Louisville football made the cut for an elite prospect who is the son of a former NFL great.
Antonio Gates is considered one of the greatest tight ends of all-time. In 2023, Gates is likely to be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee. He has the most reception touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history and is considered by many to be the greatest undrafted free agent ever.
While his presence in the NFL has been missed since his retirement in 2018, Gates’ legacy will soon live on through his son, Antonio Gates Jr.
The younger gates, the No. 177 player in the class of 2022, is an elite-level wide receiver and defensive back.
On Wednesday, Gates Jr. cut his list of schools, and Louisville football is among his group of final teams.
Among Gates’ finalists are Ole Miss, Michigan State, Penn State, Nebraska, and Kentucky.
What Gates brings to the table
Allen Trieu of 247Sports compared Gates to current Vikings wide receiver Laquan Treadwell. Here’s what he had to say about the major target for Louisville football:
“Bigger body for a wide receiver. Thick and physically strong. Uses size and physicality to out-body defenders for 50-50 balls. Shows timing and ability to high-point the ball. Strong, natural hands and ability to catch the ball away from his body. Good route runner with fluid change of direction and understanding of how to create separation. Still can get straight line faster. Gets downfield, but will not blow by defensive backs and does not currently make tons of plays after the catch. Could also project to defense with his size and skill set, but mainly projects as a true outside receiver and one that can play at a high level in college and then on Sundays if he keeps polishing his game.”
Louisville football is trying to continue its excellent pipeline of wide receivers, and perhaps Gates is the next piece.
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Gates isn’t the type of player who is going to get insane separation, but is a sure-handed freak of nature who can haul in catches in traffic.
If Louisville football is going to keep excelling in the passing game, the staff has to continue to land players of this caliber. Antonio Gates Jr. is certainly an important name to watch out for in the next recruiting cycle.
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