The Gators landed their first transfer portal commitment of the post-spring window as Air Force tight end Caleb Rillos plans on joining Florida’s program as a preferred walk on this summer. Rillos graduated from the Air Force Academy in three years and will have two seasons to play at UF.
Rillos was not able to put his pass catching skills on display at Air Force as the Falcons had the lowest ranked passed offense in the FBS, attempting just 105 passes in 2023, 59 less than Army, who held the second worst passing offense in college football. The 6’6, 255-pound tight end caught eight passes for 97 yards in his third year, hauling in 14.5% of Air Force’s completed passes. Rillos’ 14 targets ranked 2nd on the Falcons in 2023.
The Colorado native excelled in run blocking for a run-heavy Air Force team. In 507 run blocking snaps, Rillos posted a run blocking grade of 80.6, according to Pro Football Focus. While Rillos primarily played against teams in the Mountain West, that figure would have ranked first on the Gators among players with 30+ run blocking snaps.
Florida often runs two-tight end sets, which is where Rillos could make an impact in Gainesville.
Rillos was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing football, lacrosse, and basketball where he averaged 18.5 points per game and 10.7 rebounds in his senior year at Ralston Valley.
On the Gridiron, Rillos caught 57 passes for 766 yards and 12 touchdowns in his second and final season of varsity football, proving that he could be more of a vertical threat then we saw in his time at Air Force.
The Gators are adding an experienced player with athleticism and upside to their 2024 TE room. His 6’6, 255-pound frame makes him the second biggest tight end on Florida’s roster behind Hayden Hansen, who stands sightly taller than 6’6 and weighs 272 pounds.
This is a low risk, high ceiling addition for Billy Napier as Rillos will not count towards Florida’s scholarship count in 2024, which is currently right at 85.
Florida is set to welcome Caleb Rillos and four-star tight end Amir Jackson this summer, who will play alongside Hayden Hansen, Arlis Boardingham, Tony Livingston, Keon Zipperer, Gavin Hill, and Scott Isacks in the fall.