In November 2015, Gates made his second career start against LSU in place of the injured Denzel Nkemdiche.
Gates finished with 14 tackles, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry and was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Week.
[3] He led the team in tackles from 2015 to 2017, becoming the first Ole Miss player to do so since Abdul Jackson from 1992 to 1994.
[4] After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL draft, Gates was signed by the Cleveland Browns on May 22, 2018.
[8] Gates joined the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football (AAF).
[16] He signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on December 17, 2020.
[24] On August 29, 2023, Gates was waived by the Bears and re-signed to the practice squad.
[28] On February 13, 2024, Gates re-signed with the Stallions, now with the United Football League (UFL).