After two years at Michigan State, wide receiver Antonio Gates Jr. is set to make an impact at Delaware State University following his transfer announcement via Instagram. The son of NFL legend Antonio Gates Sr., Gates Jr. has decided to join head coach DeSean Jackson’s burgeoning roster as part of an impressive recruiting effort. “I had to kick the door Fr,” Gates Jr. said in his post announcing his move.
In his time with the Spartans, Gates Jr. played in 14 games, recording nine receptions for 131 yards, including a highlight 45-yard touchdown against Richmond during the 2023 season, which marked Michigan State’s longest-scoring pass play of the year. His performance as a standout four-star recruit from Fordson High School in Michigan earned him recognition as one of the nation’s top prospects.
Delaware State, known for its challenges in recent seasons, is coming off a disappointing 1-11 record in 2024 and has not had a winning season since 2012. However, Jackson’s hiring as head coach has infused new energy into the program. Gates Jr. is now the second Power Four transfer and the sixth transfer overall to commit since Jackson’s appointment, highlighting the momentum surrounding the Hornets’ future.
Jackson, a former NFL star wide receiver, will be introduced officially as the head coach at a press conference on Jan. 8th. As the Hornets aim to revitalize their football program, Gates Jr.’s addition can be seen as a crucial step towards unlocking potential in a run-heavy MEAC environment.