Florida Gators continue to pursue talent in unique ways, including a non-traditional visitor to campus
Less than a week after the Florida Gators added a power forward at tight end, Jon Sumrall is looking at doing it again.
When you are looking to build up a program back to a national championship contender, you need to look everywhere. That is exactly what Jon Sumrall is trying to do.
Recruiting has been excellent in the high school ranks, currently boasting the No. 8 class per Rivals. It’s led by their first five-star offensive lineman since Martez Ivey in Maxwell Hiller and the quarterback of the future, four-star Davin Davidson. One spot they have made a sincere priority across the board has been tight end.
In the transfer portal, the Gators added multiple tight ends, including Luke Harpring and Lacota Dippre. Last week, they added a former basketball player from Jacksonville in Jaylen Jordon to play the position, and they are looking at another one on Tuesday.
Florida Gators hosting another basketball player to play football
After adding Jordon to the roster, the Gators aren’t stopping there. They are hosting Missouri State basketball transfer Michael Osei-Bonsu with the idea that he will play football in 2026.
Osei-Bonsu will be a senior in 2026, and was a force for the Bears. He played over 847 minutes last season, scoring 15.3 points per game and 7.3 rebounds. Impressive numbers for a player who is 6-4 and 289 pounds.
He was a big impact player for the Bears during his two seasons of playing time. Where the intrigue comes in is how he will translate to the gridiron. Playing either tight end or defensive line makes a lot of sense. With how the Gators have tried to throw everything they can at tight end, it’s an interesting dart to throw, especially with how blocking tight ends are now en vogue.
Will it work? It’s a difficult transition to playing football from basketball. Now, it’s not impossible, proven by the likes of Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham. However, it’s not likely they make a serious impact right away.
Even so, it’s never a bad idea to take a chance and see what happens.