Steve Bates (2018) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame - James Madison University Athletics

Steve Bates

Induction:
2018

An imposing force on the defensive line, Steve Bates was an All-American who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1990 NFL Draft and selected to compete in the 1990 Blue-Gray Classic. The Pittsburgh native was named a First Team All-American by the National Coaches Association and Second Team by the Associated Press and The Sports Network in 1989, when he recorded 46 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and four pass breakups. He was also named honorable mention All-America in 1988 with 59 tackles, 18 for loss and seven sacks as a junior. For his career, Bates posted 177 tackles, 39.5 for a loss and 15.5 sacks. His JMU defenses ranked in the top 20 in the nation each year in yards allowed per game. He was a standout on the school's first team to reach the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 1987.