5 LSU football players who will become household names in 2020
By Zach Ragan
Arik Gilbert — TE — Freshman
We saw last season with cornerback Derek Stingley Jr what kind of impact a true freshman can make for LSU.
I expect that we’ll see that same impact this year with another true freshman, albeit on the offensive side of the ball this time.
Arik Gilbert comes to Baton Rouge from Marietta, GA as the highest-rated tight end recruit ever.
Gilbert, 6-foot-5/253 lbs, was ranked in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 5 overall 2020 recruit in the nation.
The Georgia native enrolled early at LSU. But unfortunately, because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gilbert didn’t get to enjoy the full experience of being an early enrollee.
But I don’t think that will hinder his ability to contribute for the Tigers in 2020.
Gilbert is freakishly athletic and he’s going to be a mismatch almost anywhere on the field.
You want to cover him with a defensive back? Gilbert will out-physical them.
Covering him with a linebacker? Gilbert will out-run them.
I don’t know how you game plan for a guy like Gilbert. Opposing defensive coordinators just have to hope the quarterback makes a mistake. Because if not, Gilbert is going to make you pay.