The fourth in a position-by-position look at the 2024 Gators leading up to fall camp:
TIGHT END
What to expect
Coach Billy Napier values tight ends, turning the emergence of Arlis Boardingham and Hayden Hansen into building block from a 5-7 season. UF lines up with two tight ends in 12 personnel about a third of the time, which provided plenty of opportunity after veteran Keon Zipperer had a knee injury and Nick Elksnis transferred.
The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Boardingham, a high school track star in California, is a big-play threat in the passing game. He had 26 catches for 268 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2023 as essentially an H-back. The 6-foot-6 1/4, 272-pound Hansen is a former high school quarterback in Texas who is a strong blocker able to break free in the passing game (12 catches, 150 yards, 2 TDs) to move the chains or find the end zone when inside the 20.
The duo should be major factors in the Gators’ attack.
Depth is unproven as Kipperer enters his sixth season recovering from his injury and sophomore Tony Livingston has been a project. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Tampa native is a former basketball star with potential.
Amir Jackson, a 2024 signee, starred in basketball and football in Portal, Ga. At 6-4, 223 pounds, he recorded 44 catches for 727 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 57 tackles, 6 for loss in 2023. He averaged 13.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in 88 basketball games.
Jackson, who arrived in the summer, needs time to build his body for the rigors of SEC football. Redshirt freshman Gavin Hill (6-3, 255) looks the part after switching from defensive line, but has not played tight end since his early days at Gainesville Buchholz.
On the roster
Arlis Boardingham, R.-So.
Hayden Hansen, R-So.
Gavin Hill, R.-Fr.
Scott Isacks, R-So.
Tony Livingston, So.
Keon Zipperer, R-Sr.
Departures
Jonathan Odom (transfer to Eastern Washington)
Andrew Savaiinaea (transfer to Nevada)
Dante Zanders (eligibility)
Arrivals
Amir Jackson (signee)
Caleb Rillos (transfer from Air Force)
Projected depth chart
TE1 — Arlis Boardingham
TE2 — Hayden Hansen
TE3 — Keon Zipperer
TE4 — Tony Livingston
Previous: Quarterback, running back, receiver
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
