The Dolphins lightning fast weapon

Wide receiver Clyde Gates was drafted by the Miami Dolphins this year in the fourth round. Although he hasn’t done much for the team so far, his combination of catching and speed will soon show as he becomes a more active player. The team has high hopes for him as a receiver and a returner.

Gates had the fastest 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Combine and his coach finds that kind of speed as a way to improve the team’s offense. With Gates' catching skills and his immense speed he can easily get down the field and make a big play as a wide receiver. He can also use his speed to his advantage while returning punts.

Before Gates was with the Dolphins he played for Abilene Christian where he had a season of 66 passes for a total of 1,182 yards and 13 touchdowns. At first, he was hesitant to join the football team(he wanted to play basketball), but with some persuading by his cousin he agreed to join the team. Even with no high school football experience, Gates did an amazing job in a Division II team.

Gates is at a clear disadvantage in the NFL. Not only was he in a Division II college football team, but he wanted to play basketball more than football. Gates is going to have trouble adjusting to this new level of competition.. "It's different playing receiver on this level. Everything is a little faster. I've got to stay in my books."

Gates currently has played a total of seven games, with only eight receiving yards and only one solo tackle. He hasn’t made a huge difference offensively or defensively so far, but he still has time to improve. “It’s a lot of learning," said Gates, “I’m trying to take as many mental reps as possible watching the veteran guys.”

The team sees Gates as a persistent player as he keeps pushing no matter how tough the challenge. "He competes. He don't back down from nothing," cornerback Vontae Davis said. The Dolphins need an explosive player that can get to the downfield quick for a good play and the team hopes that Gates will deliver just that.