Memphis Blast Secure Their Quarterback of the Future With Recent Signing

by Raven Moore

Memphis,Tenn-As the Memphis Blast gear up for their 20^th season, they’ve been looking to add new talent and look to have hit the jackpot with their latest addition.

Of their most recent signings, 22-year old quarterback, Chakel Gates stands as the most acclaimed of the additions. The Calhoun City native has experience playing college ball at Itawamba Community College and then spending his final three seasons at Mississippi College.

During that time, Gates played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back. While at Mississippi College, he had 1,488 career yards from scrimmage and averaged 55.1 yards per game.

With the Blast, he’s anticipated to play quarterback, but believes that he brings so much more to the team than just his ability to pass the ball.

“I bring great leadership,” Gates said. “I’m also very athletic and my playmaking ability can help to make this team a threat.”

Fans may be getting excited about what Gates can bring to the team, but Blast General Manger, Raven Moore, hopes that his presence can lead to wins.

“He will be a great asset,” Moore said. “He will bring so many attributes to the table that will hopefully translate to wins on the field.”

Though Gates didn’t grow up following the Blast, the opportunity to play for the Memphis cornerstone arose when it was recommended to him by a friend.

“To my future teammates, I look forward to playing with you all,” Gates said. “To the fans this is going to be a great year. I can’t wait to get started.”

CHOCTAW RETURNER

2017
started all 10 games for the Choctaws at wide receiver...finished 2nd on the team with 25 catches for 200 yards and a long of 33 yards...led the team with 19 kick returns for 521 yards, averaging 27.4 yards per return, which is the 5th-best mark in school history...the 521 yards ranks 9th in MC history...led the Choctaws with 72.1 all-purpose yards per game...had a season-high five catches for 35 yards in the win over Shorter...also had a season-high 149 kick return yards against the Hawks on four returns...tallied at least 79 kick return yards in each of the final five games of the season...put a season-high 183 all-purpose yards in the win over Shorter

2016
played in nine games, starting one for the Choctaws at wide receiver...finished 2nd on the team with 20 catches for 226 yards and a touchdown...had a long reception of 27 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per catch and 25.1 yards per game...returned three kickoffs for 39 yards with a long of 15 yards...caught a season-high 11 passes for 132 yards against West Florida...caught three passes for 29 yards and a score in the win over Cumberlands (TN)

BEFORE MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
played for head coach Sean Cannon at Itawamba Community College...played for head coach Perry Liles at Calhoun City High School

PERSONAL
son of Jason and Menisha Gates...born on June 23, 1997...undecided on major

ABOUT THE GDFL

The Gridiron Developmental Football League is a Professional Developmental Football League based in Memphis, Tennessee. This League was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment and to provide athletes the opportunity to participate in professional sports.

We are looking at partnering with national and local area businesses in our pursuit of excellence and commitment to our community. Our commitment, dedication, and vision are set on building a firm foundation for professionalism and quality. The Gridiron Developmental Football League continues to strive to provide a quality minor professional level of football throughout the United States and beyond giving area athletes and fans the opportunity be a part of history.

Our organization would like to thank you for your support. We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to “Making AN IMPACT” in our Community.

Fans can visit our website at www.gdfl.org for upcoming announcements, ticketing info, and player tryouts.

The GDFL Communications Office contributed to this article.