Outstanding Stampeder Players in '06 Nominated for Awards
Published on October 24, 2006 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Calgary Stampeders News Release
(CALGARY) - In conjunction with the Canadian Football League, the Calgary Stampeder Football Club announced the team's 2006 Rogers Most Outstanding Player Nominees. The players were selected by 45 voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC). In the first ballot, five FRC representatives from every CFL city submitted votes for each category.
The East and West Rogers CFL Player Award voting results will be announced on Tuesday, October 31.
Running Back Joffrey Reynolds (Outstanding Player), Defensive Back J.R. Ruffin (Outstanding Rookie) and Kicker Sandro DeAngelis (Outstanding Special Teams) were all unanimous selections.
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER - JOFFREY REYNOLDS
Over the past two seasons Reynolds has proven that he just may be the best Running Back in the CFL. Throughout the season Reynolds showed his speed, power and athleticism. Thus far in 2006, he led the Red and White to one of the best offensive running attacks. The Stampeders currently lead the CFL in most yards net rushing (2,407), most times rushed (378), average gain per rush (6.4). Reynolds set new personal bests in carries (259 - 2nd in CFL), yards (1,541 - 2nd in CFL, Fourth All-Time best in Stampeder history), touchdowns (9) and average per carry in a season (tied '05 season at 5.9).
Reynolds showed another dimension of his game this year recording 27 receptions for 401 yards. With one week remaining in the regular season Reynolds leads the CFL in combined yards (1,971) and is second in yards from scrimmage (1,942).
Statistically his best game of the season was back on September 15th vs the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He would pick up 21 carries for 162 yards (averaging 7.7 per carry). For his outstanding play Reynolds was named the Rogers Player of the Week.
MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER - BRIAN CLARK
Perhaps the most underrated player in the CFL, once again Brian Clark put together another outstanding season. Clark's relentless play each and every snap, created havoc for opposing offences. He finished the season with 6 forced fumbles (1st in CFL/1st on team), 3 fumble recoveries (tied 2nd in CFL, 2nd on team), 55 defensive tackles (3rd on team), 3 pass knockdowns, 2 interceptions (3rd on team), 2 quarterback sacks and 2 tackles for a loss.
From opening day Clark showed is ability to read offences and by at the right place at the right time. In that game vs the Eskimos Clark recorded 4 defensive tackles, 2 knockdowns, 1 quarterback sack and 1 special team tackle and 1 interception returning it 12 yards.
MOST OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE LINEMAN - JAY McNEIL
Once again Offensive Lineman Jay McNeil has proven to be one of the most consistent linemen in the CFL. McNeil has been named the Stampeder Most Outstanding Offensive Line five times (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006). This season he played and started in all 18 regular season games and was dominant at his position. He has been an important component in the Stampeders being able to currently lead the CFL in most yards net rushing (2,407), most times rushed (378), average gain per rush (6.4). He is also been a huge force in the Stampeders Offensive Line giving up the least amount of Quarterback sacks (27).
MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN AND SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER - SANDRO DeANGELIS
In a record breaking season DeAngelis showed tremendous poise this past year throughout each week. DeAngelis was named the Rogers Player of the Week four times this season (week 3, 4, 9 and 15) and Rogers Player of the Month for July. He ended the season leading the entire CFL with 214 points (fourth All-Time in Stampeder history). He also entered the Stampeder record books connecting on 56 field goals breaking Mark McLoughlin's mark of 54. The mark was also third All-Time in CFL history, tying Roman Anderson (S.A.) mark back in 1995.
He finished the season connecting on 56 of 65 field goal attempts, one of which was from 53 yards out (CFL high this season). DeAngelis also lead the league in kick-off yards with 4,762.
MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE - J.R. RUFFIN
Entering his first CFL season J.R. Ruffin showed his abilities on both defense and special teams. This past season Ruffin has been the only player to record a kick-off return touchdown. The last Stampeder to do so was James Hundon back on September 1, 2003.
Ruffin led the entire CFL this season with 63 kick-off returns for 1,461 yards. Most impressively was his 23.2 average per kick return, which was also best in the CFL with player over 8 returns.
Ruffin played in all 18 regular season games recording 42 defensive tackles, four pass knockdowns (tied for 1st on team), 1 interception for 38 yards, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble and 1 tackle for a loss.
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