MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER: ANTHONY CALVILLO
"What an outstanding season, he was by far the most consistent performer in the CFL from start to finish. In my opinion, he's hands down the Most Outstanding Player in the CFL.
You are watching history in the making from a future Hall-of-Famer.
But even as fans watched his outstanding performance on the field, they have missed the countless hours he has put into preparing to function the new offence and balance his personal life off the field.
He is the consummate professional, a dream come true for a new head coach, and a tremendous leader.
The Alouettes' offence leads the league in scoring (570) and touchdowns (61), has scored 30 or more points 15 of 17 games, has most first downs (429), the most yards in total offence (7,484), the highest pass completion rate (69.2 per cent), leads the league in passing yards (5,633), leads the lead in TD passes (43), has thrown the fewest interceptions (13), and leads in efficiency rating at 107.2.
Congratulations to Anthony, Alexia, and their two daughters. The Alouettes know it has been a family team effort."
MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN: BEN CAHOON
"Ben has been Ben.
He is so good at what he does, you tend to take him for granted and expect his greatness. It is simply poetry in motion.
He has been consistently the top Canadian from the start of the season to the finish - better yet, he has been consistently the top Canadian since his career started and has deserved this award way more than he has ever won it.
Let's give credit where credit is due.
If you put a highlight tape together of his amazing catches, there is not a player in any professional football league who would have a more impressive film reel. Once again, you are watching a future Hall-of-Famer that is showing very few signs that he can't perform when it needs to get done.
Ben leads all receivers in the CFL in receptions (105), is the top Canadian in TDs scored (7), is fifth in the CFL in receiving yards (1,207), and continued to be consistent, putting up a 1,000-yard season for the eighth time.
He also set a new CFL mark for catches made by a Canadian (859) and has caught at least one pass in 108 consecutive games."
MOST OUTSTANDING LINEMAN: SCOTT FLORY
"Scott is the leader of our offensive line.
He is also a leader in the locker room, and a player rep who has put together a high level of consistent performance for many years.
Because of the performance of the entire line this season, a few players could have been nominated for this award, but the guy who is the Most Outstanding Lineman in 2008 is Scott Flory.
I know many people who think Scott should have won this award at least three times already - including myself - and this should be his year.
When the team leads in multiple offensive categories, it starts with the men up front, and in Montreal it starts with Scott Flory. The Alouettes' offence leads the league for fewest sacks allowed (18), the most points for (570), the most TDs (61), has scored 30 or more points 15 of 17 games, has the most first downs (429), the most yards in total offence (7,484), the most passing yards (5,630), and the highest pass completion rate (69.2 per cent)."
MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: KERON WILLIAMS*
"What a season Keron has put together.
He is an explosive player whose quickness inside has added a much-needed element to the Alouettes.
He is not only a great player, he is a great person. He never looks for credit - he just loves to play the game. He deserves the East nomination for this award.
He has led a defence that has only allowed one 100-yard rusher, is second in the CFL in sacks, is second in the CFL in points allowed, and he personally sits third in the CFL in sacks.
Keron also leads his Alouettes defensive line in tackles and is third on the team in forced fumbles.
He obviously is up against tough competition in Cameron Wake in the West, but he has held his own and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath."
MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE & MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: LARRY TAYLOR
"Larry is by far one of the most exciting new players to the CFL.
Since being added to the active roster, Larry has consistently been at the top of the CFL in punt returns, kickoff returns, and missed field goal returns.
He has been one of the main reasons why the Alouettes are tops in the CFL in scoring and has consistently provided the offence with good field position each week. This has become more and more apparent over the last six weeks of the season, when the opponents have refused to kick the ball his way.
Larry is obviously not only one of the top rookies in the CFL, but is the most consistent special teams player in the league. He is not only a returner, but is also on a number of cover teams. He is also an outstanding wide receiver, but has not been called on this season to show his stuff.
Here are the facts: As much as everyone talks about Dorsey, Smart, and Jackson, Larry Taylor simply has better overall numbers than those three outstanding returners.
Larry is Number 1 in missed field goal returns (three or more returns) at 39 yards-per-return (Dorsey is second at 37.4, Jackson is third at 28.4, and Smart is ninth at 15.3.
Larry is Number 1 in punt-return average (35 or more returns) at 12.3-per-return (Dorsey is second at 11.9, Jackson is fourth at 10.7, and Smart is sixth at 9.4).
Larry is third in kickoff-return average (25 or more returns) at 24.5 yards-per (Dorsey is first at 25.1, Smart is second at 24.9, and Jackson is fifth at 24.0).
As you can see, Larry is the most consistent returner in the CFL.
He also is a true rookie, coming to the CFL right out of the University of Connecticut and not first attending an NFL camp.
He definitely deserves to win one or both of these awards."
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