February 14, 2023

Riders Shore Up The Defensive Line With Stefen Banks

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American defensive lineman Stefen Banks. 

Banks (6’1-260) appeared in 23 games over the last two seasons as a member of the Calgary Stampeders. In a rotational role on the defensive line, the 25-year-old made 36 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, eight sacks and one forced fumble. In Week 6 of the 2021 season, Banks was named a Performer of the Week after registering three sacks, seven defensive tackles and one fumble recovery against the Edmonton Elks. Prior to the CFL, the Ohio native attended mini-camp with the Cleveland Browns. He signed with the Stampeders in February 2020. 

Collegiately, Banks had an exceptional four-year career at Savannah State (2015-18). Over 41 games, he tallied 226 tackles, 51.5 tackles for loss, 24.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, six pass breakups and two interceptions. He was named All-MEAC three of his four seasons as a Tiger and was FCS All-American in 2017.