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Aaron Gates injury update: Latest on the Florida Gators DB

On3 imageby: Zach Abolverdi07/29/25ZachAbolverdi
Aaron-Gates-Florida-Gators
Florida defensive back Aaron Gates. (Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Multiple defensive backs for the Florida Gators suffered season-ending injuries last year, including STAR Aaron Gates. He hurt his knee in the final SEC game against Ole Miss and missed most of the spring, dressing out for some later practices in a non-contact jersey.

UF coach Billy Napier provided an update on Gates’ status on Tuesday. He was not listed by Napier as one of the players that will be limited in practice.

“Aaron is on schedule, obviously still in the brace a little bit. Anytime a guy is an ACL guy, as you get into training camp, we’ll be monitoring his volume closely, but he’s been a full participator here as of late,” Napier said.

“There will be a day or two where we’ll pull him. But, yeah, he’s had an incredible road back. I think he’s been a really good example to everybody of how you attack the rehab process. And looks great. So obviously a really good player for us.”

Gates finished last season with 27 tackles, 4.0 TFL, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, an interception and a quarterback hurry in nine games played with five starts. He emerged as one of Florida’s best players on defense.

“He has a pro mentality. He does everything at a pro level,” UF safeties coach Vinnie Sunseri said of Aaron Gates. “He shows up on time, he’s detailed in all of his rehabs, he’s detailed in his meetings, he does everything that he’s asked to do, and probably more that I don’t see sometimes and the way he carries himself, he does it in a really good way.

“I’m extremely excited to get him back. I’m extremely excited to get him healthy and really looking forward to working with him. … I love how tough he is, I love how smart he is. I love how he communicates, coverage, he attacks the runs. He’s an unbelievable football player.”

Gates, a redshirt sophomore, splits time at the STAR position with junior Sharif Denson. He recorded 37 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, two pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble and a QB hurry in 12 appearances last year with six starts.

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