Jake Bates caught plenty of eyes with his ability to knock down long-range field goals while suiting up for the UFL’s Michigan Panthers.
The Detroit Lions wasted little time signing him at the conclusion of the spring season, adding him ahead of the start of training camp. However, for all of his prowess when it comes to kicking from deep, there’s a another trait that seems to be resonating with coach Dan Campbell.
Bates hit all four of his field goal attempts Saturday, including a 43-yard attempt to win the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was an example of the confidence that the kicker exudes, which has caught Campbell’s attention throughout training camp.
“I was fired up. I needed to see that. Quite frankly, I felt like he would drill that,” Campbell said after the Lions’ 24-23 win. “It’s little things. You’ve got to be careful, but we had this fowling championship the other day, right? He’s in the championship and he makes two critical throws in crunch time and no it’s not kicking, but yet there’s something about this kid that’s intriguing. He’s got a little bit of confidence to him, he’s got a little bit of something. You always memory bank those things that come up.”
