An All-Scholastic end at Watertown High under Hall of Famer "Whitey" Clem, Tommy Oates turned down numerous other offers to attend Boston University, joining a freshman team that included Harry Agganis and John Kastan.
At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Oates had the size and speed to be an outstanding receiver, and with Agganis throwing to him and teammate George Sulima, the Terriers had a balanced attack that brought them close to an upset victory over national champion Maryland in 1949.
Coach Ed Donnelly described Oates as one of the best ends he ever coached. "He could do it all, both on offense and defense.
Donnelly said."
Steve Sinko said that Oates had exceptional hands, which combined with his speed made him one of the finest offensive ends in BU football history. Buff Donelli thought so well of Oates' all around ability that he played him at offensive and defensive end as well as linebacker.
Oates' receiving statistics at Boston University were amazingly similar to those of John Bredice, who was also an inductee into the Hall of Fame in 1978.
Against West Virginia in 1949, Oates caught three touchdown passes to pace the Terriers to a 52-20 upset victory. During the 1951 season he caught 35 passes, tying him with Bredice for the top spot among the Terrier's all-time leaders for receptions in a season.
He earned All-New England and All-East honors and was drafted by the pros. However, he decided to forego professional football to pursue a teaching career.
