Sophomore rover JERRY "BOOBOO" GATES is a native of Middletown, Ohio. This season Gates ranks third on the team in tackles with 24, including two tackles for loss. He also has an interception, one pass broken up and one forced fumble. On special teams Gates has returned nine kickoffs a total of 280 yards for an average of 31.1 yards per return. Gates was named MAC East Division special teams player of the week after returning seven kickoffs 233 yards, including a 77-yard return. That yardage total was a single-game school record.
Why did you choose BGSU? I loved [the guys who would become] my teammates.
What is your favorite sports memory at BGSU? Starting at Michigan last year.
Do you have any superstitions? No.
What is your motto? Win the MAC.
How would you describe yourself as a high school player? Great leader and players.
What is the most important attribute in your sport? Desire, fortitude, sport experience, and fierce talent.
Who is your favorite athlete? Eric Berry (safety for the Kansas City Chiefs), because I feel we have the same feel for the game.
OFF THE FIELD
What is your favorite restaurant in BG? BW3's. Favorite meal? Wings.
What is your major? Sports marketing. Why did you choose it? I wanted to do something in sports.
What has been your favorite class at BGSU? Math, because I love to do math.
What professor at BG has influenced you the most? Ashley Baker, because she's always someone I can talk to.
What is your favorite place to go for vacation? Miami, because I love the beach!
What is your favorite thing to do away from sports? Chill with my teammates.
What is your favorite song in your iPod? "She Will" by Lil Wayne.
If you could switch places with someone for a day, who would you choose? Bill Gates, so I could be rich!
Who do you admire most? My brother, Terry Gates, because he's someone I can always talk to.
ON YOUR TEAM, WHO ...
Has the best chance of becoming President? Steve Dunlap.
Tells the best jokes? DeMark Jenkins.
Does the best impersonation of your coach? D.J. Lynch.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE ABOUT YOURSELF
In 10 years, I hope to be ... in the NFL.
The three words I think best describe me are ... funny, leader, player.
If I could ask my coach one question, it would be ... Why are we not a Nike team (laughs)?
Before I graduate, I want to ... Win a MAC championship.
Nobody knows that ... I lost my daddy when I was a senior in high school.
