When Florida football redshirt sophomore defensive back Aaron Gates steps on the field for UF's opener against Long Island on Aug. 30 at The Swamp (7 p.m., SEC Network+), it will mark the end of an ardous, nine-month journey.

The 6-foot-0, 198 pound Gates suffered a torn ACL on Nov. 23, 2024 at Ole Miss, an injury that can take up to a year to fully heal.

But Gates was cleared at the start of fall camp and is projected to play in the Florida Gators opener against the Sharks.

"It's just been a team effort, working with the training staff downstairs," Gates said. "And I was just trying to push myself to get back as fast as I can, not trying to rush it, but just want to push myself as much as I can every day to get back. "

Gates was wearing a brace at the start of fall camp but is now

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