The Calgary Stampeders are pleased to announce their finalists for the 2011 Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards – Nik Lewis, Brandon Smith, Jon Cornish, Stanley Bryant, Larry Taylor and Demetrice Morley.

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Calgary’s six nominees were determined by votes submitted by seven local media members and one vote from the Stampeders coaching staff.
 
The Stamps players will now compete against other West Division team nominees for the right to represent the West at the Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards ceremony during Grey Cup week in Vancouver. The next round of winners will be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
 
Here is a look at Calgary’s nominees:
 
Receiver Nik Lewis – Most outstanding player
Lewis, in his eighth season with the Stamps, is third in the CFL in receiving with 1,153 yards and leads the West Division with 89 receptions. Lewis also leads the West with 580 yards after catch. The durable receiver has appeared in each of Calgary’s 17 regular-season games thus far. Lewis has continued to add to his club record of consecutive games with at least one catch, a mark that stands at 139 games. Lewis’ fantastic season has seen him move into the Top 25 when it comes to all-time receiving yards in the CFL. Lewis has had three 100-yard receiving games in 2011.
 
Defensive back Brandon Smith – Most outstanding defensive player
Smith has been a stalwart on the Stampeders’ defence and is one of just three defensive players to start all 17 games this season. He leads the Stamps with 58 defensive tackles and also has one interception and one forced fumble. Smith, who is usually matched up against one of the opposition’s most dangerous receivers, has helped the Stamps surrender the third-fewest yards per game to opposing offences (343.2 yards per game) and second-fewest passing yards (255.5 yards per game).

Running back Jon Cornish – Most outstanding Canadian
Cornish has carried the ball 111 times this season for 825 yards. His 7.4-yard average per carry is best in the CFL. Cornish also has 365 yards on 24 receptions, giving him 1,190 yards from scrimmage. He is tied for second in the league with 10 touchdowns, a total that gives him top spot in the West Division. Cornish has averaged 95.5 rushing yards per game since he was named the Stamps’ starting running back, a span of six games. Cornish was named top Canadian in Weeks 14 and 16 and was top offensive player in Week 14.
 
Offensive lineman Stanley Bryant – Most outstanding offensive lineman
Bryant, in his first full season with the Stamps, has started 16 games at right tackle and has been a key component of an offensive line that has paved the way for strong rushing and passing attacks in 2011. The Stamps are second in the league inrushing yards with 2,117 and average rushing yards per game with 124.5. Calgary is also second in the league in average gain per rush at 6.2 yards. Calgary is second in the league in passing yards (4,826) and average passing yards pergame (283.9). With just 33 sacks allowed, the Stamps are near the top of the league when it comes to protecting the quarterback.
 
Returner Larry Taylor – Most outstanding special teams player
Taylor has been a special-teams threat throughout the season. He is second in the league in combined yards (1,694), a total made up of kickoff-return yards (954), punt-return yards (514) and missed-field-goal-return yards (226). Taylor leads the league in the latter category thanks in large part to his return of 122 yards for a touchdown against the BC Lions on Oct. 8. Taylor has had three punt returns of more than 30 yards, four kickoff returns of more than 40 yards and three missed field goal returns of more than 30 yards. Those totals have helped the Stamps lead the league in big plays with 53.
 
Defensive back Demetrice Morley – Most outstanding rookie
Morley has started every game at safety since Week 3 of the season, a total of 15 consecutive games. Morley has 36 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks and three forced fumbles. Morley has helped the Stamps surrender the third-fewest yards per game to opposing offences (343.2 yards per game) and second-fewest passing yards (255.5 yards per game).