Outstanding Lions nominated for 2008 player awards

The local chapter of the Football Reporters of Canada has named its BC Lions nominees for the Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards.

Cam Wake was a unanimous selection as the club's Outstanding Player and Outstanding Defensive Player. In just his second season, Wake has terrorized opposing defenses to the tune of 20 sacks, 60 defensive tackles and a blocked field goal. The nomination comes on the heels of Wake's winning both the Outstanding Defensive Player and Outstanding Rookie award in 2007.

Receiver Paris Jackson earns the unanimous selection as the Lions' Outstanding Canadian with his 73 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven TD's. The slick sixth-year wide out who was named Canadian of the Week three times during the 2008 campaign as well as Canadian of the Month in July has made a seamless transition to slot back in recent weeks after 2007 Outstanding Canadian Jason Clermont went down with a knee injury.

Jason Jimenez gets his first nomination as the Lions' Outstanding Lineman after anchoring the line from his right tackle position. Jimenez in tandem with two-time Outstanding Lineman Rob Murphy head up the CFL's most intimidating offensive line and have powered the Lions to more than 900 yards of offence and 92 points in the last two games.

Shifty running back Stefan Logan is a unanimous choice as the club's Outstanding Rookie after racking up 751 yards on 106 carries. The five-foot, seven-inch ball of speed splashed onto the CFL scene in Week 3 with an 18-carry, 143-yard performance that made him an instant team and fan favourite. The first-year Leo has a lofty 7.1-yard per carry average and has also returned nine kickoffs for 266 yards (29.6 avg).

Ian Smart takes home his second nomination for Outstanding Special Teams Player in as many years. Currently leading the CFL in kickoff return yardage (66, 1,646) and sitting third in punt returns (78, 731) Smart has consistently provided the Lions offence with great field position. Now in his third season, Smart was named CFL Special Teams Player of the Week after his July 25th performance which included a dazzling 91 yard kickoff return for a TD versus Montreal.

The BC Lions play their final regular season game on the road this Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 pm (PT) versus the Calgary Stampeders. For more information on the BC Lions Football Club, please visit our web site at www.bclions.com.