Heze Kent, a standout tight end in the Gators” 2026 recruiting class, is quickly making a name for himself in Gainesville, Florida. Weighing in at 300 pounds, Kent”s future position was initially uncertain when he signed with the Florida Gators. With an impressive high school career that included over 2,000 receiving yards at Brunswick High School in Georgia, many speculated he might transition to the offensive or defensive line. However, at 6-foot-6, Kent has firmly stayed at tight end since joining the team this spring, showing no signs of a position change.
According to Gators tight ends coach Evan McKissack, Kent has all the potential to thrive in his role. “A lot of guys can see him as a project tackle, or this or that. Like, the guy”s here to go play tight end, that”s what I tell him, and he can definitely do it,” McKissack stated. “Man, tremendous hands, can run…he”s a great football player, he”s got it in him…he”s been working hard and his weight”s going down, really excited about some of the terms he”s making.”
Since arriving on campus, Kent has been focused on adjusting his weight as he aims to carve out an early role with the Gators. Although he has a considerable journey ahead to reach a typical size for a tight end, the coaching staff has already noted his progress. “I think the biggest thing, so we like to say, “Okay, let”s get below 300, let”s get to 295, let”s get to 290″. I think those things right there, implementing those challenges, even all throughout the course of the season, just makes the player grow,” McKissack explained. “And he”s answered those challenges, and the key is consistency, though, like, that”s always the biggest thing… It”s just about his ability to face each challenge each day.”
As Kent continues to navigate these physical challenges, he is also making a significant impression on a coaching staff that was not heavily involved in his recruitment. Despite facing some injuries, Kent”s performance has been gaining attention as the spring camp approaches. “Heze freaking – I”ll tell you this, this week and last week, he”s combined two really good weeks now. He”s doing a good job… He sends me a picture every day of him getting on the cardio deck, like, that”s a part of his goal sheet,” McKissack said. “We start off with spring goals. We don”t just start off with a long-term goal. And so he”s gradually losing weight, and, you know, the biggest thing, he”s got great athleticism, and he had some injury issues, and he”s… finally kind of gotten over those humps, and is way more available in workouts.”
Although Kent still has a considerable way to go in his physical transformation, he is off to a solid start at the university. With a clear plan in place for this unique athlete, Kent has a genuine opportunity to compete for playing time in his freshman year. The upcoming spring practices will serve as a crucial chance for him to continue impressing the coaching staff. “I think the biggest thing is understanding, when a guy”s a freshman and they come here, like, you”re coming to play here,” McKissack remarked. “You”re not coming just to be a Florida Gator, you”re coming to play for the Florida Gators.”
As spring practice approaches, Kent is sure to be a player to watch, adding an intriguing dynamic to the Gators” roster heading into 2026.
