Gates attended University of Louisville, where he split carries with Eric Shelton (Panthers) and finished his college career with 310 rushing attempts for 1,475 yards (4.8 yards per rushing attempt average) and 20 rushing touchdowns, 40 receptions for 469 yards (11.7 yards per receiving average) and 2 receiving touchdowns, and 6 kickoff returns for 92 yards (15.33 yards per kick return average).