Georgia football: Arik Gilbert decides to enter the transfer portal

Georgia football has had a great day of recruiting, with elite talents committing to the program. One great player, however, will be looking for another home next season. It was reported this afternoon that tight end Arik Gilbert will be entering the transfer portal.

Gilbert played three games for the Dawgs this season and caught two passes. One was a touchdown catch against Vanderbilt late in the fourth quarter. The Marietta native was the top player in the state of Georgia and the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2020 recruiting class.

He played his freshman year at LSU, catching 35 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns. After his freshman year, he entered the transfer portal. He initially committed to play at Florida but backed off that commitment to go to Georgia.

Georgia football tight end Arik Gilbert has hit the transfer portal.

He did not play during the 2021 season. He was away from the team at times during the season for personal issues. Head coach Kirby Smart often expressed how his biggest priority with Arik was helping him physically and emotionally rather than his football abilities.

Gilbert was part of arguably the best tight end room in college football, as he played behind Mackey Award winner Brock Bowers and potential first-round 2023 NFL Draft pick Darnell Washington.

Georgia also received commitments from four-star tight ends Pearce Spurlin and Lawson Luckie today. They also have former four-star recruit Oscar Delp on the team. Playing time was going to be tough for Gilbert behind these talented players.

His departure could also open the door for a commitment from Duce Robinson. The No. 1 tight end in the 2023 recruiting class, who has been compared to Darren Waller of the Las Vegas Raiders, is reportedly down to USC and Georgia. With the Dawgs developing a reputation for being “Tight End-U,” Robinson would be making a smart choice by committing to Todd Hartley and the Bulldogs.

Georgia fans need to wish him the best of luck at his next school and continue to send their support. While he wasn’t on the field much in Athens, Gilbert deserves that respect.