Just how good was redshirt freshman defensive back Aaron Gates vs Georgia last Saturday? His Pro Football Focus grade of 87.3 is the highest single game grade in Florida’s season against FBS competition and 7th highest under Billy Napier (2022-24).
Gates led Florida’s secondary in coverage, allowing one reception for three yards on three targets, hauling in one interception in the process. His only reception allowed was a swing pass thrown two yards behind the line of scrimmage. The 6’0.5, 196-pound defensive back held Bulldog quarterback Carson Beck to an NFL passer rating of 2.8 when targeted.
Gates also scored the highest tackling grade in the contest, making all four of his tackle attempts including a tackle for loss, his 4th in Florida’s last five games. Gates made a series of vicious open field tackles vs Georgia both on defense and special teams, where his grade of 85.2 ranked first within Florida’s special teams unit.
“Gates is one of our best football players,” head coach Billy Napier said of Gates. “Obviously I had a high opinion of him coming out, and he’s big, long. He’s dense. He’s extremely quick and fast. He’s very instinctive, played both ways in high school, was a returner. Incredible parents.”
The Trinity Christian product suffered a torn ACL during his senior season, which limited him throughout his freshman campaign at UF. Gates played in the final four games in 2023 on special teams and redshirted.
Through seven games played in 2024, Gates has totaled 14 tackles, four tackles for loss, one interception, one pass break up, one fumble recovery, and one QB hurry.
“It’s very evident when he is out there,” Napier said on Gates. “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.”
Gates was a scout team cornerback last year, and Napier has raved about his versatility as a defensive back. The Georgia native even repped at safety last week given Florida’s injuries in the secondary.
“Good in coverage, physical, good tackler. Yeah, I’m excited, and he’s got position versatility. I’m not so sure he couldn’t play corner. He could play all five if need be,” Napier said. “Just trying to get the guy on the field to be honest with you.”
While Gates has primarily played nickel / star, he’s logged snaps at safety, corner, and along the defensive line outside of the tackle. Gates is a young, aggressive corner that has proven he can impact the game in a multitude of ways.