
Lake Bates is a rising, physical safety with real Louisiana grit
Lake Bates enters the 2026 season as a redshirt sophomore safety for Louisiana, listed at 5-11, 190, and he’s already shown he can be a reliable, hard-nosed tackler after logging 22 tackles in 2025 with no interceptions or pass breakups. His profile points to a steady, assignment-sound defender more than a flashy ball hawk, with value in run support and consistency. For a team looking for toughness, local toughness, and a safety who plays with urgency and knows how to finish plays, Bates absolutely has fit potential.





