2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Lionel Gates, DB, Augsburg University

• Name: Lionel Gates
• Position: DB
• College: Augsburg University
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 195 lbs
• Twitter: @gates2lionel
• Instagram: @kinggates_

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

The reason I decided to become a football player was because of my uncle peanut. When we would go visit him in Chicago, we would always go watch his games when he played in high school and my grandad always said he wanted us to play so I played.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Have many favorite moments but I guess my favorite moment was playing my last high school game in the snow against Blaine. It was so much fun even though we had lost but just being able to run around with my friends was the best. 

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I would say my mom, she taught me how to work hard to get what you want. Though it might not come on your first try just keep going and don’t stop.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

This upcoming season, I am looking to get all-conference, some awards and a championship. I would love to have a chance to play at the U.S. Bank stadium before I am done with college.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Sean Taylor, I love the way he played, his life ended so early that we couldn’t really see what he could really be but to have hung out with him for a day and picked his brain, it would be awesome. 

What are your favorite things about playing football for Augsburg?

Being able to have the connection when I am done playing football, also having friends I can invite to my wedding. 

What should we know about Lionel Gates the person?

People should know that I am a hard worker. I dedicate my time to helping my teammates become a better version of themselves. Also, I am a very caring person and I am an auto mechanic, I also work on boats (inboard-outboard only).

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I like the 2-4-5 having as many dbs on the field as possible.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Well sometimes it can be hard keeping football on the field and life at home. Some days it can get to you but how I deal with it, is taking walks, playing the game, working out, playing with my dog Leila and praying. But, I always keep a smile on my face when you see me because I don’t let what happens to me at home or on the field impact me in a bad way that would hurt other people. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a hard worker, dedicated person who shows up to everything when we don’t have to. I will ask a LOT of questions so when I’m in any situation I know what to do. I will be in the community helping the younger kids trying to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. But most importantly just be me and that’s a nice person to whomever I come across. 

What stands out about your film the most?

Being able to make tackles, being able to read the football player. Just having a good sense of what is coming next on whatever down it is and being physical.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

This is a hard question because I played with a lot of underrated players, I would say my brother Dre, was a good running back. He was fast, he’ll put you on your back, etc all around best but he gave it up. If he would’ve kept playing he would be a monster. Hey, what I can say is he would’ve been a better football player than me.