Hokie ClubSelected Virginia Tech ahead of:
Eastern Michigan, James Madison, Old Dominion and Temple
: ★★★ | 
: ★★★ | 
: ★★★
High School: Three-year starter at tight end and linebacker ... During his senior season in 2025, recorded 32 receptions for 486 yards and six touchdowns ... On defense, tallied 32 tackles, five sacks, and five forced fumbles ... As a junior in 2024, registered 47 receptions for 567 yards and five touchdowns ... Was named First Team All-Catholic, and First Team All-State ... Co-led La Salle College to the combined 28-7 record spanning his sophomore through senior seasons ... Helped the Explorers advance to the 2025 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state championship game ... Rated as a three-star tight end by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals ... Ranked as the nation’s No. 44 overall tight end by ESPN; No. 48 by 247Sports; No. 52 by Rivals ... Ranked as the No. 21 overall recruit from Pennsylvania by 247Sports; No. 24 by Rivals; No. 28 by ESPN ... Ranked as the No. 1 overall tight end from Pennsylvania by 247Sports; No. 2 by ESPN; No. 3 by Rivals.
Personal: Son of Patrick Oates ... Grandfather, Johnny Sample, was a 1958 7th-round NFL Draft pick out of Maryland Eastern Shore who played 11 years in the league as a defensive back, winning a Super Bowl with the New York Jets.