IN HIGH SCHOOL: Krys Cates was the Most Valuable Player and team captain for the Cocke County High School football squad where he lettered four years under head coach Greg Hacker. A versatile athlete, he has also lettered four years on the basketball team and three times in track, and was conference champion in both the long jump and the high jump. On the gridiron, he played eight different positions, and was a threat every time he touched the ball. As a quarterback, runningback, receiver and return specialist, he piled up 14 total touchdowns in 2011 including seven on punt and kick returns. In all, he gained 1,680 all-purpose yards as a senior, and was a first-team all-state selection. He was invited to participate in two all-star games, and played in the East-West All-Star contest.

PERSONAL: Born January 28, 1994... he is the son of Denae Cates... majoring in general computer engineering.