All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football back in the mix for elite TE transfer Arik Gilbert

By Dean Zulkofske

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 21: Arik Gilbert #2 of the LSU Tigers warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 21, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 21: Arik Gilbert #2 of the LSU Tigers warms up before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 21, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Arik Gilbert, a former high school teammate of Tennessee football quarterback Harrison Bailey, appears to be on the move again. In late January, the former LSU Tiger announced he was transferring from the bayou to the swamp to join Dan Mullen and the Florida Gators.

Now, though, the former five-star tight end from Marrietta High School in Marrietta, Ga. says he won’t be moving to Gainesville, Fla. after all. On Sunday, Gilbert announced he is de-committing from Florida and reopening his recruitment.

As of right now, the reasons for his change of heart remain unknown. However, Tennessee football, who was a suitor to land Gilbert during his initial transfer, is still a viable option for the 6’5″ 253-pound athlete. He revealed his decision to decommit on Twitter.

Related Story. Top 10 out-of-state prospects for Vols to pursue in 2022. light

More from Vols Football

If he were to move to Rocky Top, Gilbert would re-partner with his former Marietta Blue Devils teammates Bailey and wide receiver Ramel Keyton. That’s important to think about when predicting where a transfer might end up.

Also, a lot of positive change has occurred in Knoxville since Gilbert was last on the transfer market. All of the changes the Vols have made since then, should help their chances of landing him this time around.

The biggest difference: Tennessee football’s coaching situation has completely changed since Gilbert announced he’d be leaving Ed Orgeron’s squad on Jan. 2. When he committed to Florida on Jan. 31, Josh Heupel had only spent four days in Knoxville. Now, the former UCF Knights head coach has begun offering players and has assembled a mighty offensive coaching staff.

One hire, in particular, Tennessee football’s offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Alex Golesh, should help the Vols in their second, well third, crack at the talented TE. Golesh, who catapulted Iowa State’s recruiting rankings as a tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator with the Cyclones from 2016 to 2019, can only help in a situation like this.

You have to believe that Gilbert, who committed to UF because of his relationship with Kyle Pitts and Mullen’s use of the future first-round pick in 2020, looks at Tennessee football in a different light now. There’s a lot more stability in the program now.

Next. Vols' 10 must-have 2022 in-state prospects. dark

As is the case with most stories in recruiting these days, it’s anyone’s guess what’s next for the former Gatorade High School football player of the year. Gilbert, who is the highest-rated high school tight end recruit ever in the 247 Sports All-Time rankings, will surely be a welcomed addition to any team in the country.

Home/Vols Football