Jabari Bates brings explosive, home-run juice to San Jose State’s backfield
In the 2025 season, Bates showed big-play ability in a small sample, averaging 7.1 yards per carry with 192 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 27 carries before an undisclosed injury ended his year early. His best differentiator is burst: he has enough quickness and edge to turn limited touches into chunk gains, and his 5-foot-7 frame gives him a low center of gravity that can help him slip contact. The concern is durability, but if healthy, he profiles as a useful change-of-pace RB who can stress defenses with speed and explosiveness.
