Stokes, Oates and Bentley Sign with the Bandits Sioux City Bandits; Sioux City, Iowa (2015-02-11)

With training camp quickly approaching, the Sioux City Bandits are signing players to fill out their 2015 roster. Clifford Stokes defensive back, Jerimiah Oates wide receiver, and John Bentley running back, have also signed on to attend training camp next month.

Clifford Stokes, a 6’2” 185 pound defensive back, played two years with the Iowa State Cyclones before coming to the Bandits in 2014. At Iowa State he started six games and recorded 50 tackles, four pass breakups and a career high 15 tackles against Oklahoma for which he was Player of the Week. With the Bandits in 2014 Stokes played nine games in which tallied 35 total tackles, six pass breakups and two interceptions.

Jerimiah Oates, a 6’3” 180 pound wide receiver, has stacked up the stats on his way to the Bandits. In 2011 he finished the season at University of Sioux Falls with 402 all-purpose yards (373 receiving) in 26 receptions, averaging 41 yards per game and 14.3 yards per reception, resulting in nine touchdowns. Before transferring to USF, he spent two years at Sacramento City College where he tallied up 135 receptions with 2075 yards resulting in 19 touchdowns. He was All-California Region 1 Offensive Player of the Year and First Team.

“I am excited for a new year and a new team. I am thankful the Bandits have offered me the opportunity to play a game I love. Yet, none of this is possible without the talents and abilities given to me by my Lord and Savior. All the glory is His!” stated Oates.

John Bentley, veteran of the Sioux City Bandits, returns in 2015 for his eighth season. His career now totals 3267 rushing yards averaging 51 yards per game and resulting in 87 touchdowns. He also has 831 receiving yards averaging 13 yards per game resulting in 12 touchdowns. Bentley has shown his versatility by also adding six – two point conversions, two kick returns for 52 yards and 37 total tackles. His impressive performance has earned him numerous Player of the Week league awards as well as 2014 MVP Honorable Mention. Bentley is a fan favorite and we’re excited to have him back for another year.

The season kicks off with a pre-season game in Sioux Falls against long-time I-29 rivals, the Sioux Falls Storm and we’d like to encourage all Bandit fans to attend. On February 28, 2015, the regular season will begin at home against the Omaha Beef. For tickets contact the Tyson Event Center Box Office.

Visit the Bandits online at scbandits.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/SiouxCityBandits.