Savannah State Lands Former No.1 Recruit And Gatorade Player Of The Year

Arik Gilbert hopes to turn his once-promising five-star collegiate career around after committing to an HBCU football program for the Fall.

247Sports named the former Marietta High School standout and FBS tight end as one of the "biggest busts" in modern college football after signing with LSU's 2020 Recruiting Class - but his career didn't materialize as special.

In his senior season, Gilbert hauled 101 receptions for 1,760 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He was a very talented receiver, catching 243 passes from 3,540 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns.

After stints at LSU, Georgia, and Nebraska, Gilbert hopes to latch on at Savannah State University, the home of Pro Football Hall of Famer, Shannon Sharpe.

Arik Gilbert - Savannah State University — Oct 10, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Arik Gilbert (2) runs against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Gilbert, 23, the former Gatorade National Player of the Year, has not played in a collegiate contest since the 2022 season at Georgia. He caught just two passes for 16 yards and one score with the Bulldogs.

Legal issues plagued his time in Nebraska centered around an alleged "smash-and-grab" burglary of a vape store.

His 6-6 height should make it difficult for SIAC defensive players to compete against the Savannah State Tigers in 2025.

Last season, Savannah State was 5-5 overall and 4-4 in the SIAC under the leadership of head football coach Aaron Kelton.

The 2025 regular season for Savannah State kicks off on Aug. 30 inside Theodore A. Wright Stadium at 6 PM ET against Edward Waters University.

The Tigers will play their usual SIAC schedule but will have two challenging games against Shorter University (Sept. 6) and South Carolina State (Oct. 4).

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Published May 1, 2025

KYLE MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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