LSU Football is a team to watch for elite tight end from Atlanta
By Zach Ragan
LSU football was dealt a tough blow this winter when tight end Arik Gilbert, one of the top-rated players in the 2020 recruiting class, entered the transfer portal.
Gilbert, who caught 35 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns in eight games as a true freshman for LSU, announced recently that he’s transferring to Florida.
While there’s no way to replace a freakishly talented player like Gilbert, the Tigers can at least try.
And fortunately for LSU, it sounds like they’re in the mix to land one of the top-ranked tight ends in the 2022 recruiting class.
Could LSU football land Holden Staes?
2022 four-star tight end Holden Staes isn’t on the same level as Gilbert, but he’s still an extremely talented player who could help an SEC roster.
Staes, who is ranked as the No. 6 tight end in the country (247Sports composite), committed to Penn State back in August.
The Atlanta, GA native de-committed from the Nittany Lions on Thursday night.
“Once coach Bowen decided to leave, that really set it off, and made it the right time to do this,” said Staes to Rivals. “I called coach James Franklin last night and [let] him know I am no longer committed to Penn State.”
Staes said he’s still considering Penn State, but he wants to take his time with this decision and make the right choice. Staes also noted that Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas are the other programs that he’s considering right now.
Next. LSU fans should be confident about team in 2021. dark
The talented tight-end is hoping he can take some visits in April, before eventually making a decision (the recruiting dead period currently runs through April 15).
This battle is wide open right now. I think Alabama or Georgia will likely be the favorites, but if Staes is able to visit Baton Rouge, it could completely change the outcome of his recruitment.