MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Raleigh Egypt High School student headed down the wrong path now has his head in the game.
Caleb Gates is a free safety for the Pharaohs.
“I started as a freshman and ever since then I’ve started,” said Gates.
It didn’t come easy though. Gates grew up in a single family home and in a neighborhood full of people making poor choices.
“It’s just bad crimes happen every day, and I try to stay away from it,” he said. “I think of positive things.”
That positive outlook was put to the test.
In May, his home caught fire, and he lost everything but the clothes on his back.
“I stayed at my cousin’s house. My mom stayed at my auntie’s. She got burnt in the fire, so she’s still trying to recover,” he said.
Gates came out stronger than ever.
The junior is now on track to be the first in his family to earn his diploma.
Gates said football helped him become dedicated in the classroom. Last year, he struggled to maintain a 2.0. This year he’s in honor classes.
His teachers and coaches bragged about him.
“When he made a decision to pursue everything with extreme determination, he became special,” said Coach Major Wright.
His team and classmates told WREG they are inspired by him.
Through it all, Gates has stayed focused.
Friday he’ll suit up and face Fayette Ware High.
Another obstacle Gates will face head on.
“When you have love for the game, you want to play the game,” he said.
Gates is already looking at colleges. He wants to be a police officer.
Going into Friday’s game, Raleigh Egypt is undefeated. The first time in recent memory.