Why Arik Gilbert is going to be way more important for LSU football than anyone realized

LSU football true freshman Arik Gilbert is going to be an important player for the Tigers in 2020.

LSU football tight end Arik Gilbert, a highly touted true freshman from Georgia, has received a ton of hype this offseason.

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron consistently praised Gilbert throughout the offseason, claiming in late July that everyone would be “excited to see him play”.

Gilbert proved Coach O correct early in LSU’s matchup against Mississippi State on Saturday.

But I’m not sure even Orgeron realized just how important Gilbert would be for the Tigers in 2020.

Arik Gilbert quickly makes a splash

Myles Brennan received his first career start for LSU on Saturday against Mississippi State.

Unsurprisingly, there were a couple of rough moments. One of those moments came in the red zone. Facing pressure, Brennan heaved the ball toward the end-zone, without really looking at who was in the area.

Gilbert showed off his freak athleticism and turned what should’ve been a disastrous play into a touchdown.

Check it out below (via 247Sports’ Shea Dixon).

I mean, that is completely ridiculous. In all honesty, Brennan would be better off taking the sack there if he can’t get the ball to the back of the end-zone.

Gilbert, however, is so freakishly athletic that he made something out of basically nothing.

Look, it’s obviously not ideal to have to rely on a true freshman. But after the mass loss of talent that LSU suffered this past offseason, it just the situation the Tigers happen to be in this season.

And let’s be honest — Arik Gilbert isn’t most true freshman. This kid could probably play in the NFL straight out of high school.

Gilbert’s going to be fun to watch this season. Thank goodness LSU has him on the roster.