Michigan State football: Playing time odds for 2022 class offensive signees

Antonio Gates Jr., WR

WR room:

Losing: Jalen Nailor, Ian Stewart, Ricky White, CJ Hayes
Returning: Jayden Reed, Tre Mosley, Montorie Foster, Keon Coleman, Terry Lockett Jr., Christian Fitzpatrick, Cade McDonald, Sebastian Brown
Bringing in: Germie Bernard, Tyrell Henry, Jaron Glover

Antonio Gates Jr. (No. 314 nationally, No. 44 WR) is another talented wide receiver that Mel Tucker brought into the Michigan State football fold in his 2022 class. He is another player who could make some noise with the coaching staff during the summer months.

Unfortunately, Gates could not enroll early and that will hurt his chances of making a name for himself in the battle for WR3. I firmly believe Gates Jr. will establish himself throughout the summer months as a reliable option for the Spartans.

Due to the logjam at the receiver position, we might not see Gates onto the field until later in the season, when injuries and attrition will bring more chances for players to see the field on Saturdays.

Prediction

Gates Jr. will see the field this year, but likely in a role similar to what Keon Coleman was this last season. He will get a few snaps and I doubt he redshirts, but he will not be WR3. If Gates receives over 15 catches and 200 yards this season, he will have surpassed my expectations. Gates is another player who could see some action late in the season-opening games against Western Michigan and Akron. This season will be a season for Gates to make a name for himself, as Jayden Reed will be training for the NFL at this point next year.