2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ovurton Gates, DB, Faulkner University

• Name: Ovurton Gates
• Position: DB
• College: Faulkner University 
• Height:5′ 11″
• Weight:175 lbs
• Twitter:@OvurtonG11
• Instagram: @Ovurtongates

1.What sets you apart from other defensive backs? 

Being a hard worker and my IQ on the field sets me apart from others. My way of staying disciplined on the field and not overthinking. Knowing where I am on the field and what routes are coming. My ability to stay on the receiver with speed and my ability to cover anywhere on the field. I’m here to play ball and win games.

2. What are your favorite moments from your football life? 

My favorite moments are when I was in high school watching my brothers work. I had fun on and off the field, and coming together is willing to do whatever it takes to win. The friendships were awesome. Just having the teamwork together and building memories are the best moments. 

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

I would like to hang out with Darius Slay. He is just an elite corner and can play outside and inside. I model my game after him in so many ways. I do feel as our styles of performance is similar. 

4. What are your favorite things about playing football for Faulkner? 

Playing football at Faulkner is amazing. My favorite thing is playing for my Head Coach Rob Gray. He is a father figure to me and stays with me every day. It’s not just about football it’s 50/50 with him.  It’s more about life after football. Also playing with my teammates those guys will give you their all on that field and they are some characters off the field. 

5. What should we know about Ovurton Gates the person? 

As a person, I’m a chilled guy. I love to have fun and joke around. I’m really not a party guy, and I love having a good time with my family. God and family are the most important to me because without them I have no clue where I would be today. 

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

It was a big decision for me growing up choosing what sport I really wanted to play. I also enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. I really never wanted to play football growing up. I was scared to death out there. I chose football because of the way it shapes you into a man. There’s a lot of lessons in football. Football helps you grow as an adult and teaches you discipline. I never thought I would be as good as I am. 

7. How do you prepare for games? 

My routine is very simple. I wake up and thank God for a new day! I have my music blasting on the tv while getting ready that day. I’m the last one to walk into the locker room. While listening to any Memphis rapper. This year is going to be a little different my playlist will be of my Cousin/Best friend Kison Cole who passed away May 31st. I’ll be the last one to leave the locker room before kickoff, because I have to be by myself praying, and the last one to run through the tunnel. 

8. What is your favorite workout? 

My favorite workout would have to be drills outside. Working on my technique. As a cornerback, technique is the most important thing there is on the field. One mess up and you’re beat. So working on my craft is my favorite. 

9. What is a moment that improved you as a football player? 

My sophomore year of Junior College. I got way too comfortable coming in that year. My defensive coordinator changed that quickly. I learned how to practice and played with a chip on my shoulder that year. He humbled me in so many ways. 

10. What would a team get in a player like you? 

The main thing a team would get out of me is discipline, respect, and dedication. Someone who will give 100% every time I hit the field and make sure I can do whatever it takes to make my team win. A player that’s willing to get in on special teams. Most importantly a guy that’s going to have his priorities in line. 

11. What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season? 

This upcoming season I’m looking forward to being a team player first. Helping our team win ball games. I want to break records this year. I want to win a ring. I want to be an All-American and All-Conference guy. I’m going all in and making it the best season. 

12. What do you love about the game of football?

Football is most definitely a man’s sport. What I love about it is the physical part of it, because you get to hit on players and not get in trouble for it. Football shapes you into a man real quick. There are so many ways that football teaches you discipline.