James Oates is a long, lean linebacker with upside and room to grow at Gardner-Webb
In the 2025 season, James Oates appeared in limited action for Gardner-Webb and posted 5 total tackles, showing early special-teams/rotation value rather than big-volume production. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, the 2026 roster lists him as a redshirt sophomore, giving him a rare frame for a linebacker and clear developmental appeal for teams that like length, range, and upside. He looks like a fit for a program willing to coach up a project defender who can add strength, sharpen his instincts, and become a disruptive second-level piece.
