World's Tallest Teenager Olivier Rioux Turns to Football

Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center who played for the Under-19 Canadian national team this summer, has been trying his hand at football with the University of Florida's Gators. Rioux worked out with the team's special teams, donning an orange helmet and taking snaps, in an attempt to utilize his massive wingspan to block field goals and extra points. Despite his size, however, Rioux was unable to block any kicks due to his relatively low vertical leap of 11 inches. University of Florida basketball coach Todd Golden expressed his appreciation for the team's creativity in trying to adapt Rioux's unique abilities to the football field.

Key Takeaways:

• Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center, worked out with the University of Florida's football team in an attempt to utilize his massive wingspan to block field goals and extra points.
• Despite his size, Rioux was unable to block any kicks due to his 11-inch vertical leap, which is relatively low for his height.
• University of Florida basketball coach Todd Golden praised the team's creativity in trying to adapt Rioux's abilities to football.
• Rioux is expected to get on the court with the university's basketball team in limited capacity this fall, despite being unlikely to play much due to the team's returning frontcourt.
• Rioux has become a viral sensation at the university, including a notable viral moment where he was able to cut pieces of the nets after a game while standing flat-footed.

Statistics:

• Height: Olivier Rioux stands at 7 feet 9 inches (2.37 meters)
• Weight: Rioux weighs 305 pounds (138.6 kilograms)
• Vertical leap: Rioux has a 11-inch (27.9 cm) vertical leap
• Age: Not mentioned in the article

Sources:

• "Olivier Rioux gets chance to play college football" by New Delhi Times, July 25