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CFL B.C. Lions

Lions place 10 on West Division all-star squad; seven on defence

November 1, 2006 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


The BC Lions Football Club is pleased to announce that 10 players have been named to the 2006 CFL West Division All-Star team. Geroy Simon, Rob Murphy, Brent Johnson, Tyrone Williams, Aaron Hunt Otis Floyd, Dante Marsh, Korey Banks, Barron Miles and Carl Kidd all received the honour after being selected by 51 voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) representing eight CFL markets and a national chapter.

OFFENSE:

Geroy Simon (R) - A unanimous selection, Simon led all CFL receivers with 105 receptions and 1856 yards. Simon added 15 TD's and recorded 11-100-yard games. This is Simon's third West Division selection ('03, '04) and comes a day after his nomination as the West Division's Most Outstanding Player.

Rob Murphy (LT) - The 2006 West Division nominee for Outstanding Lineman, Murphy enjoyed a very successful first year in the CFL. Earning a reputation among opposing defences as a dominating and talented left tackle, Murphy anchored BC's offensive line helping lead the way for the CFL's leading passing attack.

DEFENSE:

Brent Johnson (DL) - The Lions only other unanimous selection, Johnson enjoyed yet another exceptional year - his sixth as a Lion. Chalking-up a CFL-leading 16 sacks earned the Ohio State grad his third consecutive West Division All-Star spot ('04, '05). With 2006 marking the fifth straight season that Johnson started all 18 regular season games, the native of Kingston, Ontario also earned Lineman of the Week status twice in 2006 and is the West Division nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Canadian.

Tyrone Williams (DL) - A long overdue All-Star nod for Williams comes in his fifth season as a Lion. Known as Big T among teammates, the 34 year-old Williams racked up four sacks, 43 defensive tackles, three TFL and five PKD. Williams also earned two Lineman of the Week honours in 2006 and was second in tackles among interior lineman.

Aaron Hunt (DL) - The first-year Lion made his mark early and often in 2006 racking up nine sacks, second only to Brent Johnson, as well as 14 defensive tackles, four TFL, a forced fumble and two PKD. Aaron joins his older brother Reggie Hunt of the Saskatchewan Roughriders who made the squad as a linebacker. Yesterday, Aaron was named the West Division's Outstanding Rookie.

Otis Floyd (LB) - Recording 60 defensive tackles (3rd among Lions), eight sacks, five TFL, five forced fumbles and 13 special teams stops, Floyd earned All-Star status at linebacker for the second time in his career ('05). Floyd was twice-named CFL Defensive Player of the Week in 2006 and Defensive Player of the Month for September.

Barron Miles (S) - Leading the CFL with 10 interceptions, Miles had a knack for coming up with big plays when the defence needed it most. The second-year Lion and nine-year CFL veteran anchored a defensive backfield that gave up the third-fewest passing yards (4328) and the fewest receptions (326). Taking two of his 10 picks back for majors, the speedy defender earned Defensive Player of the Week honours twice as well as Defensive Player of the Month honours for June/July. This is Miles' second West Division distinction after being named an East Division All-Star in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003 as a member of the Montreal Alouettes.

Dante Marsh (DB) - The CFL's premier shut-down corner, Marsh has quietly become a leader on and off the field for the BC Lions. The three-year veteran enjoyed a outstanding 2006 campaign recording 52 defensive tackles, good enough for fourth among Lions, as well as four interceptions including a 63-yard return for a TD. Quiet and confident, Marsh recorded five PKD, two fumble recoveries, and three special teams tackles to earn his first career All-Star standing.

Korey Banks (DB) - Arguably the most gifted athlete among the Lions, Banks joined the club from the Ottawa Dispersal Draft this past April and immediately solidified the CFL's top defensive backfield. Picking off seven passes including one for a TD, Banks was second only to teammate Barron Miles in the category and tied for third overall in the CFL. Matched-up against some of the CFL's top receivers Banks excelled at his halfback position shutting down the likes of Milt Stegall and Jason Tucker with regularity. Banks added 50 defensive tackles, six PKD and five special teams stops in 2006. This is Banks' second divisional All-Star honour, the first coming last year in Ottawa.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Carl Kidd (Special Teams) - As loud as he is talented, the seventh-year Lion earns his second All-Star selection for his brilliant play on special teams. The 33 year-old linebacker tied for the league lead with 24 SPT and played so effectively he was routinely the primary special teams player opposing coaches would scheme against. Taking regular snaps at linebacker, Kidd chipped in 39 defensive tackles, two TFL and two fumble recoveries.

The 2006 CFL All-Stars will be announced on Tuesday, November 7 following the final round of voting.

The Lions host the Scotiabank West Championship at 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 12th at BC Place Stadium. Call 604.280.4400 for tickets or purchase online at ticketmaster.ca

For more information on the BC Lions Football Club, please visit our web site at www.bclions.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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