lady. Even more absurd, Ja’marr Chase and Justin Jefferson combined for 3,320 yards and 38 touchdowns, which would be crazy stat lines in NCAA ’14 the video game. Sure, this year will be interesting because both Joe Brady AND Joe Burrow are gone, but it’s safe to say the pigskin will be flying yet again this season in Louisiana. 

With Thaddeus Moss in the NFL LSU is looking for a new go-to TE. Per the Advocate and 247 Sports, Arik Gilbert is already the projected starter at the position. I mean, if you come in with this much hype and talent it would be dumb not to give him a chance to win the job, right? Plus, with his insane athletic and catch passing abilities, Coach O has to be salivating at the endless options of where he can line him up on offense. It’s only a matter of time before he’s soaking up receptions in Purple and Gold.

Head On His Shoulders

Unfortunately, I cannot fully speak on Arik’s personality and character because he didn’t answer my Instagram DM slide (not the first), but from what I’ve gathered there is a really well put together dude putting on an LSU helmet this fall as a Freshman.

From his trainer since 9th grade saying, “He’s a kid that calls me to come and work,” to him dancing with with his family at home, to obtaining a 3.14 GPA in high school, and volunteering at charities across Atlanta, it’s pretty obvious that Arik has a good head on his shoulders. 

Instagram Flex

Like I’ve stated in previous recruit blogs, it’s always interesting to see how athletes are marketing themselves to the world, especially now since they can profit off their likeness. Let’s take a look at his Instagram game.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7iEpGFAzyy/

That’s a scary dude.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzjof4PAghy/

Here is Arik annihilating other recruits.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvxUp6njxDa/

haha

https://www.instagram.com/p/BocGOv9h_t1/

hahahahhahahahahah

I am pleased to report that Arik is strictly business and letting the world know he is a forced to be reckoned with on his socials. He gets a perfect 10/10 Instagram score in my book, and I’m sure he will get any likeness deal he wants when he starts popping off in Death Valley.

In Summary

I am BEYOND excited to see Arik Gilbert put on an LSU jersey in that spread offense. He’s built like The Hound but moves like Syrio (GOT reference, it’s still a good show even though the last season sucked), which is going to be a matchup nightmare for every team that he faces. I can already see him stiff arming corners and leaving linebackers in the dust on Sundays.

Best of luck to Arik in Louisiana and GEAUX Tigers. You (I doubt you’re reading this but if you are that’s cool af) have a new fanboy on Twitter @TheMookieBets 

 

 

 

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