The shocker of the 2020 recruiting cycle has arrived.
On Wednesday, Georgia five-star prospect and the No. 1 tight end in the country Arik Gilbert committed to LSU over a final group that included both Alabama and Georgia, which is where the majority of the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions resided for the Top 10 overall prospect.
Gilbert announced the decision at Marietta High on Wednesday evening, and he caught up with 247Sports recruiting analyst Rusty Mansell to break down the decision.
“I think on my official visit when I was sitting down talking to Coach O,” Gilbert said of when he knew the decision. “The way he was talking to me sounded so genuine. I was going to be part of a true family.”
After shocking the recruiting world with his decision, Gilbert said he is no longer planning to take any more visits. He made his official visit to LSU the weekend of the Florida game earlier this month.
“I am completely done,” Gilbert said.
How did the Tigers wind up pulling it off?
“Honestly, it’s always been one of my top choices with Coach O there and the program he runs,” Gilbert said. “It just, it seems like it really fits me. ‘One Team, One Heartbeat’, and I’m the same way. It’s all about team and values. Also, with the new offense they are running with (Joe Brady) down there, that really interested me a lot. They were already one of my top teams, but that put them over the top.”
LSU tight ends coach John Decoster led the charge for the Tigers, and Gilbert knew his announcement would surprise both teammates at Marietta and coaches around the country.
“I just feel ready to go,” Gilbert said. “I knew (it was a shocker). I just thought ‘here it goes. They are going to find out.’ I picked up the hat and nobody said nothing, and they thought I was joking.”
What’s the message to LSU fans?
“I am here to work,” Gilbert said. “That’s it. I am here to win a (National Championship).”
As for targets left on LSU’s board, Gilbert said he plans to go to work recruiting others to join him in Baton Rouge.”
“I got a few (names) on the low,” he said.
Here’s the 247Sports evaluation on the nation’s top tight end prospect:
Long-limbed, muscular, v-shaped athlete with a frame that can continue to add lean mass naturally. Rare body. Has played both sides of the ball for his high school and brings consistent effort in each role. Brings mismatch ability to the tight end position with both size and athleticism. Can play attached, split out as a wide receiver or as a ‘move’ tight end . Adequate hands and ball skills that have improved steadily over HS career. Can sink hips and change directions as a route-runner with receiver proficiency. Catches in traffic effectively. Highly competitive. Has elite verified combine athleticism. Once looked like a higher upside prospect at defensive end but has honed his offensive skill-set to become one of the most unique tight end prospects in years. Best tight end prospect we’ve seen since OJ Howard. Power five impact player on either side of the ball with first-round NFL Draft upside.
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