Eskimo nominees for CFL Outstanding Player Awards Announced
Published on October 23, 2002 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Eskimos are pleased to announce today the team's nominees for the 2002 CFL Player Awards as selected by the Edmonton chapter of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC).
Running back John Avery who leads the CFL in rushing with 1,330 yards on 204 carries and 9 TDs is the Eskimo nominee for the CFL Outstanding Player. The former first round NFL draft pick is second overall in combined yards with 2,305 yards. Avery has also caught two touchdown passes in his first CFL season.
CFL sack leader Elfrid Payton is Edmonton's nominee for Outstanding Defensive Player. The five time CFL East Division All-Star has 15 sacks this season and is currently second on the CFL's all-time list with 157. Payton is 3.5 sacks away from tying an Eskimo club record of 18.5 set by James 'Quick' Parker in 1981. Payton, who is in his 12th CFL season, signed with Edmonton as a free agent prior to the start of the 2002 season.
Perennial CFL All-Star Bruce Beaton is the Eskimos' nominee for Outstanding Lineman. A ten year CFL veteran, the native of Port Hood, Nova Scotia is in his fifth season with Edmonton.
Kicker Sean Fleming is Edmonton's nominee in both the Outstanding Canadian and Outstanding Special Teams Player categories. Heading into Week #17 of the 2002 CFL season, Fleming has 159 kicking points on 32 field goals and 50 converts and 13 singles. It's the second consecutive season that Fleming has been the Eskimo nominee for Outstanding Canadian.
Linebacker Kelvin Powell is Edmonton's nominee for Outstanding Rookie. In 8 games this season, Powell has 22 defensive tackles, 13 special teams tackles and one INT (Sept 13 @ BC).
The West Division leading Eskimos (12-4-0) host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-8-0-2) Friday, October 25th at Commonwealth Stadium (kickoff at 7:00 pm). Edmonton needs one point to clinch first place and host the CFL West Final November 17th.
Canadian Football League Stories from October 23, 2002
- Pre-Game Party Exclusive to Season Ticket Holders - Montreal Alouettes
- Blue Bombers CFL Award Nominees Named - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- BC Lions Sign Defensive End Kojo Millington, Make Nominations for CFL Player Awards - B.C. Lions
- Troy Davis Ti-Cats' Choice as Outstanding Player - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Argos' Adrion Smith named CFL's 'Defensive Player of the Week' - Toronto Argonauts
- Eskimo nominees for CFL Outstanding Player Awards Announced - Edmonton Elks
- Rider Award Nominees Unveiled - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Tony Miles Named CFL Player of the Week - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Renegades Annouce CFL Award Nominees - Ottawa Renegades
- Grey Cup Parade Marshals & Ford Leader of the Pack Contest Announced - Edmonton Elks
- Allouettes Announce 2002 Most Outstanding Players - Montreal Alouettes
- CFL Announces Award Nominees - CFL
- Milt Stegall Named CFL Player of the Week - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Davis named All-Star - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- CFL Names Players of the Week - CFL
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