The world’s tallest teen, 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux, gives football a try at Florida
GAINESVILLE, Florida: The world’s tallest teenager is trying his hand — his reach, really — at football. 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’ football team. 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 said during a booster event Thursday evening. “I give them credit for trying it.” 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. “They were a little disappointed,” Golden said. No worries.