Florida defensive back Aaron Gates is set to return for the Gators’ season opener against Long Island on August 30 at The Swamp, a 7 p.m. kickoff on SEC Network+. The redshirt sophomore, who is listed at 6-foot, 198 pounds, suffered a torn ACL on November 23, 2024 at Ole Miss, an injury that typically requires up to a year to heal.
Gates was cleared at the start of fall camp and is expected to play in the opener. He described the rehab as a team effort with the UF training staff and said he focused on pushing himself without rushing the process. He began fall camp wearing a brace but has moved to a sleeve, noting he might wear the sleeve in game situations depending on how he feels.
The backstory behind the recovery is underscored by Gates’ approach. After the ACL tear, he tackled rehab with the same intensity he brings to opponents, progressing from off feet in the first three months to single-leg squats and leg raises in the following phase. Gates has risen from a similar ACL setback during his senior year at Trinity Christian High in Georgia in 2022, which he says helped him handle a second rehab mentally.
What Gates means to the Florida defense
Gates’ return is a welcome development for a Florida unit aiming to move forward under head coach Billy Napier. He was one of UF’s top playmakers in the secondary when the injury occurred, finishing the 2024 season with 27 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception.
Recruited as a cornerback, Gates has been used as a versatile star defender—an up position that supports the run and can slide into nickel coverage when needed. Napier noted Gates’ ability to play all five positions in the secondary, saying he’s big, physical, and capable of handling multiple roles, including time at safety and star in this year’s defense.
Key context for the season
– Gates’ versatility gives UF flexibility in nickel and dime packages, potentially easing matchups against dynamic offenses.
– His return comes as Florida aims to improve a defense entering its fourth season under Napier.
– UF’s opener also serves as a chance to gauge Gates’ progress early in a year that could hinge on depth in the back end.
Summary
Aaron Gates’ return from a torn ACL represents a significant boost for Florida’s secondary as the Gators begin the 2025 season. His proven playmaking ability, combined with Napier’s expectation that Gates can contribute at multiple positions, provides valuable depth for a defensive unit looking to take a positive step forward.
Additional note
If you’re following UF football, Gates’ forward progress and how the coaching staff rotates the secondary could be a key storyline throughout the opening weeks of the season.