Virginia Union University's Andre Kates, who led VUU with five interceptions in the 2012 season, has been signed by the National Football League Champion Baltimore Ravens, it was announced on Tuesday, April 30.

Kates, a 5-11 defensive back originally from Washington, D.C., came to VUU after transferring from Indiana University.  

Kates' five interceptions were the most for a VUU player since Enrique Cox had five picks in 2008.

Kates' returned kickoffs for an average of 26.29 yards, the highest average for a VUU player since Thomas Coleman's school-record of 36.40 yards in 1998.

The 26.29 return average is the third highest in a single season for a VUU player.  Coleman and Shawn Minter (32.25 yards per return in 1997) rank ahead of Kates.

Kates was also All-CIAA and Second Team All-Region in 2012.

Kates also became one of only two Division II players to be selected to play in the 2013 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl All-Star Game.