Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have added some special teams help, announcing Tuesday the addition of former Bombers return ace Troy Stoudermire.
Stoudermire emerged as big playmaker on special teams for the Bombers in 2015, recording 1,640 yards between kickoff and punt returns.
A Dallas native now set to play his third CFL season, Stoudermire has played in 21 career games and made two starts at defensive back.
The 5-foot-10 Minnesota alum joined the Bombers in 2014 after a stint on the Riders’ practice roster in 2013 and was released in April to pursue NFL opportunities, leading him to a tryout with the Minnesota Vikings. He was released by the Vikings on Aug. 30.
He also spent time with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals in 2013.
Stoudermire has a career average of 11.0 on punt returns and 22.0 on kickoff returns with two touchdowns in total.
Prior to going pro, Stoudermire set an NCAA record for kickoff return yards with 3,615, averaging 25.1 yards on 144 returns at Minnesota (2008-12). He also set school single-season records for kickoff returns with 43 in 2009 and for yards with 1,083 in 2008.
During his time with the Golden Gophers, he also played receiver. Stoudermire totaled 35 receptions for 433 yards and three touchdowns. He later played defensive back, recording 149 tackles (112 solo), 11 pass break ups and three interceptions.
The Eskimos are in action on Sunday when they take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
