Antonio Gates Jr. had a frantic finish to his spring semester.
Less than a week after final spring practice and not even five days after he entered the portal, the wide receiver and
son of former NFL star Antonio Gates Sr. has withdrawn his name from transfer
considerations to return to the Spartans, a team spokesman confirmed late Friday afternoon.
The third-year sophomore went through drills but did not participate in scrimmage activity in last Saturday’s
final MSU spring practice that was open to the public.
The 2022 four-star prospect and Free Press Dream Team selection out of Dearborn Fordson played in all 12 games
last season, predominantly on special teams, and finished with five receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
Antonio Gates, he’s been making a lot of plays. He’s a workaholic,” fellow MSU wide receiver Alante Brown said of Gates
on April 11. “And his history, his background with his father, I believe his mindset’s of, ‘He’s him.’ He’s trying to
make a name for himself, not just being under his father’s wing. So he’s definitely a workaholic. He’s been doing some good
things from release, his route running and deep balls.”