CFL names Solomon Elimimian most outstanding player

History was made at the CFL awards banquet Thursday when B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian was named the league's most outstanding player. Elimimian becomes the first pure defensive player to capture the award. He also won for most outstanding defensive player.

The event, held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, recognized the best players in the league for their achievements.

Here's a break down of who won:

• B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian is the CFL's most outstanding player. Elimimian recorded 143 tackles this season, a CFL record, and added five sacks.

• Running back Jon Cornish of the Calgary Stampeders is the CFL's top Canadian. Cornish led the CFL in rushing with 1,082 yards and averaged 7.8 yards per carry despite only playing nine games due to injuries.

• B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian is the CFL's top defensive player. Elimimian had a season to remember, registering 151 total tackles — another CFL record for him this season.

• Centre Brett Jones of the Calgary Stampeders is the CFL's top lineman. Jones played all 18 regular-season games for the Stampeders and anchored an offensive line that allowed a league-low 26 sacks.

• Swayze Waters of the Toronto Argonauts is the CFL's top special-teams player. Waters led the CFL in scoring (192 points), field goals tried (52), made (47), punting (47.7 yards) and kickoffs (65.2 yards).

• Edmonton Eskimos linebacker Dexter McCoil is the CFL's top rookie. McCoil scored three defensive touchdowns this season and also finished tied for the league lead in interceptions (six) while also posting a team-high 67 tackles.