Kirby Smart weighs in on Arik Gilbert: 'Hopefully he can help us this year'

Georgia currently has a two-headed monster going at tight end, with Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington being some of the best in the country. But there’s still a third player that could contribute, with Arik Gilbert being on the roster. To this point, he has appeared on the field as a reserve but has a chance to make a significant impact according to Kirby Smart.

The head coach provided an update on Gilbert during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. He says the tight end has been in practice this season and “continues to do that.” Gilbert will be considered day-to-day as Smart hopes he can contribute in some fashion down the line.

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“AG has been practicing with us and continues to do that,” Smart said. “He’ll be day-to-day each day and hopefully he can help us this year.”

Smart has consistently been asked about Gilbert this season but not much progress has been made on a weekly basis. Now, there is hope he can continue to make an impact to the squad, adding to what is already an impressive Georgia offense.

Gilbert joined the Georgia program from LSU, being one of the highest regarded transfers at the time. The same was true as a recruit, being ranked a five-star prospect by the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. No other tight end was ranked higher in the 2020 class.

Kirby Smart provides update on Georgia DT Jalen Carter

Jalen Carter’s status has been in limbo since the season began, dealing with an injury since the opener against Oregon. Smart provided the latest update on the future high NFL Draft pick, saying Carter has looked “much better” this week compared to previously.

“Jalen Carter has been practicing, taking more volume,” said Smart. “Rotating with those guys and defensive line. Looks much better this week.”

Carter has yet to miss a game for Georgia but has not been the dominant player everybody expected him to be. Injuries have definitely held him back and Smart has admitted they want to be careful. Now, as he makes progress, we could see Carter play up to the All-SEC player potential.