Billy Napier shares encouraging update on Florida DB Aaron Gates recovering from injury
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Florida coach Billy Napier had regarding a key Gator defender’s return from injury.
Aaron Gates had his redshirt freshman season cut short by an ACL injury in the win over Ole Miss. On Tuesday, Napier had high praise for how the 3rd-year defensive back has handled rehabilitation from the injury.
“Aaron’s on schedule. Obviously still in the brace a little bit,” Napier said during Tuesday’s press conference. “And you know, any time a guy’s an ACL guy, as you get into training camp we’ll be monitoring his volume closely. But, he’s been a full participator here as of late. But, you know, there’ll be a day or two where we’ll pull him.
“But yeah, he’s had an incredible road back. I think he’s been a really good example to everybody of how you attack the rehab process and looks great. So, obviously a really good player for us.”
Even playing in only 9 games, 2024 was a breakout season for Gates. He finished the season 5th on the team in tackles for loss with 4. He totaled 27 total tackles, including 14 solo stops. Gates had 3 pass breakups on the year and snagged the first interception of his career in the Georgia game.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
