Today, Eskimos Mike Reilly, Matt O’Donnell, Brandon Zylstra, Almondo Sewell, and Kenny Ladler were named to the CFL All-Star Team for their performances in the 2017 season.
CFL All-Stars are selected by head coaches and the Football Reporters of Canada. This is the 55th year the league has recognized the season’s best as All-Stars.
#13 Mike Reilly | Quarterback |
Reilly completed the 2017 regular season completing 447 – 654 passes (68.3 %) for 5830 yards and 30 touchdowns with 13 interceptions – Reilly finished first in the CFL in passing yards and touchdowns and is one of six CFL QBs to record back-to-back 5,000 passing yard seasons. Reilly also had 97 carries for 390 yards and 12 touchdowns, which led 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 October and Player of the Week in Weeks 5 and 8. Reilly also set the single-season passing record for most yards thrown in an Eskimos’ season and set the season record for total touchdowns with 42. At 105th Grey Cup Awards Dinner, Reilly won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Award. This is Reilly’s first CFL All-Star Award.
#66 Matt O’Donnell | Guard |
O’Donnell was an integral member of the offensive line and is the only offensive lineman to play and start in all 18 games in the 2017 season. The Eskimos offensive line helped lead the CFL in offensive points, touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, and surrendered the fewest quarterback sacks. This is O’Donnell’s first CFL All-Star Award.
#83 Brandon Zylstra | Receiver |
Zylstra finished first amongst receivers in the CFL with 1687 yards and YAC(487), five touchdowns, and one two-point conversion on 100 receptions for an average of 16.9 yards per reception as well as three tackles. Zylstra set the Eskimos record for most 100-yard receiving games in a season with 10. Zylstra also has 22 punt returns for 151 yards and four kickoff returns for 80 yards and was named Player of the Month for September. Zylstra’s 2017 season saw him finish with the third most receiving yards in Eskimos’ history. This is Zylstra’s first CFL All-Star Award.
#90 Almondo Sewell | Defensive Tackle |
Sewell led one of the league’s best defensive fronts with 36 tackles, including seven quarterback sacks, and one fumble recovery. Sewell has 209 defensive tackles and 45 quarterback sacks with the Green and Gold in 103 games played. This is the fifth consecutive CFL All-Star nod for Sewell.
#37 Kenny Ladler | Linebacker |
Ladler led the Eskimos defence with 99 tackles, including 13 special teams tackles, which put him in fifth spot in the CFL for total tackles. Ladler also finished with three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one field goal block. This is Ladler’s first CFL All-Star Award.