THE CANADIAN PRESS
From the July rookie report to August there has been some movement among standout freshmen ballers as new players ascend towards CFL stardom.
To qualify for the Most Outstanding Rookie Award a player cannot have played in a regular season game either in the NFL or CFL before the 2015 season.
Let’s get to my latest top-10 list of best rookie performers through nine weeks of the schedule.
1) Vidal Hazelton, REC, Argos
Toronto’s talented rookie pass catcher started the year slow with one catch for three yards, albeit for a touchdown, in Week 1, but he’s been a go-to target for Trevor Harris ever since making his CFL debut. Hazelton has at least four receptions in seven straight games and he sits third in the league with 501 receiving yards.
2) Shakir Bell, RB, Eskimos
Edmonton’s rookie running back has given the green and gold offence a major boost. The Eskimos are 4-1 with Bell in the lineup this season as the diminutive back has 362 rushing yards – fourth-most in the CFL – to go with 102 receiving in five games. He’s played a crucial role in keeping the chains moving with No. 1 quarterback Mike Reilly recovering from a knee injury.
3) John Ojo, DB, Eskimos
Lining up at the wide field corner spot opposite 2014 CFL All-Star Pat Watkins, Ojo has played at a high level from the get-go in his first year. Ojo’s emergence might well give Edmonton the best pair of starting cornerbacks in the league. Also, the rook cover man has a league-high-tying four interceptions.
4) Khalil Bass, LB, Bombers
Bass has been a revelation at linebacker for the Winnipeg Football Club. He’s been flying around making tackles for the Blue Bombers and producing impact plays. Bass has flashed the ability to rush the passer with three sacks and he’s recovered two fumbles.
5) Jeff Knox Jr., LB, Riders
Since being inserted into the starting lineup at weak-side linebacker in Week 2, Knox has steadied the Rider ‘D’ at that position. He’s an instinctual backer who finds the football, seeks out the ball carrier and gets him the ground.
6) Rakeem Cato, QB, Alouettes
Montreal’s slender pivot produced a 2-1 record in his first three CFL starts, but he’s just 1-3 over the last four outings. There has certainly been a regression in Cato’s level of play and it’s most evident when you look at his TD-INT ratio. While going 2-1 Cato threw four touchdowns against two interceptions and in his last four starts he’s put up three TD passes compared to five picks, so the mistakes need to be cut out. Maybe Als new QB coach Anthony Calvillo can help the rookie passer get back to taking care of the football.
7) Devin Smith, DB, Argos
Smith has flown under the radar amongst first-year CFL defensive backs, even on his own team. A.J. Jefferson and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah – both had NFL game experience before coming north – have had the spotlight shone on them, but Smith should be mentioned in the same breath. He’s seemingly quietly gone about his business at the strong-side halfback spot and played very well.
8) Terrence Tolliver, REC, Ticats
The rangy target leads Hamilton with 437 receiving yards and he’s produced some chunk yardage gains for the Tabbies. Tolliver has receptions of 37, 39, 44 and 58 yards this season and that big play element was missing from Hamilton’s offence – aside from when Brandon Banks was on the field – a year ago.
9) Jason Foster, OL, Lions
BC’s starting centre has been a steadying presence in the middle of the Lions offensive line. He’s made the calls for a group that’s given up a CFL-low 12 sacks and paved the way for the league’s top rusher in Andrew Harris.
10) Craig Roh, DL, Lions
Roh has been one of the few bright spots on a BC defence that’s struggled to consistently slow down opposing offences. He’s recorded a sack in four straight games and has also racked up 11 tackles in six outings from his defensive tackle position.
Top Canadian Rookie
Daryl Waud, DL, Argos
Toronto’s second-round pick, 12th overall doesn’t have any CFL starts under his belt like Sukh Chungh or Danny Groulx, but when Waud has gotten defensive snaps he’s made them count. The Western product has four tackles and two sacks for the Argos.
