Michigan State football: Antonio Gates Jr. receiving major praise

Antonio Gates Jr. was one of the early Michigan State football players receiving praise from Jonathan Smith this spring.

We’re a couple of weeks into spring ball and Michigan State football fans are eager to hear any good news regarding certain players or position groups.

Fortunately for them, Jonathan Smith spoke to the media on Tuesday about the state of the team this spring and who’s been standing out. He mentioned that the tight end room has a lot of depth, spoke highly of punter Ryan Eckley, and then praised some of his receivers.

One receiver, however, seemed to stand out the most to Smith this spring. And it’s someone who fans have been waiting on to break out.

Smith said that redshirt sophomore Antonio Gates Jr. has been making a lot of plays so far. Also mentioned Alante Brown and Montorie Foster Jr.

— Kenny Jordan (@Kenny_Jordan5) April 2, 2024

Antonio Gates Jr. didn’t see the field a ton under Mel Tucker, committing in the 2022 class and redshirting before playing minimally in 2023 and catching five passes for 82 yards a touchdown. But to hear from Smith that he’s been standing out is refreshing. This just shows that he does have the talent to compete at this level, he probably just needed the trust from his head coach. He might just be getting that this spring.

Maybe motivation was lacking a bit under Mel Tucker as well. When you’re a former blue-chip recruit and you don’t see the field a ton, you end up getting in your own head. That could’ve been the case with Gates. But he’s getting a fresh start with Smith.

If the 6-foot-2, 195-pound son of NFL legend Antonio Gates can live up to his potential this season, Aidan Chiles is going to have yet another talented target to throw to. He already has Jack Velling, Montorie Foster Jr., Alante Brown, Nick Marsh, and Jaron Glover. Add in Gates and you have a group of pass-catchers that could contend with just about anyone in the Big Ten.

Keep an eye on Gates as a breakout candidate.