Arik Gilbert announces transfer to Florida

Former LSU tight end Arik Gilbert announced on Sunday he will be transferring to Florida.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to commit to the University of Florida," said Gilbert. "This is the best situation for me, and I’m excited to join the family."

Gilbert made the most of his short time in Baton Rouge, securing 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns. The five-star member of LSU's 2020 recruiting class played in eight games with the Tigers before opting out for the remainder of the season.

The Georgia native entered the transfer portal in early January with the hope of finding a new school to call home.

Gilbert now ends up with a Gator program looking to find a successor to Kyle Pitts, who is off to the NFL draft. Pitts - a winner of the Mackey Award, presented to the nation's best tight end - put up eye-popping numbers in Gainesville, catching 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The six-foot-five target joins a Florida tight end group that features Kemore Gamble, Keon Zipperer, and Jonathan Odom.