Florida added a 250-lb tight end who fits one specific need perfectly

The Florida Gators have signed another tank, this time an offensive lineman who also has the ability to play two-ways, including on defense. After bringing in the 300lb Mason Clinton out of Southern Mississippi, per Chris Hummer of 247Sports and CBS Sports, according to sources, Jon Sumrall and the Gators have now received a commitment from Evan Chieca, a 6’5”, 250 pound tank from New Haven University, their 27thcommitment of this class.

Chieca, the tight end from Lindenhurst, New York had 31 catches, 255 yards, and four touchdowns in 10 games played on offense in 2025.

Defensively for the Chargers, Chieca was credited with two solo tackles in 10 games. Those came on October 4 against Pace University and October 25 against LIU.

Last season was the breakout year for the junior and he also received 2025 All NEC Conference Honors.

In 2024 he had 12 receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown, bringing the total in his career to 43 receptions in 20 games, 334 yards, with five career touchdowns, his longest being a 34 yard reception on October 11, 2025 against WestConn.

Prior to 2024 Chieca did not play in a game in 2023. However he did receive academic honors on the Northeast-10 Academic Honor Roll.

In high school he served as a multi-sport athlete, playing three years of Varsity football, along with three years of lacrosse, and a year of basketball and volleyball.

Chieca took a visit to Alabama on January 11th. He had also visited LSU and Kentucky prior to that as SEC schools attempted to get his commitment. But on Sunday, he visited the University of Florida, and it was the Gators who impressed the most, with Chieca ultimately deciding to join the Swamp squad over other SEC schools in which he had offers from.

Coming into the 2026 season, Chieca has two years of eligibility remaining.