Outstanding Player -
Andrew Harris (has put the team on his back in a couple of games this year. When given the rock in crunch time, he continually delivers)
Runner-Up: Solomon Elimimian
Outstanding Defensive Player –
Solomon Elimimian (49 tackles is simply off the charts good. Next best tackle leaders (Bighill and Stamps’ Brandon Smith) have 28!
Runner-Up: Eric Taylor (Bighill and Yell have also impressed)
Outstanding National –
Andrew Harris (see above)
Runner-Up: Shawn Gore (there’s a sizeable drop-off here. By season’s end it could be Hunter Steward. Paul McCallum – now 12 or 13 on the year in field goals warrants some consideration)
Outstanding Lineman –
Jovan Olafioye (not a great season by his lofty standards thus far, but the best of a disappointing (but improving?) bunch
Runner-Up: Incomplete (too much change along the line. Norman and Valli are the only other fixtures thus far, and I’d say Valli’s play has been better than Norman’s but not enough to warrant “Outstanding” consideration. Both Hardrick and Steward look promising, but the sample size is not big enough.
Outstanding Rookie –
Ronnie Yell (was on the PR late last year but has been seamlessly placed into a position that’s difficult to just step into without some growing pains. Does not get beaten often)
Runner-Up: Josh Johnson (honourable mention to Alex Bazzie with 4 sacks. By season’s end though, we could see Hunter Steward and David Menard make some noise in this category)
Surprise – Hunter Steward’s sample size is too small, but I’ve really liked what I’ve seen thus far. I thought he handled one of the best last week in Charleston Hughes admirably. I was very happy with the David Menard draft selection at #32 overall, and he looks like a keeper despite limited reps.
Disappointment – Kevin Glenn. Maybe too much was expected - Benny’s silly over-the-top pronouncements about the trade being the ‘steal of the century’ or some such nonsense didn’t help, but he has looked strangely out of synch for a 14 year vet. 9 picks is an example of some questionable decision making. Could be headed for a much better stretch run as he becomes more familiar with the offense and his receivers, but is it too late with Lulay’s imminent return?
Runner-Up – Khalif Mitchell. Can spin it anyway you wish, but we expected dominance from the likeable big guy. He’s been merely occupying space at the tackle position. Matt Norman qualifies here, and despite limited duty, Jamall Johnson hasn’t been noticeable. Hoping he has a big game this week against his old teammates.
DH
