2015 (Junior): Played in six games, mostly on special teams and as a defensive substitution ... Recorded seven tackles including two solos tops ... Posted a career-high five tackles at Tennessee (Sept. 19) ... Credited with a quarterback hurry ... Was forced to end his playing career for concussion-related health issues ... Stayed on as a student assistant through the remainder of the season.
2014 (Sophomore): Played in 10 of the team’s 12 games, appearing on special teams and as a defensive substitution … Recorded six tackles including a pair of solo stops … Posted a then career-high two tackles against The Citadel (Oct. 25) … Playing for the Gold squad, recorded four tackles while also forcing and recovering a fumble in one motion, returning it into the red zone for his offense in WCU’s annual Spring Game.
2013 (Freshman): Played in 11 of WCU's 12 seasonal games as a defensive reserve at linebacker and on special teams ... Made his collegiate debut against ACC-foe, Virginia Tech ... Credited with two tackles on the season - assists at Virginia Tech and at Appalachian State ... Made an athletic move in coverage to record an interception to accompany four tackles in WCU's annual Spring Game.
Prior to Western Carolina: Named first team All-State in Georgia's highest classification (Class AAAAAA) as a senior, guiding Norcross High to a 15-0 record and the 2012 state championship ... Posted two double-digit tackle games during the state playoffs for the Blue Devils including 18 stops against Colquitt County and 15 tackles in a win over Camden County High ... Recorded 183 total tackles including 117 solo stops as a senior ... Credited with four pass breakups, two sacks, two forced fumbles, three quarterback hurries and a blocked punt in his final year as a prep ... Was an All-County selection by the Gwinnett Touchdown Club ... Additionally handled punting duties for Norcross High, posting a 33.7 average including a season-long 47 yarder ... Tallied 110 total tackles as a junior.
Personal: Is the son of Laura Tate and Tom Tate.
