Florida Gators TE Gage Wilcox Suffers Career-Ending Injury; Gators may need to check out Transfer Portal

[Jeff from Jax]

The Gators have lost both Jonathan Odom (torn labrum) and Nick Elksnis (broken scapula) for the spring due to injury, while Gage Wilcox has not been out at practice lately for unknown reasons.

That's left Florida with just one healthy scholarship tight end in Keon Zipperer.

Thomas Goldkamp article -
Do the Gators need a Transfer Portal TE ?
https://247sports.com/college/flori...looking-for-in-UFs-first-scrimmage-185467108/

"Absolutely. I think that Florida needs to land at least one tight end transfer and I think that that needs to happen regardless of recovery times, who actually could return from the group of guys currently on the roster, recruits coming in in the summer,"

EDIT
Oops ! Former 5* Cupp seems to be injury prone - season ending injuries the last two seasons.
We have two TEs out with injury now, so we need to look at someone else.
https://247sports.com/college/texas...transfer-portal-football-tight-end-185452390/

 

[Countygator1]

We are thin right now, but should be ok come the fall.

 

[Jeff from Jax]

We are thin right now, but should be ok come the fall.

Country,

I agree with you, but Billy's primary offense seems to be a 2 TE set up. Trying to install his offense without enough TEs causing a problem.

EDIT

Florida Gators TE Gage Wilcox Suffers Career-Ending Injury ?​

Napier did not elaborate on the nature of Wilcox’s injury.

Multiple posts but no details.

DL Dante Zanders and Griffin McDowell, as well as walk-on outside linebacker Noah Keeter and a long snapper have all moved to TE.
Although Napier did not confirm which long snapper made the move, it's worth noting that redshirt freshman Rocco Underwood played the position successfully in high school.

In need of bodies, the Gators have moved Dante Zanders from defensive end to tight end. Napier said Zanders “has been a godsend” and has the potential to make an impact at his new position this season. Another defensive lineman, Griffin McDowell, has been playing tight end and caught a passing during Thursday’s scrimmage. So did one of UF’s long snappers.

“When a long snapper catches a pass, you’re being creative to find a way to get it done,” Napier said.

https://www.tampabay.com/sports/gat...wilcoxs-florida-gators-career-is-likely-over/

 

[instaGATOR]

Gator 2022 Roster TE's:

Keon Zipper 6-3 234 Sr
Jonathan Odom 6-5 245 rsSo (out for Spring, torn Labrum)
Nick Elksnis 6-6 232 rsFr (out for Spring, fractured Scapula)
>>> What is the projected return date for the 2 with shoulder injuries?
-----
Tony Livingston 6-4.5 225 Fr (at his Sr B-Ball playing weight right now)
Arlis Boardingham 6-4 220 Fr (this kids a monster multi-position ath)
Hayden Hansen 6-5 250 Fr (size ready, also a punter & plays B-Ball)
----
Position shifts, returning to TE
Dante Zanders 6-5 261 rsSr (DE)
Griffin McDowell 6-4 283 rsSr (DT)
Noah Keeter 6-5 216 rsJr (OLB)

Even if the 2 injured don't return for 2022, they now have 7 TE's,
with 8-9 if 1-2 return by Fall.
I don't see a big need for a portal TE for now....

 

[instaGATOR]

The Hansan kid has some (Holy Crap) film. 😲
A very nasty pancake blocker.
TE Screens
TE Wideout
A Wildcat QB that can run or complete a pass.
H-Back lead run blocker.
And he punts.....
I'm impressed, so screw the ranking service dweebs.

See his Hudl vid here:

Hayden Hansen, Weatherford , Tight End

Also plays basketball. 2020: Played TE and also punted during junior season.

247sports.com