MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – The Canadian Football League announced on Wednesday its 2014 East Division All-Stars and the Alouettes lead the division as well as the league with eleven selections. Divisional All-Stars were chosen by 70 voters comprised of Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) members and CFL head coaches.
Running back: Brandon Whitaker (2nd selection)
East Division All-Star: 2011 and 2014
In 13 outings in 2014, Whitaker amassed an impressive total of 764 rushing yards as well as a touchdown in 169 rushes. His brilliant season was cut short due to a severe foot injury on October 10. At the time, Whitaker was ranked first among running backs for rushing yards. Although he has missed the past five games, he still ranks fourth in the CFL in this category.
Receiver: Duron Carter (1st selection)
East Division All-Star : 2014
In only fifteen contests this season, Carter placed third in league receiving totals with an impressive 1030 yards in the air and seven touchdowns on 75 catches. Having emerged as one of quarterback Jonathan Crompton’s favorite targets, the 23-year old also returned a 123-yard missed field goal for a touchdown. At the conclusion of his second season in Montreal, Duron Carter has established himself as one of the top receivers in the CFL.
Receiver: S.J Green (4th selection)
East Division All-Star: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
S.J Green earns this recognition for the fourth straight season in his career. Once again this year, Green was a major contributor to the Alouettes’ offense, racking up 835 receiving yards as well as four touchdowns on 53 catches. The veteran receiver took part in fifteen contests in 2014.
Tackle: Josh Bourke (7th selection)
East Division All-Star : 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
In his eighth season with Montreal, Bourke proved once again that he’s among the best tackles in the league with his seventh straight selection to the East Division All-Star team. The veteran appeared in all 18 contests this season and he continued to perform at a high level, ensuring the Alouettes’ dominant offensive line allowed only 30 sacks – good for second-fewest in the CFL.
Centre : Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (2nd selection)
East Division All-Star: 2012 , 2014
Luc Brodeur-Jourdain was a huge catalyst for the offensive line once again this year. The 31 year-old centre has been a model of consistency throughout his career and this season was no exception as he worked in front of four different quarterbacks. The offensive line also allowed Brandon Whitaker lead the CFL in rushing yards before his injury thanks to some stellar blocking.
Defensive Tackle: Alan-Michael Cash (1st selection)
East Division All-Star: 2014
This marks the first East Division All-Star selection for the 27 year-old Richmond, VA native. In only 12 outings this year, Cash recorded 33 defensive tackles including three sacks. The 3-year veteran helped the defensive squad record 51 sacks this season – good for the third in the CFL.
Defensive end: John Bowman (5th selection)
East Division All-Star: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014
John Bowman’s brilliance was once again recognized this season as he earned his fifth career East Division All-Star team selection. In 17 contests this season, Bowman amassed 45 defensive tackles including 12 sacks, which ranked him fifth in the league.
Linebacker: Bear Woods (1st selection)
East Division All-Star: 2014
Bear Woods had a 2014 to remember with two Defensive Player of the Month titles as well as one Player of the Week honour in Week 14. In only 12 appearances this season, the veteran linebacker managed to record career-high numbers with 89 defensive tackles including a remarkable seven sacks, which places him second in the league. He also forced two fumbles and tallied one interception while playing regularly on special teams, where he recorded two tackles.
Linebacker: Chip Cox (6th selection)
East Division All-Star : 2009-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014
Having completed his ninth season with the Alouettes, Chip Cox has shown no signs of slowing down as he continues to be a leader of the team’s defensive squad. In 18 games this season, Cox recorded 73 defensive tackles and three quarterback sacks, as well as one pick-six. Following another strong season, Cox earned a nod to his sixth consecutive East Division All-Star team.
Corner Back: Geoff Tisdale (2nd selection)
East Division All-Star: 2013-2014
Geoff Tisdale was named to the East Division All-Star team for the second time in his career, thanks in big part to his impressive 5 interceptions on the season, good for third in the CFL. In 16 games played, Tisdale registered 39 defensive tackles, including one quarterback sack.
Defensive Back: Jerald Brown (3rd selection)
East Division All-Star: 2010-2013-2014
The six-year veteran enjoyed a successful campaign once again with the Alouettes this season, finishing third on the team with 65 defensive tackles and picking up one interception. He was a key reason the Alouettes generated a league-high 47 turnovers in 2014.
