2012: Gaines was named a Freshman All-American by FoxSportsNext and to the SEC All-Freshman Team after appearing in all 12 games with 11 starts and recording 75 tackles, four pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and one forced fumble. His tackles total ranked second on the team and third among freshmen in the SEC. He made a career-high 11 tackles vs. No. 1 Alabama one week after registering 10 stops vs. ULM. He opened the season with five solo tackles and one forced fumble in a 49-24 win vs. Jacksonville State. He made four tackles vs. Rutgers. He recorded seven tackles, one quarterback hurry and one pass breakup at Texas A&M. He made five tackles in the 24-7 win at Auburn and the next week made four tackles in the 49-7 victory vs. Kentucky. He made nine tackles vs. Ole Miss and followed that with six stops in a 19-15 win vs. Tulsa. He recorded two solo tackles and a career-high three pass breakups at No. 12 South Carolina. He ended the season with nine tackles at Mississippi State and three solo tackles vs. No. 8 LSU.

2011: He worked with the scout team while redshirting.

HIGH SCHOOL: A versatile athlete, Gaines made 60 tackles in 2010, including four tackles for loss, and recorded one interception while playing for head coach Ed Pilcher. He was named to The Albany Herald's All-Area defensive team at the conclusion of his final prep campaign. Noted for his hard-hitting play, he also earned All-Region 1AAAA second-team honors, selected by regional coaches. On the offensive side of the ball, Gaines saw time at quarterback and wide receiver. He also played point guard for the Bainbridge basketball team. Gaines picked the Razorbacks after also receiving interest from Georgia and Georgia Tech.

PERSONAL: Born April 1, 1993, he is the son of Maurice and Loretta Gaines.