Nov
CFL Player Awards
Courtesy of CBC
Most Outstanding Player – Kerry Joseph
Quarterback Kerry Joseph was repaid for guiding the Saskatchewan Roughriders to their first Grey Cup appearance since 1997.
Joseph received the highest CFL individual honour after being named the league’s most outstanding player on Thursday at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto.
The voting was open to the Football Reporters of Canada as well as the eight CFL head coaches.
Joseph, who beat out Winnipeg Bombers pivot Kevin Glenn, was a surprise winner considering his counterpart led the CFL in pass attempts (621), completions (388) and yards (5,114) and was second.
However, Joseph ranked third in passing with 4,002 yards, but helped his cause by also leading all quarterbacks with 737 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Joseph also led the Riders to a 12-6 record — second only to the current Grey Cup champion B.C. Lions (14-3-1) in the CFL.
The Saskatchewan pivot hopes to lead his team to a victory when the Riders face Winnipeg at the 95th Grey Cup in Toronto (CBC, 5:30 p.m. ET). It would be Saskatchewan’s first title since 1989.
Lions Players Dominate Awards
While the Lions failed to repeat as champions, they did have four of their players win awards on Thursday.
Most Outstanding Canadian – Jason Clermont
Slot back Jason Clermont was named the CFL’s top Canadian player.
Clermont, who also won the award in 2004, finished third in the CFL in receiving this year with 86 catches for 1,158 yards and seven touchdowns.
Outstanding Rookie – Cameron Wake
Defensive end Cameron Wake was named the CFL’s outstanding rookie and also won the league’s top defensive player award.
Wake had an outstanding first year in the CFL, registering a league high 16 sacks. He also had 69 tackles, three forced fumbles and the only blocked field goal during the regular season.
Wake, who played at Penn State as a linebacker, was moved to defensive end when he arrived in B.C. The move paid huge dividends as Wake developed into the best defensive lineman in the CFL.
Top Special Teams Player – Ian Smart
Another Lion, Ian Smart, earned the CFL’s top special-teams player award.
Smart was a logical selections after winning the special-teams triple crown. He led the league in punt returns (92, 912 yards, one TD), kickoff returns (53, 1,228 yards, 23.2-yard average) and all-purpose yards (2,440).
Top Lineman – Rob Murphy
A fourth Lion, offensive tackle Rob Murphy, took home the top lineman award for the second consecutive year.
Murphy, a former Ohio State Buckeye standout, helped the Lions reduce their sacks total from 56 in 2006 to 32 this season.
