Getting to Know: Nick Gates
8/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 25, 2010
Leading up to the start of the 2010 football season, TulsaHurricane.com will run profiles on football student-athletes. Today's feature is senior offensive lineman Nick Gates.
Entering his final season for the Tulsa football team, senior offensive lineman Nick Gates reflected on his first time seeing the field as a walk-on freshman. The game was at Army in 2007, a 49-39 Tulsa victory. When center Jody Whaley hurt his hand, Gates, a redshirt to that point, was inserted in his place.
"They told me they wanted to redshirt me, so I got kind of comfortable," Gates said. "But out of nowhere the starting center hurt his hand, so I had to hop in there."
He went from a redshirt to a true freshman on the field at Michie Stadium, but he did not even have time to think about what he was doing, or to get nervous.
"It was kind of quick and out of the blue, so I didn't have time to be nervous or anything. I was just thrown into the fire."
He also played in the GMAC Bowl that season, and earned a scholarship as a sophomore. He played through the 2008 season as a backup, seeing action in seven games. When Gates finally earned his first start on the road against Oklahoma in 2009, he felt much more ready than he had been when he was thrown into the game at Army as a true freshman.
"I was pretty prepared - the coaches do a great job of preparing us," said Gates, "but I wasn't prepared for how loud it was there. I couldn't really hear. Those fans were pretty loud, especially on third downs and when we got in the redzone."
That did not matter much to Gates at the time. He was simply concerned with doing his part to help the team.
"That's all we ever think about up front," he said. "Just do your part and everyone else do theirs. Everyone was coached well, so I was too nervous or too worried. I was just excited."
Now, entering his final season - with a business management degree in hand, and starting the MBA program - Gates has the same mentality he always has about his role on the team.
"I'm just going to do the best that I can and help the team in any way that I can."
More about Nick Gates
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
Favorite Sports Movie: Little Giants
Favorite TV Show: "Modern Family"
Game Show He Wants to Appear on: Survivor
Favorite NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys
Shoe Size: 15
