Leonard overlooked for the East’s rookie prize
After a season in which he finished the year with seven interceptions, Richard Leonard just got robbed himself.
The first-year Hamilton TigerCats defensive back did not earn the nomination for the East Division’s Most Outstanding Rookie — despite an outstanding season.
With all due respect to Toronto Argonauts running back James Wilder Jr. — he had a tremendous season, is in the playoffs and looks like he is going to be great player in this league — Leonard had the better year.
Numbers don’t always tell the tale, but let’s start there anyway.
Wilder was on the roster for 17 games this season but played in 15 and made just 10 starts, registering 122 carries for 872 yards, good enough for second in the East and fifth in the CFL. He added 51 catches for another 533 yards and scored five TDs.
Leonard, started 18 games at both cornerback and halfback, tied for the CFL lead in pass knock downs (13) and fumble recoveries (3), was second in interceptions (7) and 11th overall in defensive tackles (72).
He also returned one of his fumble recoveries 84 yards for a touchdown after a blocked kick in Week 1 against Toronto
So he played in more games, made more starts and had comparatively better numbers (yes, I know it’s apples to oranges, but still). Yes, the Ticat defence was, um, not good during their 0-8 start but that was hardly on Leonard, who was their best player on more than a few awful nights.
Players on teams that win games and make the playoffs often receive more recognition than players on losing teams.
Defensive players, especially outside the big names, often struggle for recognition. The media made hay of Wilder’s NFL pedigree — hey, did you hear his dad is former Tampa Bay Buccaneer James Wilder? — but Leonard is still an unknown, despite a pretty cool back story.
It’s not particularly surprising, but Ticats were shut out of the East Division award winners. The only other guy I would have made an argument for is offensive lineman Ryan Bomben, who was dominant this season. Another Argonaut, centre Sean McEwan, received that honour.
Voting was conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and eight CFL head coaches.
Members of the media in East Division cities vote for the East nominees while the same is true out West. National members of the media vote on both divisions.
Quarterbacks Mike Reilly of the Edmonton Eskimos and Ricky Ray of the Toronto Argonauts were named the West and East Division nominees for the CFL’s top individual award.
The other divisional nominees include linebackers Alex Singleton of Calgary and Kyries Hébert of Montreal (defensive player), Winnipeg running back Andrew Harris and Ottawa receiver Brad Sinpoli (Canadian), Winnipeg tackle Stanley Bryant and McEwen (lineman), Calgary’s Roy Finch and Ottawa’s Diontae Spencer (special teams), Calgary receiver Marken Michel and Wilder (rookie) as well as Calgary’s Dave Dickenson and Toronto’s Marc Trestman (coach of the year).
The CFL will honour its top performers Nov. 23 in Ottawa
Leonard won’t be there and that’s too bad. He deserved better.
Leonard was their best player on more than a few awful nights.