He previously played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones and for the Memphis Tigers.
[1] Coming out of high school, Scates was rated as a four star recruit, where he decided to commit to play college football for the Iowa State Cyclones.
[11] In week eleven of the 2023 season, Scates caught the game winning touchdown versus South Florida.
[12] In Scates final collegiate season in 2023 he played in 12 games hauling in 33 receptions for 414 yards and six touchdowns.
[18] On December 6, 2024, Scates signed with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League (UFL).