Head of the class: Riders unveil team award winners

Fajardo has thrown for 2,970 yards and 14 touchdowns while throwing 11 interceptions this season. He also has added 468 rushing yards on 78 carries and four rushing touchdowns.

The 29-year-old has started in all 13 games for the Riders in 2021, leading them to a 9-4 record.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Loucheiz Purifoy

No matter where he has lined up for the Riders’ defence, Purifoy has answered the call in a big way.

Purifoy started the season at defensive back but has played eight games at safety after a season-ending injury to Mike Edem. Purifoy also routinely lines up as the team’s strong-side linebacker in various packages.

The 28-year-old has recorded 39 tackles and two interceptions and has helped the Riders’ defence remain one of the CFL’s best.

Most Outstanding Special-Teams Player: Brett Lauther

One of two unanimous nominees, Lauther has been good on 85 per cent of his field-goal attempts (39 of 46), including three longer than 50 yards. He’s also 18-for-19 on converts.

The 31-year-old has scored 137 points, which is 47.7 per cent of the Roughriders’ entire scoring output this year (287).

Most Outstanding Canadian: Micah Teitz

For the second straight season, a linebacker has been named the Riders’ most outstanding Canadian.

Teitz had big shoes to fill in 2021 with the departure of Cam Judge to the Toronto Argonauts; Judge was the Riders’ 2019 most outstanding Canadian nominee.

Teitz leads the Riders with 64 tackles and has added four tackles for loss (second-most on the team) and three sacks.

Teitz was also a unanimous nominee.

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Dan Clark

For the second straight season, Clark’s work in the middle of the Riders’ offensive line has been recognized with a nomination for this award.

After a shoulder injury to tackle Terran Vaughn in training camp, Clark was the only returning member of the 2019 line. He has started in all 13 games this season.

Most Outstanding Rookie: Kian Schaffer-Baker

The Riders appear to have found a diamond in the rough in the fourth round of the 2020 CFL draft.

Schaffer-Baker was taken 30th overall by the team and had to wait to play his first season with the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season.

Schaffer-Baker didn’t start a game until Week 3 but hasn’t missed one since. In 11 games, the 23-year-old has caught 45 passes for 550 yards and two touchdowns.

Until slotback Duke Williams had 146 yards in Saturday’s game against Edmonton, Schaffer-Baker had the only 100-yard receiving game for the Riders in 2021 (107 against Calgary on Oct. 2.).

The East and West Division finalists for the 2021 CFL awards will be announced on Nov. 25.

by Britton Gray/ CJME News