A bit of a twist here as Antonio Gates Jr. removed his name by the end of the week. For former 4* will look to get back in the mix and work his way up the depth chart going into the 2024 season.
What this means for the WR room:
The position group is one of the thinnest and least experienced, with only one upperclassman in Montorie Foster. Having a player return with three years at MSU, albeit not much on-field production, is welcomed.
Smith has been clear that when a player enters the portal, he considers them out. Smith is selective when choosing who to fight to keep, and who he lets walk to open up scholarship space. So Smith welcoming Gates back is a sign they want him in the room and belive in his development long term.
I hope this isn't a sign they aren't pursuing portal WRs hard or don't like their chances with those they are linked to. Including AUB transfer Ja'Varrius Johnson.
Where does Gates stand:
Foster, Glover, and Marsh are likely ahead of Gates. And insiders like Justin Thind are high on Aziah Johnson. Gates is likely battling for WR3-5 range right now. And it will get more competitive if we can add the immediate starter WR we need from the portal.
What Gates brings to the table:
At 6-2 /195 he's on the bigger end of the WR size spectrum in the room. With Marsh being the only one taller at 6-3.
Gates played 175 snaps across all 12 games in 2023. His stats were nothing special: 5 receptions for 82 yards and 1 TD. He did have the longest-scoring pass play of the season, a 45-yard TD.
Some blame can be placed on poor quarterback play and a bad offensive scheme. At the very least, he should be in a better position with Chiles at quarterback, a better RB room to set up the pass and play-action, another offseason under his belt, and a better scheme.
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