LSU adds JUCO TE Connor Gilbreath
LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has signed a fourth tight end in the 2024 class, this time in junior college transfer Connor Gilbreath.
The Tigers have added a trio of freshmen tight ends in the 2023 class in K’Morreun Pimpton, Jackson McGohan, and Mac Markway to join sophomore Mason Taylor, but now Denbrock has an experienced option to utilize in various sets.
Gilbreath, who just finished his freshman season at Butte College in California, caught the attention of college coaches this offseason.
After one year of JUCO football, Gilbreath is now ready to make the jump to a four-year college this fall.
“I am a full qualifier, so I have the GPA to play this year,” he said in early June. “Making the move for this season would be big because I can potentially spend four years at another college at the next level.”
Making the decision to commit to LSU
After taking a visit to LSU, Missouri, Arizona, Mississippi State, and North Carolina State, the JUCO tight end was always interested in the prospect of heading to Baton Rouge.
“I just never thought it would be possible (to get an LSU offer) because of where I went to high school and how small it was. It’s a great feeling,” Gilbreath said.
Even better news: Denbrock’s pitch to Gilbreath about his future on the football field aligns perfectly with what he’s envisioned.
“Coach Denbrock wants to use me as a blocking tight end, and I’m excited about that,” he said. “Catching is cool, but I could care less. I love blocking. I am not a tight end trying to be a receiver.”
Gilbreath stands at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds and is excited to be utilized as a blocking tight end option in Denbrock’s offense at LSU.
“With every school I have talked to, my route would be play a year at tight end, then develop into an offensive tackle,” Gilbreath said. “I am all in on the switch. It gives me a chance to block even more.”
