2022 Georgia football profile: Tight end Arik Gilbert

Georgia football tight end Arik Gilbert is one of the most intriguing players on the roster, and fans are anxiously waiting to see what he can do in 2022.

The former 5-star was one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the country in the 2020 recruiting class. His impressive athleticism and his freakish 6-foot-5 and 253-pound frame made him an incredibly unique and versatile player at the tight end position.

Gilbert’s college career has been a bit of a rollercoaster to this point. He signed with LSU  and posted 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns in eight games as a freshman in 2020. He has not seen the field since, though.

Personal matters off the field resulted in Gilbert putting football on the back burner, with many questioning whether he would return or not. After transferring to Georgia, he remained sidelined for the 2021 season.

Georgia football tight end Arik Gilbert could break out in 2022.

Gilbert has been able to recommit to the game of football and looks to be a difference-maker in 2022 for the Dawgs. He is part of an absolutely loaded tight end room, but his unique skillset will allow him to carve out a role regardless of the target competition that will exist at his position.

Georgia fans eagerly await what Gilbert’s return to football will yield for the offense. Let’s take a look at what he will bring to the table this season.

Strengths

Gilbert is officially listed as a tight end, but his skillset will allow him to serve primarily as a large wide receiver. He has displayed exceptional body control, along with the ability to make contested catches in traffic. His size will make him a massive target for starting quarterback Stetson Bennett. Gilbert excels in working the middle of the field with short and intermediate routes, and his agility makes him a coverage nightmare for linebackers.

His route running is solid for a player his size, and his soft hands when catching the ball make him a lethal threat downfield. While he doesn’t possess the same type of speed as fellow tight end Brock Bowers, he is quick enough to create mismatches against linebackers consistently and also big enough to make life difficult for defensive backs.

Weaknesses

After being sidelined for an entire season, Gilbert will have to get reacquainted with SEC football and get his legs back under him. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him have a bit of a slow start to the season as he works his way back.

Beyond that, Gilbert’s biggest area needing improvement would be his blocking. This weakness is commonly the case with tight ends that serve primarily as receiving threats, but the nature of the position requires solid blocking at higher levels of the game. He isn’t a complete turnstile as a blocker, but his technique would benefit from more development and refinement. An improvement in this facet of his game could drastically improve Gilbert’s stock with NFL scouts.

Video Highlights of Arik Gilbert

2022 Season Prediction for Arik Gilbert

The Dawgs have an embarrassment of riches at the tight end position, and Gilbert has an opportunity to become a steady contributor to the offense this season. Given the amount of competition he will face for targets, he likely won’t be posting elite-level receiving totals. Still, his contributions to the offense will extend beyond just his counting stats.

Expect Gilbert to reel in 35 receptions for 550 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. He has the skillset and potential to be an elite-level tight-end prospect, and this prediction is likely closer to his floor than his ceiling.

Georgia fans have plenty of reason to be excited to see what Gilbert can do this season.