Scotty Yates came to A&M-Commerce at the start of the 2016 season. He coaches cornerbacks and is also Associate Director of Football Operations.
During the 2016 season, the Lions led the LSC and were fourth in the nation with 23 interceptions. Nine different defensive backs recorded at least one interception on the season. This bolstered the Lion defense that led all of Division II in takeaways with a staggering 38 takeaways. The Lions also led the conference and were second in the nation with seven defensive touchdowns and led the conference in scoring defense. Yusef Sterling-Lowe led the team with four interceptions and led the LSC with two interception returns for touchdowns.
Under Yates, Uriah Harris was named LSC Defensive Back of the Year as well as receiving Second Team All-Super Region and First Team All-LSC honors. Sterling-Lowe received All-LSC Honorable Mention recognition.
