Gridiron Football Diamond In The Rough: Dorian Gates

Dorian Gates is a Class of 2022 Defensive End for Klein Oak High School in Spring, Texas. At 6’5” 215 lbs., Dorian has a premier build to relentlessly pursue to quarterback and make a play in the backfield. Dorian can often be seen stripping the ball out of the quarterback’s hands or making the big sack. Something that separates Gates from his peers is his ability to recognize the play. It seems like no matter what, Dorian makes the right decision that ultimately benefits his defense. Not to mention, he is almost impossible to block as he had 11 sacks last season in six games. Dorians skills translate over to the classroom as he currently has a 3.9 GPA. With his  elite  combination of size and speed, Dorian Gates is definitely a player to look out for in his senior season. Dorian already has offers from Vandy, UTSA, Tulane, and Toledo.

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Why did you choose to play football and when did you start? I started playing football when I was 8, it’s a big tradition in Texas, pure fun but I enjoy the. challenges it brings on a daily basis. It’s also a. good way to stay in shape.

What life skills has football taught you over time? I would say one of the most valuable skills I’ve learned is to just get back up, and to keep going.

Would you consider yourself a speed rusher, power rusher, or a run stopper? I would say to be more of a speed rusher and run stopper, because of my body type length and my twitchy explosiveness.

What’s your go to move to get past an offensive lineman? I love to dip and rip, never fails if you do it right.

What technique do you like to line up in? 5 technique allows me to play outside leverage and to keep contain of the pocket.

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What are some things you think about pre snap? Pre snap I’m looking how a tackle is lined up, his stance and where his weight is at.

I see you often looking over to the sideline to make adjustments are you a captain? I’m not a captain, but the defensive scheme we run has lots of communication and gives our defensive ends freedom.

Do you see yourself as more of a hard-hitting tackler, or a conservative one? I would say more of a conservative tackler.

What defensive scheme would best utilize your talents? Definitely a 4-2-5, I like playing in a one on one matchup.

What current or past player, do you think your game mirrors the most? Jason Pierre Paul, he can do it all, and is underestimated as a big dude.

How has throwing shot put and discus made you a better pass rusher? They have put an emphasis on body control, it’s all about putting your hips into the throws, plus it helps me get off.

Does your jersey number (30) hold any significance to you? I have been 30 my whole life, wanted to be 99 originally but it was taken.

What your favorite pre-game song to listen to? Most of the time, I listen to what the teams playing.

With your 3.9 GPA, how important do you consider your academics? Academics are very important to me, I come from a family that emphasizes that.

In your opinion, what is the best aspect of your game? Probably my get off, there’s been 3-4 games where the tackle has no chance against me.

How did Covid-19 impact your junior season? Covid-19 forced me to reevaluate my perception of football in a positive way, I’ve been more appreciative of what I have.

Going into your senior season, do you have any goals set? Vengeance, I had 11 sacks through 6 games, and I was given the 2 team all-district. I want to be 1st team all-district.

At the end of the day, who is someone you look up to? I look up to both of my parents, my mother and father both came from poverty and got through with hard work.

Describe a time where you were going through adversity, how did you get through it? Second semester of sophomore year, high school classes got harder to prepare for exams, especially because of the pandemic.

Finally, what are colleges going to get out of Dorian Gates? They are going to get Dorian Gates, a player who is dedicated, true to himself, and he is going to work every day to be the best player he can be.

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