Sioux City Bandits Press Release (Jan. 22, 2010)
The Sioux City Bandits and Head Coach Tommie Williams are pleased to announce the final four additions to their 2010 squad as the start of Training Camp approaches in less than a month.

James McNear (61, 185lb Quarterback) McNear played his college ball at Concordia University where he finished his career with 12,447 total yards, 9,420 passing and 3,027 rushing. He was the first player in Division 2 history to pass for 300 yards and rush for 200 yards in one game. He was the conference player of the year in 2003 and 2005. In Omaha last year McNear threw for over 2,200 yards and 41 touchdowns, leading the Beef to an 11-3 record and central division championship. His passer rating of 102.6 was the third highest in the IFL. McNear is excited to continue his career in Sioux City and to reunite with Head Coach Tommie Williams, his Offensive Coordinator in Omaha. I have played for Coach Williams for three years now. That was one of the reasons I chose to sign with Sioux City, said McNear. They have great fans and the community support there is great.

Quoting Coach Williams, I think James McNear is a tremendous signing for the Bandit organization and fans.ﾠ He brings a tremendous amount of athleticism to the QB position.ﾠ Anytime you can sign someone of James athletic ability, you make the signing happen right away.ﾠ Ive had the liberty of coaching James for 3 years now and I expect our relationship as coach and player to continue.ﾠ As a coach you look for character guys on and off the field, and I think James exemplifies that.ﾠ He is a family man who thrives on winning, with great sportsmanship. All of the players we have signed will bring something to the table for the Sioux City Bandits.ﾠﾠ

Joel Reeves (61 290lb Defensive Lineman) who comes to the Bandits from the University of South Carolina. Joel started out his career at Georgia Military College in 2004-2005, where he was named a pre-season All-American. He transferred to South Carolina in 2006. That season, Joel saw increased playing time following an injury to Marque Hill. Reeves played in all 13 games, starting 8. He finished with 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks. During his two years there, he registered 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

T.J. Williams (62 185lb Wide Receiver) Williams will add depth to an already exciting field of receivers. Williams joins the Bandits from Valdosta State University after transferring from Michigan State. Last season, Williams played in 10 games, catching 36 passes for 599 yards and 6 touchdowns.ﾠ In 2006, Williams had 25 receptions for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns. Williams led Valdosta State with a 16.6 yard average per catch. Williams will provide vertical speed to the Bandits passing game, running a 4.4 at the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine. Williams is the brother of All-Pro San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie and is a cousin of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of the Arizona Cardinals.

Austin Curtis (61 290lb Defensive Lineman) Curtis played at Southern Utah University. During his senior season, Curtis had 58 tackles and 4 sacks. In 2007, Curtis started in 10 games, finishing third among defensive lineman with 37 tackles. In 2006, he started all 11 games at nose tackle, finishing with 35 tackles, which included a career high seven tackles against McNeese State. Curtis started in 10 games as a true freshman in 2005, finishing with 13 tackles and a sack. Curtis finished his four year career with 143 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. In 2008 he was named 1st Team All-Conference and honorable mention TSN All-American.

The Sioux City Bandits will be starting Training Camp in mid-February and will kick off the 2010 season in Fort Collins, CO against the Colorado Ice on February 27. The Home Opener is March 6 against Green Bay.

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