(Edmonton)  Slotback Fred Stamps leads the class of Edmonton Eskimo nominees for the 2009 Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards.

In this first ballot, FRC representatives from each CFL city plus the respective head coach submitted votes for the six categories. Voters were asked to select players from their local CFL club who through on-field performance excellence, best represent the awards’ title – Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Canadian Player, Most Outstanding Defensive Player, Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, Most Outstanding Rookie, and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.

The East and West nominees for the 2009 Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards will be announced on Thursday, November 12, 2009.

The league-wide winners will be announced during Grey Cup week at the Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards on Thursday, November 26 at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary.

Most Outstanding Player – Fred Stamps

• Currently leads all receivers in the CFL in number of receptions (79) and yards (1300)
• This is his first 1000+ yard season
• Leads all Eskimo receivers with 79 receptions for 1300 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 starts
• Has had five 100+ yard games this season (July 30, Aug. 29, Sept. 20, Oct. 9 and Oct. 30)

Most Outstanding Canadian Player - Patrick Kabongo

• First MOP nomination in his 6-year CFL career
• Named a 2008 West Division All-Star and a CFLPA All-Star in 2007
• Was the 2008 and 2009 recipient of the David Boone Award, voted on by his teammates, for his work in the community

 

Most Outstanding Defensive Player - Kai Ellis

• First MOP nomination in his 7-year CFL career
• Has become a force to reckon with on the Eskimo d-line as he currently sits with 59 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, six quarterback sacks, five tackles for losses and four knockdowns
• Had one fumble recovery on September 11th against Calgary which he returned 40 yards for a touchdown

 

Most Outstanding Special Teams Player - Tristan Jackson

• Second Special Teams MOP nomination (2008)
• Was nominated as the Eskimo Most Outstanding Rookie in 2008
• Currently leads the CFL in kick return yards (1167)
• Earned Special Teams Player of the Week honours for his 75 yard punt return for a touchdown on July 25th in Saskatchewan which helped the team come back from a 22 point deficit to win the game 38-33

Most Outstanding Rookie - Arkee Whitlock*

• Played in 16 games (16 starts) so far this season
• Broke the 1000-yard rushing yard mark on October 23rd making him the first Eskimo RB to surpassed 1000+ rushing yards mark since Troy Davis in 2006
• Currently leads the team with 191 carries for 1128 yards and 10 touchdowns.  He also has 42 receptions for 385 yards and one touchdown; and 13 kickoff returns for 353 yards
• Earned Special Teams Player of the Week accolades for his 65-yard kickoff return in the Eskimos’ 33-19 defeat over the Alouettes on July 30th

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Patrick Kabongo

• Also nominated for the Eskimo Most Outstanding Canadian Player (2009)
• Started in 17 games this season at right guard
• The 2008 and 2009 Eskimo nominee for the CFLPA’s Tom Pate Memorial Award for his commitment to the league, his team and his community 

* indicates unanimous selection