Today, the Canadian Football League announced team winners for the 2017 CFL Awards. Eskimos recipients are:
Most Outstanding Player: Mike Reilly
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Kenny Ladler
Most Outstanding Canadian: Matt O’Donnell
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Matt O’Donnell
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Christophe Mulumba-Tshimanga
Most Outstanding Rookie: Kwaku Boateng
In this first ballot, FRC representatives from each CFL city, plus the respective head coach, submitted votes for the six categories. Voters were asked to select players from their local CFL club who, through on-field excellence, best represent the award titles.
The East and West Division winners for the 2017 CFL Awards will be announced on Wednesday, November 8. The 2017 league top honours will be handed out on Thursday, November 23 in Ottawa.
Mike Reilly | Quarterback | Most Outstanding Player
After 17 games, Reilly has completed 426 – 627 passes (68 %) for 5536 yards and 30 touchdowns with 13 interceptions – currently first in the CFL in passing yards and touchdowns and is one of six CFL QBs to record back-t0-back 5,000 passing yard seasons. Reilly also has 87 carries for 361 yards and nine touchdowns, which ties him for the league lead in rushing touchdowns – and two tackles. Reilly also set an Eskimos’ record with a 108-yard TD reception to Vidal Hazelton in Week Six. Reilly was named Player of the Month for July and has earned Player of the Week three separate times.
Kenny Ladler | Linebacker | Most Outstanding Defensive Player
After 17 games, Ladler currently has 93 tackles, including 12 special teams tackles, which puts him in the seventh spot in the CFL for total tackles. Ladler also has two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one field goal block and has been instrumental to the Eskimos success on defence.
Matt O’Donnell | Guard | Most Outstanding Canadian & Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman
O’Donnell is an integral member of the offensive line and is the only offensive lineman to play and start in all 17 games this season.
Christophe Mulumba-Tshimanga | Linebacker | Most Outstanding Special Teams Player
After his first 17 CFL games, rookie Mulumba-Tshimanga has 13 special teams tackles and has 32 overall, three sacks, and two forced fumbles and has even started at middle linebacker this season. Mulumba was drafted in the third round (22nd overall) in the 2017 CFL Draft.
Kwaku Boateng | Defensive Lineman | Most Outstanding Rookie
The Green and Gold rookie has 22 defensive tackles, four quarterback sacks, and one forced fumble in 17 games played and played a pivotal role along the All-American defensive line. Boateng was drafted in the fifth round (41st overall) in the 2017 CFL Draft.