CFL’s annual awards handed out

CALGARY – (660 NEWS) – Brandon Banks leads the class of 2019 CFL award winners.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver was named the CFL’s most outstanding player.

Banks, 31, led the CFL in receiving this season with a club-record 112 catches for 1,550 yards and 13 TDs.

He also ran 13 times for 56 yards and a TD, returned 13 punts for 140 yards, and five missed field goals for 283 yards.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson was named the CFL’s top defensive player.

Jefferson finished with a career-high 12 sacks in his first season with Winnipeg.

He also posted a league-record 16 pass knockdowns to go with 24 tackles, an interception, six forced fumbles and two recoveries.

Orlondo Steinauer of the Tiger-Cats is the CFL’s coach of the year.

Steinauer had a stellar first season with Hamilton, leading the Ticats to a CFL-best 15-3 record.

While going a perfect 9-0 at home.

The top Canadian award went to Montreal Alouettes linebacker Henoc Muamba,

The native of Zaire who grew up in Mississauga, Ont., finished second in the CFL in tackles with 93.

He added one sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 regular-season games.

Calgary Stampeders linebacker Nate Holley was named the CFL’s top rookie.

Holley had 78 tackles, 22 special-teams tackles, a sack and an interception

The 24-year-old is the sixth Calgary player to win the award since 1972.

As well, Stampeders’ punter Rob Maver was named the 2019 recipient of the Tom Pate Memorial Award.

The award celebrates outstanding sportsmanship and someone who has made a significant contribution to his team, his community and Association.

Team President and General Manager, John Hufnagel was also honoured with the Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award.

The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated great leadership and made significant contributions to the league.