Gators’ tight ends look to pitch in

GAINESVILLE — UF TE DeAndre Goolsby finished last season with a flourish and was poised for a big senior year.

Instead, Goolsby sat out the Gators’ first game with a leg injury and since has just three catches. This after totaling nine catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns during the final two games of 2016.

But Goolsby is not struggling alone. The Gators’ three tight ends have combined for just 10 catches for 119 yards entering Saturday’s visit from Texas A&M.

UF (3-2, 3-1) is among four SEC teams without a touchdown from a tight end. There are a few reasons, coach Jim McElwain said. During last weekend’s loss to LSU, the Gators held back tight ends to help protect QB Feleipe Franks, who was sacked five times. Franks also has struggled to survey the entire field.

Some of the blame also falls Lewis and Moral Stephens.

“They've got to go get open,” McElwain said. “That's a big piece of it."

UF athletics director emeritus Jeremy Foley is among 14 members of the new NCAA Commission on College Basketball. The group will seek reform following the FBI probe into basketball recruiting practices.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will chair the committee, which also includes former college and NBA stars David Robinson and Grant Hill.

Next game: UF vs. Texas A&M, Saturday, 7 p.m, ESPN2

Edgar Thompson on Goolsby, C’yontai