Knox Jr. is up for most outstanding player, most outstanding defensive player and most outstanding rookie
Being new to the league and the Saskatchewan Roughriders hasn’t stopped Jeff Knox Jr. from being the team’s most outstanding player — three times over.
Knox Jr. was unanimously selected by Canadian football writers and CFL head coaches in three categories: most outstanding player, most outstanding defensive player and most outstanding rookie
The team’s stand-out linebacker played all 17 regular season games, 16 of them as a starting linebacker. He’s also set a single season franchise record for defensive tackles at 107 — good for second in the CFL. He’s also registered 10 special teams tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
Knox said he feels his best is yet to come.
“This year, for me, was more of a learning curve,” he said Thursday. “Next year I will know the game a lot better. So I think I will be able to play a lot faster and a lot more decisive.”
It has been six years since the Riders have won any of the three categories. John Chick was the CFL’s best defensive player in 2009, Weston Dressler was the league’s best rookie in 2008 and quarterback Kerry Joseph was the last most outstanding player, which he won during his Grey Cup winning season in 2007.
Bagg, LaBatte and Ainsworth also nominated
Rob Bagg picked up the nomination for most outstanding Canadian. He was last nominated in 2009. Bagg leads the teams in touchdowns with seven (also a career high). He’s also amassed more than 500 yards receiving.
Bagg called his nomination bittersweet.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice honour but it certainly doesn’t make up for the lack of success we had this season,” Bagg said.
Brendon LaBatte has been selected as the most outstanding offensive lineman for the second time as Roughrider, and the fifth time throughout his career. He’s also taken home the CFL award once in 2013.
The Riders special teams nomination goes to Dylan Ainsworth. He’s played all 17 regular season games and leads the team with 12 special teams tackles.
The east and west division nominees will be announced on Nov. 12. The league winners will be announced during Grey Cup festivities in late November.
Source: www.cbc.ca/news