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Beltre has been a beast in the cover units.

“Definitely, most definitely,’’ said Rainey when asked if he felt Beltre was more deserving of the nominee. “He was a key part of our special teams. And he made a lot of key tackles as well. He’s a head hunter and he’s a savage.”

Rainey joined the Argos in free agency this past off-season from B.C.

He began his CFL career in Montreal.

Prior to this season, Rainey had only known Beltre as a member of the opposition.

“I just remember how everyone used to be scared of him,’’ said Rainey. “He’s one of those guys you really have to double-team and triple-team and all that kind of stuff.

“He made me fumble one time when he was in Calgary.”

To say Rainey was surprised to learn he earned the team’s nominee would be to state the obvious.

Asked if Beltre should have been the guy, Rainey nodded.

“Yes sir.’’

The divisional nominees will be announced next Thursday.

The league awards are scheduled for Nov. 21.

Rainey was a team nominee as most outstanding special teams player twice in B.C.

Rainey sat out last week’s win over Ottawa, but there’s a chance he suits up Saturday night as the Argos close out the season in Hamilton.

His 1,196 kickoff yards leads the league, which isn’t a favorable stat to have because it reflects the amount of times opponents have scored against the Argos that lead to the football being kicked off.

Rainey is also fourth in punt return yards (596), including a 79-yard return major in Week 4 when B.C. escaped with a one-point win.