LSU’s biggest win on the recruiting trail last cycle came fairly early in the process when five-star Georgia native Arik Gilbert spurned both Georgia and Alabama — with both programs having a desperate need to add a tight end to their roster — and committed to LSU in October.

Gilbert’s surprise pledge to Ed Orgeron’s program was as dramatic as it got in the tight end’s recruitment as the five-star prospect never wavered from his commitment leading up to the Tigers’ epic run to the national championship.

Now that he’s actually on the practice field and gearing up for this first season in Baton Rouge, the buzz out of training camp is Gilbert is ready to be featured in the offense immediately.

When asked to discuss his early impressions of Gilbert, LSU quarterback Myles Brennan could not hide how excited he is to have Gilbert suit up for the Tigers.

“Just having him out there, it’s crazy. He runs like a receiver, but obviously, he has the body type of a tight end,” Brennan said.

Considering LSU returns the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Terrace Marshall Jr., Racy McMath, Trey Palmer and Kayshon Boutte, there are already enough weapons to go around to threaten opposing defenses but having an emerging player like Gilbert is just going to make the team’s offense that much more dangerous this fall.

“I don’t think he’s missed a single pass since we started camp,” Brennan added about Gilbert. “He’s an outstanding athlete and we are very, very, very grateful to have him on the roster.”