The Blue Devils had two 1,000-yard rushers and a 1,000-yard passer behind Gaines, and he was rewarded for his efforts as a top-three finalist for the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards in Class 3-A for Lineman.

The winner of the award in his category was future Alabama and National Football League standout Don't'a Hightower of Marshall County.

The Blue Devils were the Region 4-3A co-champions in 2007 and finished 9-4 with a trip to the state quarterfinals in Class 3-A.

Gaines was named to the HBCU Huddle/College Sporting News All-American Team for 2012, his senior season.

Gaines was a part of a TSU offensive line that led the Ohio Valley Conference in rushing at 175.7 yards per game.