Ole Miss Tackling Machine Turned NFL Journeyman
DeMarquis Gates dominated at Ole Miss from 2015-2017, leading the Rebels in tackles each year—capping with a monster 114-tackle senior season (SEC-best 70 solo, 13th in FBS)—the first Rebel to hit 100+ since Patrick Willis in 2006, showcasing elite pursuit, instincts, and tackling in 49 games (282 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 6 sacks). A 6'2", 221-lb 'draft sleeper' with explosive athleticism (34.5" vertical), his relentless motor and leadership shone in AAF (52 tackles, 5 FF lead), but limited NFL snaps with Bears highlight untapped depth potential for teams needing gritty, high-effort LB depth.
