Arlis Boardingham working towards being a more complete tight end

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•03/20/24•

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Russ Callaway | Florida Gators Co-OC

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — It’s hard not to look at Arlis Boardingham and get excited about what the potential could be for the California native. He’s 6-3 and 240 pounds with a comically long wingspan. He’s athletic, fast, and can jump. Boardingham has the potential to be one of the next great tight ends at the University of Florida.

His time was divided in high school. He ran track and played basketball in the offseason. Boardingham also played wide receiver. When he arrived at Florida, learning the ins and outs of what it takes to play tight end at this level was stalled by injury. Still, his physical ability was there, and it peaked through in 2023.

Boardingham scored his first career touchdown against Charlotte. Two weeks later, he would burst onto the scene. He hauled in seven catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns against Vanderbilt. It looked like he had turned the corner and figured it out.

The dynamic pass-catching tight end that Florida had been looking for since Kyle Pitts’ last season was here. But after that game, Boardingham caught just 13 more passes over the next six games. There were still holes in his game that he needed to address.

“I went into the offseason knowing what my flaws were. Seeing how I played throughout the whole season, I was able to go back and watch the film and really attack the areas that I felt like needed a lot of work, which I still am to this day, but I felt like my offseason was real good,” Boardingham said.

“Specifically, just making sure I’m an all-around better tight end. I’m known for the pass catching, which is good, but I also want to become a more complete tight end. So, working on that run blocking, getting stronger, just lifting more weights and just making sure I understand the technique behind it.”

Boardingham ranked third on the team last season in catches (26), receiving yards (289) and was tied for second with four touchdowns. His counterpart, fellow redshirt freshman tight end Hayden Hansen, finished the year with 12 receptions for 150 yards and two TDs.

Boardingham and Hansen are working on opposite aspects of their games. Hansen, a former quarterback, has proven to be a capable blocker but needs to work on his route running and catching. Boardingham has spent time trying to bulk up, build strength, and become a more complete tight end who can help in the running game.

The pair has helped each other, sharing what they do well while picking the brain of their teammate to grow in the areas they need to improve.

“We already know what the offense is about,” Boardingham said. “We know what we’re doing on the field. So, we’re able to help each other out, even though we all know the plays. Or all the tight ends like me and Hayden, we know the plays well, we might have some pointers for each other. It’s definitely good.”

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