James Bates played middle linebacker for Steve Spurrier's Florida Gators , where he captained the defense of in their 1996 Bowl Alliance National Champion season. James was named to the All SEC squad that year after making 125 tackles, 51 solo. James also declared himself to be Zack Piller's wrestling manager, and if he had the opportunity, he would have also co-starred with Eric Kresser in a Brian Bosworth movie.
