The Arik Gilbert saga has finally come to an end. The former five-star tight end announced that he will indeed return home and attend the University of Georgia. Gilbert caught 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns. This comes hours after the Bulldogs landed former Clemson cornerback Derion Kendrick.
Back in the Class of 2020 Arik Gilbert was a five-star tight end out of Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. He was the No. 1 recruit in the state of Georgia, the No. 1 tight end in the country, and the No. 5 recruit in the entire class.
With what Kyle Pitts was able to do at Florida I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Gilbert flexed outside more than usual. Not only does Georgia already have Darnell Washington at tight end, George Pickens is out for this season with an ACL injury. If Gilbert gets granted immediate eligibility for the Bulldogs he will be able to provide a major boost to the passing game.
The Georgia Bulldogs had the No. 4 overall recruiting class last year, and have started off hot in the 2022 cycle. Currently they have the No. 1 class with three five-star prospects already committed. They returned key players like Darnell Washington, J.T. Daniels, and Jordan Davis from last season, and now landed two big name transfers. With Alabama and Ohio State having to replace 10 players each, this could be the year we finally see Georgia back in the championship picture.
