Former Wisconsin Badgers lineman David Gilbert took the field Tuesday morning for his first full-pad practice as a member of the Miami Hurricanes.
Gibert said he was retiring in April following a series of foot injuries the past few seasons with the Badgers. The Coral Springs, Fla., native then surprised many people in Madison by deciding to play a final year at Miami.
"In his mind, he was going to come here or one of the other Florida schools," Miami coach Al Golden said Tuesday. "He wanted to be closer to home. So we got involved, made sure his foot was OK and everything. I guess he missed (football). I guess he wanted to continue to compete. We're very fortunate to have him.
"He's on a mission. He wants to go to graduate school and he wants to play in the NFL. He's a guy that can rush the passer, so we're excited to have him."
The 6-foot-4, 256-pound Gilbert was honorable mention All-Big Ten after recording 42 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in 14 games (13 starts) with Wisconsin last season.
Neither Golden nor defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio defined a role or expectations for Gilbert.
"It's all going to be determined by what we see," D'Onofrio said. "We're obviously excited about his experience and what he has and brings to the table, and we think he can help us."
Reporting done by FOX Sports Florida's Charlie McCarthy.
