While the newest member of the Calgary Stampeders was a welcomed sight for Alex Singleton, Zach Minter’s presence surely conjured up a not-so-pleasant memory for Bo Levi Mitchell.

Minter, who was signed to the Red and White’s active roster on Monday morning, shared the Bobcat Stadium field with Singleton for two seasons at Montana State University.

Asked to provide Stampeders fans with what they can soon expect out of the six-foot-one, 301-lb. defensive tackle, Singleton was quick to point out Minter’s significant value between the white lines as well as in the locker room.

“He’s a playmaker,” stated the rookie linebacker and sixth-overall selection from May’s CFL draft. “He makes plays every time they come to him. He’s a good player and he was a leader when I was there. He’s a role model on and off the field and he’s just a good all-around dude.”

The admiration can be considered mutual, as Minter was immediately impressed with what he saw from Singleton when they first joined forces down in Bozeman, Mont., prior to Minter’s junior year.

“We knew early he was going to be good,” Minter explained. “He came in as a freshman when I was a junior and played a little bit on special teams and then got a shot (in) his sophomore year. He’s a good player, good dude, fun guy to be around, knows the game. I’m excited to be here, not only in Calgary, but playing with another old teammate.”

As for Mitchell’s familiarly with the Glendale, Ariz., native, Minter managed to intercept Mitchell back in 2010 when MSU squared off against Eastern Washington. Montana State also came out on top that day, downing the Eagles by a score of 30-7.

And, no surprise, Minter wasted no time in recalling the details of his signature play which he was able to turn into a 53-yard pick-six.

“That’s one of my better ones,” remarked a smiling Minter, who happened to corral a total three passes from opposing quarterbacks during his Bobcats career. “I think I was just hovering and he threw a low crossing route. I kind of batted the ball and caught it and took off. I think they expected me to be slower because they took kind of a bad angle and that’s why I was able to get to the end zone. I liked to give my DBs guff for it because I had a couple more (interceptions) than they did.”

No stranger to the Canadian game, Minter is looking to make a rapid impact with the Stamps after seven starts in 10 appearances for the BC Lions last season.

“I think we’re optimistic,” Minter offered when outlining the Stamps timeline to insert him into the lineup. “I think what we want to do is just make sure I get the plays down and make sure they can trust me out there to do my job and be where I’m supposed to be at and know my assignments. We’re just going to take it day-by-day and once the game-time decision comes up, I think they’ll make it then.”