Florida football TEs want to take another step in development in 2024

Florida football developed two young tight ends into pass-catching threats, which bodes well for the position in 2024.

Redshirt sophomores Arlis Boardingham and Hayden Hansen combined for 439 yards and 6 receiving TDs in 2023. In 2022, Florida got just a combined 3 TD catches from the tight end position.

The increased receiving production from the tight end spot helped the Florida Gators finish 2023 as the seventh-best passing offense in the SEC, as UF averaged 259.3 yards per game through the air.

Both Hansen and Boardingham had another offseason to develop under Florida tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator Russ Callaway, who also is high on the potential of rising sophomore tight end Tony Livingston.

"Hayden has done a tremendous job working, transforming his body in a good way," Callaway said. "Arlis has done the same thing, and Tony has done the same thing. I think we’ve got a really good group and am excited about all three of those guys.”

Here's a look at the Florida tight ends entering the 2024 season:

Florida football starting TE

Hansen started 9 of 12 games for the Gators last season, finishing with 12 catches for 150 yards at 2 TDs. At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Hansen was a big target for UF in the red zone and strong in blocking at the point of attack. A former high school quarterback from Weatherford, Texas, Hansen also was adept at running routes.

"I’m getting more confident with my hands," Hansen said. "I think last fall camp I was kind of catching with my body a little bit, I’m starting to trust my hands even when I’m tired.”

Florida football TE depth

Boardingham emerged as a pass-catching threat for the Gators in 2023, finishing the season with 26 catches for 289 yards and 4 TDs in 12 games (two starts). The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Boardigham said he's working hard in the offseason to become a more complete tight end, which includes taking on blocking responsibilities.

"Working on that run blocking, getting stronger, just lifting more weights and just making sure I understand the technique behind it," Boardingham said.

Sophomore Tony Livingston (1 catch for 4 yards in 2023) is another big target at tight end for UF at 6-foot-5 and 253 pounds. Defensive lineman Gavin Hill (6-foot-3, 253), a former Buchholz High standout, was moved to tight end during the offseason to help as a blocker near the goal line. Senior tight end Keon Zipperer missed the entire 2023 season after tearing his ACL the previous spring, and it's unclear how much the former UF starting tight end in 2022 will be able to contribute this season.

Florida football TE future

Amir Jackson (6-foot-4, 223 pounds) arrived on UF's campus this summer. A four-star recruit and 152nd-ranked player nationally out of Portal, Ga., Jackson possesses the speed and athletic ability to develop into a future pass-catching threat. A standout basketball player, Jackson averaged 13.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals as a junior for a Portal team that went 28-2.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football TEs want to take another step in development in 2024