Roughriders nominate Naaman Roosevelt as most outstanding player
CFL Player of the Year nominees also include Tyler Crapigna
Although he played barely more than half the season, Naaman Roosevelt is the Saskatchewan Roughriders' nominee for most outstanding player of the year.
Roosevelt, in just his second season in the CFL, was on pace for the Riders' single season receiving record when he suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of the Banjo Bowl in Winnipeg.
"That definitely goes through my head every day when I just want to be out there with my team," said Roosevelt, who still recorded more than a 1,000 yards despite an abbreviated season.
"The year didn't turn out what I wanted it to be," said Roosevelt, who wants to "get healthy and get ready for next year."
But it's unclear whether Roosevelt will be back with the Riders next season. He becomes a free agent in February and talks between his agent and the Riders are in the preliminary stage.
Riders head coach and general manager Chris Jones has said re-signing Darian Durant is the priority.
Meanwhile, Riders' kicker Tyler Crapigna was a double nominee for the player awards.
In his first full season in the CFL, Crapigna connected on 35 of 40 field goal attempts.
He was the Riders' top vote recipient for special teams player of the year and top Canadian.
Curiously, the Calgary Stampeders' nominee for top Canadian is Jerome Messam, the running back the Riders traded a year ago to get Crapigna.
"I don't see too often kickers getting traded for top running backs in the league but I guess it worked out," said Crapigna. "I'm just looking forward to continuing my success here."
Other Riders nominees are:
- Otha Foster: Voted by the Football Reporters of Canada as most outstanding defensive player.
- Thaddeus Coleman: Outstanding offensive lineman.
- Justin Cox: Outstanding rookie.
The division nominees will be announced on Nov. 10.