Gates, a 6-foot-2, 211-pound freshman linebacker from Hampton, Georgia, was a 4-star coming out of high school, but missed his senior season with a torn ACL. Defensive coordinator Dave Wommack said early on that he was surprised by how physical and fast Gates was given the fact the Gates sat last year. But the injury has not slowed Gates at Ole Miss one bit, and he has been a recipient of compliments from coaches throughout camp. With Denzel Nkemdiche sitting the Boise State game for disciplinary reasons dating back to last spring, it's possible Gates sees significant snaps in the opener playing behind or with starter Serderius Bryant depending on the package Wommack is running.
The praise for Gates, along with fellow freshman Marquis Haynes, continued after Wednesday's practice.
"I continue to be impressed with DeMarquis Gates and Marquis Haynes," Freeze said. "I really think those guys are going to add some length and quickness to us on defense.”
Freeze also officially named Ben Still the starter at center. Still had been competing with Robert Conyers for the position. Freeze said the decision to go with Still at center was more about the flexibility Conyers gives the Rebels as a backup tackle. Conyers' ability to play center and tackle will likely result in a lot of playing time for him this season.
With the naming of Still as the starting center, the starting offensive line is now set:
Laremy Tunsil - left tackle
Aaron Morris - left guard
Still - center
Justin Bell - right guard
Fahn Cooper - right tackle
Those five guys won't be the flashiest. Offensive linemen never are. But they just may be the most important players on the team.
More from Freeze after Wednesday's practice: