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The world's tallest teen, 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux, gives football a try at Florida
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, JUL 25 – Florida assistant coaches tested Rioux's 7-foot-9 frame on special teams to block kicks, but his 11-inch vertical limited impact during preseason football workouts.
- Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 Canadian center for Florida's basketball team, participated in football drills with the Gators under coach Billy Napier.
- Napier and his staff invited Rioux to join special teams practice aiming to use his massive wingspan to block field goals, though he did not make the final cut.
- Rioux redshirted last season in basketball, contributed during practice, and is expected to see limited court time this fall while still developing his frame and skills.
- Basketball coach Todd Golden said he appreciates the concept and acknowledged the team's effort, while also mentioning that they felt somewhat let down by the football results.
- Rioux will stick primarily to basketball for now, but his unique height and wingspan remain a point of interest for both teams and fans moving forward.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Gotta Try Anything To Win: Florida Football Brought In 7'9" Olivier Rioux For A Tryout To To Be A Guy Who Only Blocks Kicks
There was one issue: The 305-pound Rioux has an 11-inch vertical, so even with his extra-long reach, he was unable to block any kicks during the workout."They were a little disappointed," G...
Freakishly Tall Florida Basketball Player Tried Out For Gators' Football Team
Gators head coach Billy Napier must really be feeling the heat in Gainesville if his latest stunt is any indicator.The embattled football coach recently invited 7-foot-9 Gators basketball player and Guinness World Record holder Olivier Rioux to football workouts.According to reports, coach Napier brought Rioux to practice with the intention of sticking him on the field goal block team, and his logic seems sound on the surface.At 7'9" and with a …
Florida's 7-Foot-9, 305-Pound Basketball Phenom Didn't Jump High Enough During Failed Football Tryout
Florida head coach Billy Napier decided to get creative prior to the 2025 college football season and tried to transform college basketball phenom Olivier Rioux into a kick-blocking specialist. The extremely tall center recently joined the Gators on the gridiron for something of an experimental tryout. It did not go as planned. Rioux, who does not have any prior experience playing college football or any level of American football, does not jump…
The world’s tallest teen, 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux, gives
GAINESVILLE, Florida: The world’s tallest teenager is trying his hand — his reach, really — at football. Florida basketball player Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center who played for the Under-19 Canadian national team this summer, recently worked out for the Gators’ football team. Rioux donned an orange helmet and took snaps on special teams, with Florida assistant coaches hoping
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