CFL Awards notes, Part I: Cornish could tie Gabriel, top rookie Jones becomes star veteran

While the historic battle between B.C. linebacker Solomon Elimimian and Toronto quarterback Ricky Ray for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award is the most significant outcome of Thursday's announcement of divisional nominees for the league awards, there are plenty of other notable storylines. Here's Part I of a look at those, including Calgary running back Jon Cornish having the chance to equal a record from 1978 and Calgary centre Brett Jones' rise from top rookie to top lineman. Also see Part II. 

Cornish gunning for Gabriel: Well, he's not holding a boombox outside the window (that would involve Peter Gabriel, not Tony Gabriel), and he's not going to be able to defend his Most Outstanding Player title, but Cornish still has a chance to do something exceptionally memorable this year. Cornish, who led the CFL with 1,082 rushing yards this season (his closest competitor was Saskatchewan's Anthony Allen with 930) despite playing in just nine games thanks to injury, was chosen as the West Division's top Canadian player Thursday. If he takes home the league award (he's up against Hamilton defensive tackle Ted Laurent), that would give him three straight Most Outstanding Canadian awards in a row. The only other player in CFL history to do that was Ottawa Rough Riders tight end Tony Gabriel, who won three straight from 1976 to 1978 (plus one in 1974 with Hamilton).

It says something about how much Canadian depth has improved since Gabriel's era that Saskatchewan slotback Ray Elgaard is the only player to win the award three times since then (in 1988, 1990 and 1992). Montreal slotback Ben Cahoon (2002-2003) and B.C. defensive end Brent Johnson (2006-2007) managed two in a row, but couldn't get the third. It speaks to how dominant Cornish has been that he's an excellent candidate for this award despite playing only half the season; in addition to his raw rushing yards, he also notched five rushing touchdowns, averaged 7.8 yards per carry (tied for best in the league with Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly amongst those with over 25 carries), and added 133 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. We'll see if Cornish can match Gabriel's record.

Brett Jones' rise: Centre is often seen as the most mentally challenging position to fill on the offensive line, given the responsibilities for protection calls, snaps and more. As such, it's often occupied by veterans. Calgary's Brett Jones is showing that the right young player can make a huge impact there, though. Jones started one game at left guard last year and the other 17 at centre, and he did well enough to win the CFL's outstanding rookie award. A year later, he started all 18 games at centre and was a huge part of Calgary's line allowing a league-low 26 sacks and paving the way for Cornish despite injuries and major offseason attrition, including the retirement of all-star guard Dimitri Tsoumpas. Jones was deservedly selected as a divisional all-star, and now he's up for the league's Most Outstanding Lineman award. He's an excellent candidate to win that and go from dominant rookie to dominant veteran.

See Part II for thoughts on CanCon on the offensive line, dueling kickers and outstanding players who aren't all-stars. Also see our look at the battle for Most Outstanding Player.