Aaron Gates had the best game of his young career against Georgia on Saturday at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. (Photo: Catherine McCarthy/UAA Communications)
Gates Goes All Out on Defense for Gators
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | Football
Share:
By: Noah White, FloridaGators.com Student Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After Billy Napier finished speaking with the press about Florida's looming matchup with Texas, the third-year head coach did as he always does and grabbed his Gatorade as he beelined for the door.
His eyes caught sight of the first player scheduled to speak following Wednesday's practice, prompting Napier to divert from his usual route and provide an additional comment — an introduction.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. One of the finest young defensive backs in the country: Aaron Gates."
Napier didn't do Gates justice.
After shifting into the starting lineup over the past few weeks, Gates has added some muscle to a vastly improved Florida defense. Most recently, the young defensive back rang in his most impressive performance against Georgia, but he believes he'll only continue to improve.
"The deeper I get into the season, the more comfortable I get out there," Gates said.
That makes sense. Gates, a redshirt freshman, only played in four games last year following an ACL tear in his senior year of high school. His effect was noticeable when he was on the field (he recorded a game-sealing deflection against South Carolina), but buried within a veteran-laden defensive back group, he didn't see extensive time once fully recovered.
Following injuries to other secondary members, Gates has found himself in Florida's starting lineup three times this year, providing a spark through his wide range of skills.
"Good in coverage, physical, good tackler," Napier said. "He's got position versatility. I'm not so sure he couldn't play corner. He could play all five if need be ... I'm excited."
He should be.
Gates' versatility isn't limited to his position on Florida's defense. His name also crops up throughout different areas of the Gators' statbook.
Against Georgia, Gates tallied four tackles (three of which were solo), a quarterback hurry, a tackle-for-loss, a pass breakup and an interception. Each totals a career-high, representing Gates' growing contribution to the Florida defense devastated by injuries, including starting cornerbacks Jason Marshall Jr. and Devin Moore and veteran safety Asa Turner.
"He's very instinctive … It's very evident when he is out there," Napier said.
While Gates' presence has been on display all over the field, including on special teams, he starts at the star position: a nickelback-esque role, serving as a mix of a linebacker and a safety. A position perfectly fit for the versatility Gates brings to the field.
The Moreland, Georgia, native emphasized that he wants to do what's best for his team but has fallen in love with his role.
"I would say star is my favorite [position] ... I like how close it is to all the action," Gates said. "You get to make plays in the run game, pass game, rush the passer … you really get to show all your abilities."
His range of abilities is detailed, but one talent that remains more noticeable than the others is his tackling.
In the second quarter on Saturday, Gates lined up at safety 11 yards away from the line of scrimmage. Three seconds later, Georgia running back Nate Frazier lay on the ground two yards behind the line of scrimmage with Gates' arms tied around his legs. After forcing Georgia into a typical passing down, Gates recorded his first interception a play later.
Strong tackling has been a feature of his play throughout the season, regardless of how many snaps he's gotten. He notes that he's been focused on tackling since he started playing when he was 7.
"I've always been a pretty good tackler … It's just something you gotta work at, get better at," Gates said.
Part of his improvement at wrapping up, along with his rising Pro Football Focus coverage grade, is due to the competition he faces at his position. When Gates arrived in Florida, he had to wait behind a group of more experienced defensive backs. In his second season, he is one-half of a pair of starters at star.
Sophomore Sharif Denson has started four games this season, playing interchangeably with Gates during Florida's SEC campaign. While splitting time with a teammate in the same class would concern most players, Gates views his pairing with Benson as beneficial.
"Competition brings out the best in you. Me and him competing in practice every day [helps]," Gates said. "We watch film together; study together. We're just trying to be the best versions of ourselves."
Napier agrees that the two have been effective early in their careers, but Gates brings another dynamic.
"He and Sharif both have done a good job as really young players playing for the first time, but Gates made some really impressive plays on special teams Saturday as well," Napier said.
Defensive back Aaron Gates has blossomed at Florida's star position in his second year in the program. (Photo: Lorenzo Vasquez/UAA Communications)
When Gates receives praise for his play, though, he credits others quickly.
After his performance against Georgia, the press commended Gates for his interception and Florida's increased turnover production. The first words out of his mouth were about Florida's front seven.
"[It's the] defensive line getting pressure," Gates said, pausing to explain. "Then obviously us on the backend capitalizing whenever the ball is in the air."
If Gates continues to perform at the same level, he will continue to have to divert, which may be challenging in the coming weeks. Florida faces three ranked opponents over 15 days, beginning with No. 5 Texas on Saturday.
That might not faze Gates too heavily.
Gates looks at every contest with the same mindset, a piece of his weekly process that allows him to remain focused, even against top-ranked foes like Georgia and Texas.
"Treat it just like a regular game. Prepare the same way," Gates said about his thought process. "Just go out there and handle my business. Put a good result on the field."
And all he's done recently is churn out "good results."
Following his breakthrough performance against Georgia, Gates is a budding star on Florida's defense. If the Gators topple the Longhorns, Napier believes it'll be partially due to the redshirt freshman's knack for being everywhere.
