2019 CFL Awards: Banks takes MOP, Jefferson named top defender

The Canadian Football League handed out its annual awards ahead of the 107th Grey Cup game Sunday in Calgary.

Both of this year's Grey Cup finalists, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, were well represented at the awards ceremony. Hamilton dominated the evening, winning four of the seven major awards.

Here's a look at the night's big winners.

Most Outstanding Player: Brandon Banks, Tiger-Cats

"Speedy B" is now the class of the CFL.

Banks, the Ticats' dynamic receiver, became just the ninth wideout in CFL history to be named Most Outstanding Player. Once merely an ace return specialist, the 31-year-old has morphed into an all-around threat and was nearly unstoppable during the 2019 season. Banks' 112 receptions (a Ticats record), 1,550 receiving yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns all led the CFL. On top of that, he hauled in 100-plus receiving yards in eight games. He also rushed for a TD, returned two missed field goals for touchdowns, and had 483 total yards as a returner. Banks was named an East Division All-Star for the sixth straight season, and third time as a receiver.

Banks, a former Outstanding Special Teams winner, is the fifth Ticats player to be named MOP, and the first since Danny McManus in 1999 - coincidentally, the last time Hamilton won the Grey Cup.

Banks received 41 of 50 first-place votes to win the award over runner-up Cody Fajardo.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Willie Jefferson, Blue Bombers

Jefferson beat out Ticats star Simoni Lawrence for this honor. The 28-year-old joined the Blue Bombers in the offseason and became a force on their fearsome defensive line, tallying a career-high 12 sacks along with 24 tackles and six forced fumbles. His 16 pass knockdowns set a CFL single-season record for defensive linemen, according to CFL.ca. Jefferson is the second straight Blue Bomber to win this award, following teammate Adam Bighill.

Most Outstanding Canadian: Henoc Muamba, Alouettes

Muamba, who grew up in Mississauga and played his college football at St. Francis Xavier, was a big factor in the Montreal Alouettes' resurgence this season. The 30-year-old registered 93 tackles along with one sack, three pass knockdowns, and two forced fumbles. It's the first Most Outstanding Canadian award for the eight-year CFL veteran, who is the first Alouettes player to win the award since Ben Cahoon in 2003. Saskatchewan's Cameron Judge, a Montreal native, was the runner-up.

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Chris Van Zeyl, Tiger-Cats

Van Zeyl wins this award for the first time in his stellar 11-year career. After being released by the Toronto Argonauts in the offseason, the Fonthill, Ontario native joined the Ticats and anchored their dominant offensive line by playing in all 17 games. Thanks in large part to the protection the 36-year-old provided, Hamilton's offense led the league in multiple categories, including points scored, touchdowns, and net offense. Van Zeyl is the first Ticats offensive lineman to win this award since its inception in 1974.

Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Frankie Williams, Tiger-Cats

Williams accumulated a CFL-best 2,020 total return yards in 2019. He ran back 10 of his 76 punt returns for at least 30 yards. He also had two return touchdowns, including a 108-yard kickoff return.

Most Outstanding Rookie: Nate Holley, Stampeders

Holley established himself as an impact player on both defense and special teams in his debut with the Calgary Stampeders. The Kent State product appeared in all 18 games and registered 78 tackles along with one sack and one interception. His 100 total tackles led the league.

Annis Stukus Trophy (Coach of the Year): Orlondo Steinauer, Tiger-Cats

Steinauer led the Ticats to a franchise-best 15-3 record along with a perfect 9-0 mark at home en route to their first Grey Cup appearance since 2014. His offense led the CFL in points scored, while the Ticats' defense surrendered the fewest points in the league. Steinauer's 15 wins matched the CFL record for a first-year head coach. The former star safety is the seventh Ticats coach to win the trophy, and first since Greg Marshall in 2004.

The CFL also announced winners of several off-field awards.

Tom Pate Memorial Award: Rob Maver, Stampeders

Maver, Calgary's 10-year veteran punter, took home the Pate award for outstanding sportsmanship and contributions to his team and community. The award was voted on by members of the CFL Players' Association.

CFL Commissioner's Award: Jim Lawson

Lawson, whose family has long been associated with the CFL, has served as chair of the league's board of governors since 2013 and is a two-time interim commissioner. He received this award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the CFL. During his acceptance speech, Lawson announced his resignation as chairman of the board.

Jake Gadauar Veterans' Trophy: Martin Bedard, Alouettes

The Alouettes long snapper, a native of Quebec City, was handed this award for his strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship, and contribution to Canadian communities. Bedard is the second Als player to win the award in the last three seasons.

Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award: John Hufnagel

The Stampeders president and general manager was honored with this award for his longtime leadership in the CFL. Hufnagel was a quarterback in the league for 12 years and spent multiple seasons as a coach in Calgary before moving to the front office. Over his long CFL career, he has won four Grey Cups and two Coach of the Year awards.

Jane Mawby Tribute Award: Ross Folin

This award was officially established in October to honor Jane Mawby, a highly respected 28-year member of the Stampeders' front office who died in 2015. It celebrates "professionals who work quietly, but tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of the Canadian Football League," commissioner Randy Ambrosie said. The inaugural Mawby award winner, Ross Folin, is the Stampeders director of video operations.

The 2019 CFL All-Star teams will be announced in early December, according to CFL.ca.