Name: Michael Bates Jr
School: Michigan Technological University
Position: S
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Goals I set out for my senior season were 1.) be elected captain 2.) make sure I impact a younger plays career in a positive way, and 3.) be all conference. Thankfully, I was able to achieve all of these goals.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
Coaches and teammates would say I’m another coach on the field from an IQ standpoint but I possess the athleticism to play any coverage that’s called and also have the strength to be physical in the run game.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When studying film, in order to improve my game, I direct my focus on tendencies and how our respective schemes align with those tendencies thus allowing me to be the most effective on the field. Schemes will lie to you but a player’s habits never will.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other pro prospects would first be my football IQ, I’ve played a lot of football and always been a student of the game. Secondly, I would say my physical strength. I don’t believe a lot of other defensive backs can replicate my demonstrations of physical strength while still maintaining the speed, quickness, and flexibility to play the position.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
In terms of an off-season plan, I’m going to do what I’ve always done. Work hard and make sure I make any gains possible to separate myself from the competition.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I believe I bring an intense leadership aspect to a team. I’ve had many teammates and I think they would all say that I go by the book, do things how the are expected to be done if not better, and present a persona that others desire to replicate. I’m a “team first” type of player and would definitely provide value to any locker room.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to the NFL would be: I feel I’m a different type of prospect. I play ball because I love to play the game. I want to play for the guy standing next to me, and winning together is the only thing that matters. I don’t want to play for the money or the fame, or because I couldn’t do anything else. The only thing I want from this game is to learn from and compete with the best all while winning football games. My pops played in the league and he told me if you’re a dawg they’ll find you, now I’m just waiting on the call.
