GAINESVILLE, Fla.\u00a0\u2014\u00a0The world\u2019s tallest teenager is trying his hand \u2014 his reach, really \u2014 at football.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 football team.<\/p>\n
Rioux donned an orange helmet and took snaps on special teams, with Florida assistant coaches hoping his massive wingspan might be a difference maker when it comes to blocking field goals and extra points. <\/p>\n
\u201cI like the idea,\u201d Gators basketball coach Todd Golden said during a booster event Thursday evening. \u201cI give them credit for trying it.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were a little disappointed,\u201d Golden said.<\/p>\n
No worries. Rioux can simply stick to his full-time gig with the hoops team.<\/p>\n
After redshirting as a true freshman last season, he\u2019s expected to get on the court in limited capacity this fall. He\u2019s unlikely to play much considering the defending national champions return their entire frontcourt, but he should at least get on the court in garbage time.<\/p>\n
Golden already has considered using him to guard inbound passes, something Rioux did to perfection just before halftime against the United States in the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland earlier this month. Rioux forced an errant pass that led to a turnover and a three-pointer just before halftime.<\/p>\n
Rioux\u2019s unusual height landed him in the Guinness World Records<\/a> a few years ago and he has become a walking viral video at Florida. While coaches and teammates climbed a ladder to cut pieces of the nets after the Gators won the Southeastern Conference tournament, Rioux was able to do it while standing flat-footed<\/a>.<\/p>\n Long writes for the Associated Press. <\/p>\n