University of Memphis wide receiver Joe Scates is a great example of what Memphians want to see in their sports teams. He’s proven to have grit. He’s had to grind to get to this point in his career and he plays for not only his team but the city.
It's hard to imagine him anywhere but the Bluff City, but that wasn't always the case. In fact, for Friday's AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Scates and the Tigers will face off against his former team.
Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, Scates dreamed of playing college football, and Iowa State gave him that opportunity in 2019.
Two years later he transferred to the play for Ryan Silverfield and now he will play his final college game against the team where his journey began.
We asked Scates if he feels like this game means more to him because of his history with Iowa State.
“Definitely, I know that it means more to me and my teammates knowing me and knowing my past, they know that it means more to me,” Scates replied.
Scates said the past is in the past and he is thankful for Iowa State. But he does want to show ISU head coach Matt Campbell what he missed out on.
"Nothing too personal, no hatred but its kind of like, 'You get to see what you was missing out on coach,'” Scates said. “I always told myself that I wanted to play Iowa State. When I first came here last year, I said that would be lit if we ended up playing Iowa State. And what do you know, In my final college game, playing against my former school. It’s crazy.”
Scates used what he learned as both a man and a player over his three seasons at Iowa State and used those skills to make a name for himself at Memphis.
Since he joined the Tigers for the 2022 season, he has become a household name in the Bluff city.
Scates pulled in 18 catches for 412 yards, averaging 22 yards per catch in 2022.
This past season the dynamic wideout became one of quarterback Seth Henigan’s most reliable receivers.
He made 30 catches for 339 yards and pulled in five touchdowns.
Scates said this is the most special football team he has played on. Now he wants to end his collegiate career by making history in Memphis.
“We making history and like I said, I’m just blessed to be a part of this team,” Scates said. “This is the 2023 Memphis team and I’m looking forward to making history with these guys on December 29th.”
Scates declared for the NFL draft earlier this week.
An impressive performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl could catch the eye of some NFL scouts and next season we could see Scates playing on Sunday.
Either way, the talented wide receiver from Dayton, Ohio has left his mark on this Memphis program.
