2010 (Redshirt Junior): Yates played in 10 games for the Aggies at guard in 2010, starting seven games. On the season, he recorded 40 knockdowns, allowed four sacks and committed seven penalties. Yates tallied a season-high nine knockdowns against Kansas (Sept. 25). He then collected seven knockdowns versus in-state rival New Mexico (Oct. 9) and Idaho (Oct. 23). Yates helped the Aggies rush for 1,526 yards and eight touchdowns, while the NM State passing game threw for 2,009 yards and nine touchdowns. He blocked for Matt Christian who led the team with 1,372 yards passing and eight touchdowns, while blocking for the team's leading rusher in Kenny Turner, who recorded 461 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Yates helped block for running back Robert Clay as he recorded the Aggies' only 100-yard rushing game of the season versus LA Tech.
2009 (Junior): Yates was a redshirt during his first year at NM State.
College of the Canyons: Yates, a standout defensive lineman for the College of the Canyons, was named second team defense all-conference selection, after assisting the Cougars to a solid 12-1 record. One of two solid forces inside the line, the defensive lineman capped off the season with 21 tackles. Emerging in the latter part of the season, Yates led the way for the Cougars against Mt. SAC, in the championship game, with three tackles, three tackles-for-a-loss and a quarterback sack. Over his two year campaign, Yates helped the Cougars compile an overall record of 19-4.
High School: Yates was a 2007 graduate of Thousand Oaks High School, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., where he lettered in football all four years. As a senior, Yates led the Lancers to a 7-4 overall record and a 5-2 Marmonte section record, after racking up 23 tackles, which ranked him ninth on the team.
Personal: Yates is the son of Loyd Yates and Donna McLemore. He plans to major in criminal justice.
