March 19, 2018

Stamps sign DB, return specialist Stoudermire

The Canadian Press

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have signed international defensive back and kick returner Troy Stoudermire, the team announced Monday.

The versatile Stoudermire has 25 games of CFL experience with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Edmonton Eskimos, seeing action as a receiver, defensive back and returner.

“Troy has displayed great athleticism during his time in the CFL and has shown the ability to be a playmaker,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “I look forward to seeing him come into camp and show us what he can do.”

Stoudermire signed with Winnipeg in 2014 and appeared in 21 games for the Blue Bombers over the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The University of Minnesota alumnus appeared in six games for the Eskimos in 2016. For his CFL career, Stoudermire has returned 122 punts for 1,329 yards and two touchdowns and 84 kickoffs for 1,819 yards. He also has nine catches for 46 yards and three missed-field goal returns for 84 yards.

The Dallas native signed with the National Football League’s Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and also attended training camp with the Minnesota Vikings in 2016.

During his college days with the Golden Gophers, Stoudermire set an NCAA FBS record with 3,615 career return yards. He also set a single-season record for the University of Minnesota with 1,083 kickoff-return yards in 2008.

Stoudermire started his collegiate career as a receiver – making 35 receptions for 433 yards and three touchdowns in his first three seasons – before being shifted to defensive back. He had 149 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups and three interceptions.

“I’m excited for this opportunity with Calgary and I can’t wait to get to work,” said Stoudermire.