2008 Most Outstanding Alouettes

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER: ANTHONY CALVILLO* (6th nomination)

The 2003 CFL Most Outstanding Player and 2002 and 2004 East Division Most Outstanding Player, Anthony Calvillo, is the Alouettes’ nominee for a sixth season. Calvillo has dominated the CFL again this year, passing for 5,633 yards and 43 touchdowns against just 13 interceptions. He set a new team record with 472 completions and needs just eight completions for a new single-season CFL record (Ricky Ray, 479 – 2005).

Other East nominees: Dominique Dorsey (TOR), Chris Thompson (HAM), Doug Brown (WPG)

MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN: BEN CAHOON (7th nomination)
Although already a two-time winner of this award, Ben Cahoon has rarely been as dominant as he has been this year. The 2002 and 2003 CFL’s top Canadian, he set the new standard for receptions by a non-import this year with 859, and became the first Alouette to record eight 1,000-yard receiving seasons and to catch 100 passes or more twice in a career. Following 16 games played so far this season, he leads the CFL with 105 receptions, is fifth in the league with 1,207 yards, and has scored seven touchdowns.

Other East nominees: Andre Talbot (TOR), Ray Mariuz (HAM), Doug Brown (WPG)

MOST OUTSTANDING LINEMAN: SCOTT FLORY (5th nomination)

The 2003, 2005 and 2006 East Division Most Outstanding Lineman, Scott Flory has long been the leader of Montreal’s offensive line. Flory is already a five-time CFL All-Star (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007) and a has been named an East Division All-Star six times, in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The Alouettes’ offensive line has had its best season since the team came re-joined the CFL in 1996, allowing just 18 sacks and helping set a franchise record with 596 points scored.

Other East nominees: Taylor Robertson (TOR), Marwan Hage (HAM), Dan Goodspeed (WPG)

MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: KERON WILLIAMS* (1st nomination)

A little-known free agent upon his arrival in Montreal, defensive tackle Keron Williams has been the surprise of the year with the Alouettes. The team leader with 10 quarterback sacks, Williams is third in the CFL in that category, and has put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks while contributing to stopping opposing running backs. In fact, just one running back has rushed for over 100 yards against the Alouettes with just one game left in the 2008 season.

Other East nominees: Willie Pile (TOR), Chris Thompson (HAM), Doug Brown (WPG)

MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE &
MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: LARRY TAYLOR (1st nomination)

Most observers have been amazed by the spectacular-yet-diminutive Larry Taylor, going back to training camp last June. In 13 games so far, Taylor has been nothing short of spectacular as he stands second in the CFL for punt-return average (12.3 yards), is among the leaders for kickoff-return average (24.5 yards) and leads the league with a 39-yard average on missed field goal returns.

Other East nominees (Rookie): Kenny Heatly (TOR), Prechae Rodriguez (HAM), Brendon LaBatte (WPG)
Other East nominees (Special teams): Dominique Dorsey (TOR), Nick Setta (HAM), Graeme Bell (WPG)