The Canadian Football League (CFL) ballots are out for the various team awards. Team nominees are then eligible for division awards and, if successful at that level, the players head to Ottawa for the CFL Awards. So here are the first-step Stampeder awards, as I see them.

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Most Outstanding Player (MOP) – Bo Levi Mitchell (second- Alex Singleton): Yes, BLM has not been top of his game the last couple of weeks. However, a look back at the stats reveals an amazing winning percentage of 13-2-1. If you want to beat him up for the last two weeks – so be it. But, be sure to give credit for the body of work from opening night on.

Defence – Alex Singleton (second- Ja’Gared Davis): Singleton has turned into a tackling machine and is likely to set the team record for tackles in a season. Few are quicker sideline-to-sideline. Many players could have been selected in the runner-up category, including; Micah Johnson, Charleston Hughes or Ciante Evans.

Canadian – Alex Singleton (second- Jerome Messam): For many of the reasons articulated above, Singleton is the top Canadian. The grumblers may argue about his “Canadianness.” All I can say is: he didn’t write the rules. Jerome Messam is on the verge of a third consecutive 1,000-yard season and that should be acknowledged.

Lineman– Ucambre Williams (second-Dan Federkeil): Centre Ucambre Williams has been a constant on the line this year. Even more impressive is the fact that he was basically thrown into the position due to injuries. He has adapted well. Dan Federkeil has also enjoyed a very strong season.

Special teams– Roy Finch (second- Rene Paredes): Finch has been a difference-maker all season long with his dazzling returns. His ability to head north-south and find the creases in coverage has made him the most feared returner in the league. Paredes has booted 50 field goals and has an outside shot at breaking his own single-season record of 56.

Rookie – Jameer Thurman (second- Marken Michel): Thurman started out as a solid contributor on the “big four” special teams. He was made starting linebacker after Maleki Harris was injured. He has performed at a high level in both spots all season. He is a true “rookie” – both last year at Indiana State and this year with the Stampeders. Michel has been splashy when he has played and forced coach Dickenson into keeping him on the roster. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury will likely cost him the balance of the regular season. He was trending towards a 1, 000-yard season.

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