Eskimos Derel Walker's top rookie award well-earned
Wide receiver dazzled fans but played only 12 games
Eskimos wide receiver Derel Walker has come a long way in a very short period of time.
The first-year sensation was named the Canadian Football League's top rookie Thursday in Winnipeg, where the Eskimos and Ottawa Redblacks will battle for the 103rd Grey Cup on Sunday.
The relatively unknown product from Hillsboro, Tex., sat on the practice roster for the first six games of the season.
When standout Eskimos slotback Adarius Bowman was injured, Walker got the call.
And from there he took off like a comet, lighting up the league.
His numbers were impressive: 89 catches (an Eskimos rookie record) for 1,110 yards and six TDs in 12 games. He finished fifth overall in the league.
Eskimos fans are likely wondering what Walker can accomplish in a full season.
On Sunday, he will be a primary target for quarterback Mike Reilly as the Eskimos try to win their 14th Grey Cup.