Jamaal Westerman has no interest in pumping his own tires.

That’s just not his style.

But when you consider that Westerman is tied for the league lead in sacks and has 45 tackles in 11 games during his first season in the CFL and think about the impact he’s having on defence, it’s obvious to see that he’s a prime candidate to be the Winnipeg Blue Bombers choice for the Most Outstanding Player award, if the ballots were counted today.

A non-import starting at defensive end, Westerman is also a front runner for Most Outstanding Canadian and the top defensive player on the Blue Bombers.

And Westerman is probably the most important free-agent signing that Kyle Walters has brought in during his tenure as general manager, with all due respect to left tackle Stanley Bryant.

Westerman, who spent six seasons in the NFL and recorded 62 tackles, six sacks, four fumble recoveries and one forced fumble with the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, has mastered the art of giving credit to those around him.

“Sometimes people put too much recognition on the stats,” said Jamaal Westerman, who grew up in Brampton, Ont. but was born in Brooklyn, New York. “Things happen because other guys are in the right place and you are in a position to make a play. We’re playing good against the run. People talk about sacks, sacks, sacks, but if you can’t stop the run teams are going to run it up your back side.

“As a complete group, as a D-line, every week guys are getting a lot better and it’s allowed each of us, individually, to play faster. I’m out here just playing, I’m enjoying it and playing with this defence and this D-line. We’re playing well together.”

Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea wasn’t ready to wade into the discussion about Westerman being a potential MVP candidate, but he did describe some of the qualities he’s brought to the group.

“His professionalism, his work ethic, not only on the practice field and the game field, but in the meeting rooms is top notch,” said O’Shea. “He’s always working on something, always paying attention, asking good questions. He’s a pro. He’s doing it all the time and he’s working extremely hard to be the best he can possibly be.”

With nine sacks, Westerman is tied with Charleston Hughes of the Calgary Stampeders for the league lead in sacks but he’s no one-trick pony.

“Whether it was being one-yard off the ball or whatever it was, the first couple of games there was some rust but now he’s going. He’s really chugging along,” said O’Shea. “He works well with that entire group, it’s not just him. But he’s got the stats that show he is proficient at rushing the passer. And he plays the point of attack on the run game very well too. He’s doing it all at a high level.”

Westerman considered several other options, including one that would have seen him suit up with younger brother Jabar with the B.C. Lions, before signing on the dotted line with the Blue Bombers.

“Some of my happiest days are when my brothers do well. We love each other and care about each other, but you’ve got to do what is best for yourself and your situation,” said Westerman, noting Jabar has passed along some tips as he made the adjustment to the CFL game. “I’m definitely happy being here. We’re still in the hunt, we want to get into the playoffs and that’s the only thing I care about.“

Spoken like a guy that doesn’t want any credit, but deserves plenty.