Courtesy Montreal Gazette:

Not since the diminutive Ezra Landry in 2004 and ‘05 have the Alouettes had a return specialist capable of lifting fans out of their seats.

Avon Cobourne tried the last two seasons, as did Brian Bratton and Ashlan Davis. Bratton, to his credit, returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown last season at Toronto.

That might all change this season with Jason Armstead.

“For sure, I just want to solidify what I do and make plays,” he said. “You’re going to have your ups and downs. But just to be given the chance to make plays, that’s part of who I am. That’s the constant, being a playmaker.”

Armstead, 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, signed with Montreal as a free agent after the start of training camp. Now in his fifth Canadian Football League season, the 28-year-old brings a wealth of experience.

Armstead, who has amassed more than 5,000 return yards in his career, has taken three punts to the end zone, including one last season of 90 yards, with Saskatchewan. He divided the season between the Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“He’s an electric guy who adds the dimension of speed,” said Scott Squires, the Als’ special-teams co-ordinator. “He has great vision and great knowledge, and I love his experience factor. I trust him and he’s huge for our program.

“He’s got some experience. When we go to Hamilton, if the winds are gusting at 40 miles an hour, he’ll know how to play in it. A guy who’s new to the league might not know.

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