Gators TE Arlis Boardingham earns SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors
Another up-and-coming Gators skill player has earned recognition from the SEC.
Arlis Boardingham, a redshirt freshman tight end for Florida, has earned SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors, as announced by the league office Monday morning.
During Saturday’s 38-14 victory over Vanderbilt, Boardingham reeled in seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
The California native is the second Gators freshman to win the award this season, joining safety Jordan Castell, and is the fourth Gator to win an SEC Player of the Week award this season.
“Last year, we were really high on him and he got hurt. You remember he had the shoulder, had to go through that entire process to get back. He’s a kid who hasn’t played tight end, so he’s a receiver and linebacker. He’s a track athlete,” Billy Napier said of Boardingham after the game.
“So, all the things that we’re asking him to do are completely new. I mean, this guy hasn’t played in the C area, he hasn’t played in the wing. There’s a ton to learn in there. He’s a smart kid, but it’s almost like playing quarterback to some degree. There’s a mental part that I can’t tell you — it’s challenging. You can’t overlook that.”
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That performance on Saturday marked the most receptions by a Florida tight end since Kyle Pitts accounted for eight in 2020. Boardingham also racked up the most receiving yards by a Florida tight end since Kemore Gamble recorded 122 during the 2021 season.
So far this season, Boardingham has 13 passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns.
“It’s turned out to be a good evaluation,” Napier said. “We’re combing the entire country in terms of players that are left over that are available. He was one of those. Look, we took a chance on the guy and brought him in. Phenomenal family. Just really good people. It’s turned out well. I’m hopeful we’ll get more of that out of him in the future.”
During the 2022 recruiting cycle, Boardingham was a three-star prospect and the No. 19-ranked athlete. He was also the 545th-ranked prospect overall. That is all according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
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