Nate Gaines is a defensive guy through and through.
Even in this era of the Spread Offense where high-scoring games dominate the headlines, the UTSA senior safety's idea of excitement is stopping opponents from going on a scoring spree.
That was Gaines' passion at Mesquite Poteet High School and it has carried over to UTSA, where he has become a major contributor to the Roadrunners' defense, especially the past two seasons.
He was instrumental in helping the Roadrunners to their first bowl appearance a year ago. In the early part of this season, Gaines has continued to shine through a 3-0 start.
"I love playing defense," Gaines said. "I love the physicality, the pursuit. I love the anticipation. Defense is all about anticipation. Being on that side of the ball, you can really change the game.
"I know it's a cliché to say defense wins championships, but I really believe that. I take huge pride in the way we play here."
That pride is showing in a big way.
Going into today's Conference USA opener against Southern Mississippi, the Roadrunners have held opponents to less than 300 yards offense in five straight games dating back to last season and Gaines is heavily involved with eight tackles and an interception.
UTSA opened the season against Baylor, which has a reputation for putting points on the board at a rapid pace. Gaines, who got his pick in the contest, and the Roadrunners never let the Bears get on track, allowing just 274 yards of offense.
No doubt that performance, which led to UTSA's first victory against a team from a Power 5 Conference, was a confidence booster. Thanks to Gaines and the rest of his defensive teammates, strong performances followed in wins against Southern (51-17) and Texas State (44-14).
"After the Baylor game we realized we could do something special," Gaines said. "We're playing with a lot of confidence. Coach (Pete) Golding (defensive coordinator) and Coach (Patrick) Toney (safeties coach) are phenomenal. I love the schemes on defense.
"I feel more confident, but the guys around me make me better. We have multiple support. We all want to be the best. We have chemistry and continuity. We have depth from the young guys. We can put them in and not miss a beat."
Gaines brought impressive credentials to UTSA following a standout career at Poteet. However, the defensive back realized he had to carry his game to a higher level to make the same impact in NCAA Division I.
He got his feet wet by seeing action in 10 games as a freshman. Most of the action came on special teams, but it was enough to give Gaines an opportunity to show what he could do.
The following season, he started 10 games and picked off three passes while recording 76 tackles.
Gaines listened to his coaches and matured through game experience. A big helping hand came from teammate Triston Wade, who had established himself as one of UTSA's top defensive backs.
"Triston was always there for me," Gaines said. "He was always telling me to read my keys. He brought that physicality to me. He was a physical player and that's something I really looked up to when he was playing."
Last year was somewhat of a breakthrough season as Gaines recorded 80 tackles and eight pass breakups, along with an interception.
That set the tone for this season no doubt.
"Last year helped me elevate my game a lot," Gaines said. "It made me feel like there is a chance I could make it to the next level.
"It helped me from an emotional state. Football is one of my greatest passions. I think it all starts with you, not just on the football field, but you as a person. You have that confidence you're going to do well in school and on the football field."
The biggest lesson Gaines learned is keeping cool through pressure and being prepared for whatever comes his way.
"I think one of the main things that separates a good player from a great player is tenacious effort," Gaines said. "You have to see your keys and have great technique. A talented player isn't as good as a skilled player. You may not always be the most talented person on the field, but if you have the skills and technique you can match with any player in the country."
UTSA has done its share of moving forward the past two years. Things didn't go as well during Gaines' freshman and sophomore seasons as the Roadrunners stumbled through 4-8 and 3-9 records.
Frank Wilson became head coach after the 2015 season and brought new enthusiasm to the program. Gaines and his teammates bought into it and a turnaround took place.
Going to the Gildan New Mexico Bowl in 2016 was a major accomplishment. Now, the Roadrunners are looking to broaden their horizons.
UTSA is expected to contend for the C-USA title and Gaines believes the Roadrunners can live up to those preseason predictions.
"The No. 1 thing that changed was the culture," Gaines said. "To have that tenacious attitude to strive to be successful, that was the epitome of what coach Wilson wanted to change with this team.
"It's an incredible feeling to be one of the top teams. It's a real testimony to how hard we've worked and the expectations that are here."
Gaines has enjoyed a great ride at UTSA. However, becoming part of the Roadrunners was adventurous as well.
Gaines was set to play for former SMU coach June Jones after verbally committing to the Mustangs. Then, UTSA entered the picture.
At the time, Gaines had never heard of UTSA, but that didn't stop him from listening to what the coaches had to offer.
However, Gaines started doing research and liked what he saw. The true selling point was the family atmosphere.
"The main thing was the coaches called me nonstop," said Gaines, who also received attention from Oklahoma State. "They always wanted to talk to me. Something that separated UTSA from the other teams was what happened during basketball season.
"We were playing at Highland Park for the district championship. When we got on the court, there were five UTSA coaches in the stands watching me. It made me feel like it was a family culture. I'm a very family-oriented guy. It spoke to me on a lot of different levels."
Now, Gaines is showing his appreciation in a special way.
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