The world’s tallest teen, 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux, gives football a try at Florida

GAINESVILLE Fla AP The world s tallest teenager is trying his hand his reach really at football Florida basketball performer Olivier Rioux a -foot- center who played for the Under- Canadian national gang this summer lately worked out for the Gators football band 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 I like the idea Gators basketball coach Todd Golden disclosed during a booster event Thursday evening I give them credit for trying it There was one issue The -pound Rioux has an -inch vertical so even with his extra-long reach he was unable to block any kicks during the workout They were a little disappointed Golden announced No worries Rioux can solely stick to his full-time gig with the hoops organization After redshirting as a true freshman last season he s expected to get on the court in limited quota this fall He s 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 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 U World Cup in Switzerland earlier this month Rioux forced an errant pass that led to a turnover and a -pointer just before halftime Rioux s atypical height landed him in the Guinness World Records a limited 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