Gates is a versatile defensive back for the Wolverines. He plays tough at both outside corner and deep safety. He anticipates well and, in turn, breaks on the ball quickly. That allows him to make plays on the ball and gets him to the ball carrier while coming downhill. Gates does a nice job tackling – especially in the open field. He is not just a ‘dive at their ankles’ tackler. He is a physical tackler who is not afraid of contact. When playing deep safety, he has the speed to get from sideline to sideline. He has good length for a defensive back, which makes the ground he can cover much better.