GAINESVILLE — The third in a position-by-position preview of the UF football team leading up to SEC Media Days.

Gators coach Billy Napier’s offense relies heavily on tight ends, creating opportunities for a position featuring diverse options and skill sets. Florida lines up with two tight ends in “12 personnel” more than 30% of the time, but 6-6 ¼, 271-pound Hayden Hansen has started 22 straight games and does not often leave the field. His 601 snaps were fourth among returning Gators, according to On3.com.

A former high school quarterback in Texas, Hansen is strong blocker and much-improved receiving threat. Among his 15 receptions were a 40- and 35-yarder. He had three first-down grabs and 40 receiving yards at Tennessee.

Tony Livingston , a 6-foot-4 ¾, 260-pound junior, is a former high school basketball standout who averaged 24.3 points and 10.9 rebounds in 2021-22 at Tampa King. At UF, Livingston has steadily evolved into a receiving threat at the H position, closing 2024 with 5 catches for 66 yards and a pair of scores against Florida State and Tulane.

Few Gators are a more intriguing athlete than redshirt freshman Amir Jackson , who at 229 pounds is beginning to fill out his 6-foot-4 ¾ frame. The Georgia native recorded 44 catches for 727 yards and 12 touchdowns at Portal High, along with 57 tackles as a high school senior in 2023. He also averaged 13.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in 88 basketball games.

Jackson played just 12 snaps for the Gators in 2024. Meanwhile, Air Force Academy transfer Caleb Rillos played none because of injury. The 6-foot-5 ¾, 244-pound redshirt senior started he started 18 games in four seasons at Air Force, but will primarily be a blocker.