Former LSU Football Tight End Labeled 'Biggest Bust' in Modern Era of Recruiting

The Tigers brought in the highest-rated tight end in modern recruiting history, unable to piece it together during career.

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

The LSU Tigers have had several significant recruiting victories over the last two decades with the top talent in America making their way to Baton Rouge.

From hometown heroes in Leonard Fourrnette, Kayshon Boutte and most recently, Harlem Berry, deciding to stay in the Bayou State, LSU has reeled in mega-talent.

The hit rate has traditionally been high for the Tigers with Fournette catapulting his status to a Top-10 pick with other elite players being selected in the first round.

But there is also a fair share of college stars that didn't pan out like they were supposed to.

247Sports listed the biggest busts in the modern era with a former LSU Tiger coming in at the No. 1 slot.

Arik Gilbert: Former Five-Star, No. 1 Tight End in America

LSU signed Arik Gilbert in the 2020 Recruiting Class where he arrived in Baton Rouge as the highest-rated tight end in modern recruiting history.

The five-star Swiss Army Knife of a tight end had the complete package, but after one season, decided to transfer where the wheels fell off in his production.

"While he still has time remaining on his eligibility clock, it would take a significant turnaround for Arik Gilbert to revitalize his college football career. He landed at LSU ahead of the 2020 season as one of the most prized tight ends in recruiting history, delivered a promising start to his career as a true freshman and has hardly seen the field since.

"Gilbert transferred to his home state and suited up for Georgia as a converted wide receiver, but he also missed much of his sophomore year for personal reasons. He later joined the Nebraska roster but was promptly arrested and never played for the Huskers. Gilbert is now back in the transfer portal for a third time."

Aside from Gilbert, the headliner name came in former Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell, whose playing career is certainly one for the history books.

No. 2 on the List: Quarterback Tate Martell

"From his feature in the Netflix show "QB1" to his infamous call-out of Ohio State teammate Justin Fields, Tate Martell rubbed more than a few people the wrong way throughout his rise as a prospect and time with the Buckeyes. The former top-100 recruit lost quarterback competitions at both Ohio State and Miami before he transferred to UNLV, where his career fizzled out due to injury. In the end, Martell threw just 35 passes across stops at three schools before he stepped away from football to focus on business ventures."

The LSU Tigers recently reeled in another Top-10 Signing class with Brian Kelly and the football staff looking to continue developing their talent with expectations at an all-time high in Baton Rouge.

More LSU News:

LSU Adds Commitments From Seven Top-100 Transfers in the Portal

LSU Dishes Out Offer to No. 1 Quarterback in America

Nick Saban Calls LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier a "Sleeper" Ahead of 2024 Season

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