If I Had A Vote

We will find out later this week what players have been nominated for CFL year-end awards. Its never easy for those who have to make the choices and sometimes the decisions are questioned by players themselves. (Isn't that right Stevie Baggs??). I used to have a vote on what Riders won player awards, but I don't anymore. Here is who I would be selecting for the various year-end awards and yes, you are more than free to agree or disagree and comment away.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

There's no doubt in my mind that the Riders best player game in and game out this year has been Jerrell Freeman. He just gets better and better. He is, and might be, the only CFL'er to have a 100 tackle season this year as he registered that 100th tackle Saturday. He also has three interceptions, five sacks and four forced fumbles on the year.

TOP CANADIAN

I've got to go with Keith Shologan here. The defensive tackle has been solid all season long. Teams have had a tough time running inside when Shologan and Dario Romero are manning the fort. Sholo is a free agent and he is someone that is a huge part of the Rider future as far as I'm concerned and is someone that needs to be kept.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Jerrell Freeman---see above. Freeman is also a key part of this team's future, but sadly I think he is the future for an NFL team as well. If he's back in 2012, I'll be very surprised. If the record of this team sways the voters than so be it, but I think Freeman could be named the best defensive player in the league after the season he has put together.

TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

His career may have just one more game left, but Gene Makowsky is still as good today as he ever was. Its been a bad year for guys like Marc Parenteau, Dan Goodspeed and Alex Gauthier, but Geno has just brought it game after game after game. If he wins in Regina Dewdney, Friday will be his last game as a Rider thus ending what is a hall-of-fame career. If he should lose, I am not convinced that he doesn't return.

TOP ROOKIE

This isn't an easy decision seeing the Riders have had two rookies who have made a significant impact in 2011. In the end though, I go with safety Craig Butler. The 2nd round draft pick has been outstanding. Right from training camp, Butler showed that he had a knack for making the play and being around the football. He got into the starting lineup early and did a tremendous job in replacing all-star James Patrick. He has had 42 tackles and a team high 5 picks.

TOP SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER

Perhaps one of the reasons why I give Butler the top rookie nomination is because I can get both Butler and this guy some recognition. Chris Milo had a tough start to the season, but one wonders if his 2011 has made Luca Congi expendable. The 4th round draft pick has really seen his game take a turn for the better since Ken Miller told him that he was their guy. He has made the most of his opportunity. His punting average is a very respectable 43.6 yards and he has made 20 of 24 field goals with a majority of those four misses coming I believe in his first couple of games.