Storm sign Bear, Saintil and Samuels

Monday April 12, 2010

All-time Receptions Leader Returns for 2010

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm have signed fullback/linebacker James “Dusty Bear” and wide receivers Cleannord Saintil and Lawrence Samuels, announced Head Coach and General Manager Tim Marcum.

“It sure is real nice to see number 22 on the practice field again,” said Marcum.  “Lawrence is a consummate professional and we are glad to see him back in the blue and gold.  Cleannord is a smooth route runner and he provides us with a lot of options on offense.”

Samuels (6’-3”, 215 lbs., Livingston) returns to the Storm for his 15th season and 16th overall in the AFL.  The League’s all-time reception leader is sprinkled throughout the record book in numerous categories: Receptions (1st - 1,020), Consecutive games with a catch (1st - 135), Fumble Recoveries (1st - 34), Interceptions returned for a touchdown (4th - 8), Receiving Yards (5th - 11,708), Most season played with one team (1st – 15) and Most games played by a skill position (1st – 203).

“I am excited to be back,” said Samuels.  “My legs feel great and I feel rejuvenated with the time that off that we had.”

Saintil (6-1, 190, Middle Tennessee State) adds tremendous depth to the wide receiver corps.  He began his AFL career and spent two seasons (2007-08) with the San Jose SaberCats prior to joining the Storm.  In Week 4 of 2008 he set a SaberCats record as he caught 18 passes for 217 yards and in the 2008 season finale he set another SaberCats record with seven touchdown receptions.  In 21 games with the SaberCats he recorded 136 receptions for 1,684 yards and 42 touchdowns.

Bear (6-1, 255, Western Kentucky) spent training camp with the Storm and returns to the team in Week 3.  He spent 2009 in af2 with the Florida Firecats and appeared in 16 games recording 26.5 tackles, four for a loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery.  During his senior year at Western Kentucky, Bear recorded a sack on Tim Tebow.

“We are looking for a spark on the defensive side of the ball and we think Dusty can add that for us,” added Marcum.

The Tampa Bay Storm take on the Dallas Vigilantes in the home opener this Friday, April 16 at the St. Pete Times Forum, festivities kick off at 7:15 p.m. The game can be heard on 1250-AM WHNZ with Jack Harris calling the play-by-play and Jason Dixon analyzing the action.

To order tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.  Season Tickets are still available and start as low as $50! To be a part of all the hard-hitting action, call 813.301.6600 (season tickets), 813.301.6900 (group tickets) or visit www.tampabaystorm.com.