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WATCH: Gators intercept Carson Beck for 2nd time, leading to more points

79417-removebg-preview (1)by:Corey Bender•11/02/24•

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Florida DB Aaron Gates. (Jordan Herald/@GatorsFB)

Just a few plays after DJ Lagway connected with Aidan Mizell to put Florida ahead, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck was then intercepted for the second time, this time by defensive back Aaron Gates.

For Gates, a Georgia native and former 4-star prospect, that marked his first career interception. He has a reputation for his sure tackling in the open field but is making a strong impression in coverage today.

Most importantly though, that interception led to more points for the Gators, as kicker Trey Smack connected from 32 yards out to put Florida ahead 10-3 with 7:22 left in the first half.

“The thing I respect about Aaron, this guy’s a high achiever,” Gators DC Austin Armstrong said earlier this year. “He gets a chance to play at the University of Florida and he tears his ACL like one of his first high school games of his senior year. So that’s a pretty challenging thing, and to be able to come back from that.

“And then the thing that gets unspoken about with him, we moved the guy to safety last year. He plays safety in practice, and we were going to redshirt him due to his circumstance. The guy’s not asked one time, ‘Why are you doing this? Why are you doing that?’ It’s, ‘I just want to play Coach.’”

Gates committed early in his recruiting process as the first pledge in UF’s 2023 class. He stuck with the Gators through the coaching change with Billy Napier despite a late push from Michigan and former coach Jim Harbaugh.

Now, the versatile defender is making his presence felt in a major way on the biggest stage.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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