Matt Ryan High on Arik Gilbert, Future of Tight End Position

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan took time on Tuesday to deliver the Gatorade National Player of the Year news to high school star Arik Gilbert.

High school star tight end Arik Gilbert has been named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. The announcement came Tuesday at Marietta (Ga.) High School.

How the 6-foot-5, 255-pound prospect was given the news was also unique, as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan dropped in on the ceremony to deliver the title and a trophy.

The veteran passer knows a thing or two about the tight end position, and where it's headed, having thrown to Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for five seasons. 

"Tony was really at the forefront of revolutionizing, kind of, that position and being that athletic type of player," Ryan told SI. "Now that's kind of the norm. I think Arik fits into that mold. I got to meet him today and you see just the way he's built. 

"His athleticism is impressive and I told him I hope I can play for four, five, six more years so he can come back to Atlanta and I can throw passes to him."

Ryan shared career advice for a prospect like Gilbert, who has hauled in 28 touchdowns over his final two prep seasons, as he aspires for the NFL one day.

"The biggest thing is to work hard and believe in yourself," he said. "It takes a real commitment and self-belief to get to the next level. 

"I don't think he's going to have a problem with that. He's a great kid and in meeting with his coaches and teammates, he's about as well-rounded as they come."

The first true tight end to take home the Gatorade National Player of the Year award, Ryan endorses the recent state champion's latest honor.

"There's no more deserving player in the country than he," he said.

[Gilbert talks Gatorade Player of the Year, SI All-American and LSU]