Ole Miss Football: DeMarquis Gates Makes Statement In AAF Debut

Most Ole Miss football fans weren’t really surprised to see DeMarquis Gates have a huge game in his debut for the Memphis Express in the new AAF.

This past weekend some Ole Miss football fans were watching as four former Rebels made their AAF debuts with the Memphis Express. Former Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates was one of those players and started at LB for the Express in their loss to Birmingham Sunday in the season opener.

Those of us who watched the game may have been surprised by the outcome but none were surprised by the performance of Gates. Coached by NFL legend linebacker Mike Singletary the Express came up short but it wasn’t because of Gates who had a very impressive season opener.

Gates Stats

Ole Miss Rebels

DeMarquis Gates led the Memphis Express with 10 solo tackles and behind a couple of very big hits also forced 2 fumbles in the game against the Iron. Both fumbles were recovered by the Express. It’s easy to see why he led the Rebels in tackles while he was in Oxford.

During his four years with the Rebels Gates led in tackles for 3 consecutive seasons totaling 282 over his Ole Miss career with 163 solos and 17.5 tackles for loss. Gates also had 6 sacks, 9 pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.

A native of Hampton, Georgia DeMarquis Gates was rated as a 4* LB prospect out of Lovejoy High School despite being forced to sit out his senior season with a knee injury. Gates dedication and talent was enough to land him in Oxford where he thrived. The Rebels picked up a great player in Gates and now the Express have.

We will be following DeMarquis Gates throughout the rest of the Memphis Express season and we expect to see more outstanding play from a true Rebels great. Good luck the rest of the season DeMarquis and GO EXPRESS! Hotty Toddy!