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It’s official: The CFL has released the definitive list of players who meet the requirements to be eligible to win the Most Outstanding Rookie Award.
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 the best rookie performers through 17 weeks of the schedule.
Previous CFL Rookie Reports:
1) Khalil Bass, LB, Bombers (Last Month: 3)
The Portland State product has been a disruptive force for Winnipeg. Bass continues to make impact plays, he’s second on the Bombers with five sacks and he’s always around the football.
2) John Ojo, DB, Eskimos (Last Month: 1)
Ojo has kept his rookie season mojo going all season. He’s been part of an Edmonton secondary that’s allowed a league low 243.9 pass yards per game and Ojo leads the team with five interceptions. Ojo’s provided tight coverage at the wide side corner spot all year long.
3) Jeff Knox Jr., LB, Riders (Last Week: 2)
Knox’s effort level has been consistently high in a season that’s been a write-off for Saskatchewan. No. 49 has been a ball-finding machine racking up 95 tackles, second-most in the CFL.
4) Derel Walker, REC, Eskimos (Last Month: 4)
Since Mike Reilly came back from a knee injury Walker has earned the franchise quarterback’s trust, which has kept the rookie’s breakout season going. Walker has four 100-yard receiving efforts in 10 games and he’s had at least six catches and 63 or more yards in seven of those outings.
5) Philip Blake, OL, Alouettes (Last Month: Not Ranked)
Montreal inked Blake to a three-year deal in the off-season and he’s stepped in right away to help solidify the Alouettes’ offensive line. He’s started all 15 games this season on a unit that’s given up a league low 29 sacks and averaged five yards per rush, third-best in the CFL.
6) Vidal Hazelton, REC, Argos (Last Month: 7)
Hazelton took his benching for undisciplined penalties in stride and he’s come back from it continuing to play at a high level. No. 21 has 177 yards and one touchdown in three games since getting back on the field and Toronto won two of those three contests.
7) Terrence Toliver, REC, Ticats (Last Month: 5)
With a team-high tying six touchdowns Toliver has been a trusted red zone target for Hamilton. The rangy target can do up and get the football with the best of them.
8) Shakir Bell, RB, Eskimos (Last Month: 8)
Edmonton’s diminutive back really adds a spark to the Eskimos’ running game. He can pop through even the smallest of holes in a flash. Bell runs really tough for a smaller back. He sits fifth on the rushing list in 2015 and he’s helped the team rush for the second most yards in the league.
9) Tommie Draheim, OL, Lions (Last Month: Not Ranked)
After missing five games with an ankle injury, Draheim has returned to anchor the Lions’ offensive line at the left tackle spot. When the athletic six-foot-four, 300 lbs. road grader is on the field, BC’s offence instantly becomes more productive.
10) Jonathon Jennings, QB, Lions (Last Month: Not Ranked)
Jennings has taken the starting opportunity in B.C. and flourished. The Columbus, Ohio native is averaging 311 yards passing per start and he’s thrown 10 touchdowns already. If Jennings can keep the hot play going and lead the Leos into the playoffs he could jump way up the rookie rankings list.
Honourable mentions:
Boris Bede, K/P, Alouettes
Richie Leone, K/P, Lions
Top 2015 drafted Canadian Rookie:
Sukh Chungh, OL, Bombers
Winnipeg’s No. 2 overall selection stepped in a started from game one for the Bombers and he hasn’t missed a start since. Chungh plays with a nasty edge and physically doesn’t look like a rookie. Even though he’s had some struggles as every player does jumping from the CIS to the CFL, he’s learned from them and really shown he has a bright future in the three-down game.
