ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Former South Dakota standout linebacker Josh Stamer is having a solid fall preseason camp and may make the Buffalo Bills roster, according to a newspaper report on August 25.
Stamer, who signed a free agent contract with Buffalo on Jan.uary 22, 2003, starred at linebacker for the Coyotes from 1997-2001. In 33 games at South Dakota, he had 152 tackles (90 solo), 15.5 quarterback sacks, three interceptions and three fumbles recoveries. He had 36 career tackles for loss, including an NCC-leading 21 as a senior.
A native of Sutherland, Iowa, Stamer had a sack and forced fumble as Buffalo defeated St. Louis, 28-24 this past weekend.
"That's a difference-maker play and he's been playing very well, not only in that situation there, but he's been doing a good job in special teams," coach Gregg Williams said of Stamer in the Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester, N.Y.
" Obviously, that's a good mark when it comes down to evaluations, being able to make a play at the end of a game. One of the hardest things in the world to do is rush the passer in the fourth quarter in the two-minute drill, and make a significant play. He did that."
According to staff writer Leo Roth, Stamer is battling rookie draft picks Mario Haggan and Angelo Crowell for the final spot and he's making the decision difficult.
Not only did Stamer have a tackle on kickoff coverage, but he also threw a key block to spring Clarence Coleman on a 37-yard punt return that set up one of Buffalo's two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
It's definitely a challenge (to make this team), but all I can do is play hard," Stamer said in the newspaper article. " Whatever happens, happens. That's all I try to do."
The Bills will make their final cuts on Tuesday.
Stamer originally signed with the New York Giants on January 21, 2002 and was allocated to NFL Europe where he started at linebacker for the Amsterdam Adminrals. He had 27 tackles in 10 games. He was released by the Giants on June 28, 2002 and signed on July 23, 2002 prior to the start of the 2002 season.
