Stokes' junior season ended with unanimous All-American recognition by The Sporting News, AP, UPI, and Kodak.
Stokes' senior year began as the nation's leading Heisman contender,[citation needed] but was quickly sidetracked by a severe upper thigh contusion suffered in the season's first game.
[10] After a slow start to his rookie season, the former Bruin ultimately netted 38 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns, the last of which was tossed by Jerry Rice.
Once Rice returned, Stokes' production did not falter as he would achieve career highs in receptions (63), yards (770) and touchdowns (eight).
Stokes was also the recipient of Denver linebacker Bill Romanowski spitting in his face during a Monday Night Football game in December 1997.
[11] Along with the rest of the team, Stokes' production dropped in 1999 as a result of Young's career-ending concussion in a Monday night game in Arizona.