Three Stars: A.J. Jefferson, Kevin Glenn and Brandon Banks shine in Week Two

Here's the next installment of our Three Stars series, looking at the CFL's top offensive, defensive and special teams performers in Week Two.

First star/defensive player of the week: A.J. Jefferson, defensive back, Toronto Argonauts: The quarterbacks on both sides got a lot of attention in Toronto's 42-40 double-overtime win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders Sunday, and deservedly so, but the Argonauts wouldn't have even taken this to overtime without Jefferson. With Toronto trailing 21-11 in the fourth quarter, he made an unbelievable play, jumping a route, picking off a sideline pass from Kevin Glenn to Taj Smith, and returning it 100 yards for a touchdown, part of a 17-7 fourth-quarter run in Toronto's favour that sent this game to extra time. Jefferson, who's in his first CFL season following a solid college career at Fresno State and five seasons in the NFL, impressed throughout training camp, and he's now making things happen in games. His play was crucial to the Argos' eventual triumph Sunday.

(Honourable mentions: Emanuel Davis, DB, Hamilton; Solomon Elimimian, LB, B.C.; Damaso Munoz, LB, Ottawa.)

Second star/offensive player of the week: Kevin Glenn, quarterback, Saskatchewan Roughriders: The Riders may have lost in the end Sunday, and Glenn's interception played a role there, but that shouldn't overshadow the outstanding overall showing he delivered. The 36-year-old Glenn is in his 15th CFL season, but he put on one of the best performances of his career Sunday, completing 33 of 40 passes (82.5 per cent) for 477 yards and two touchdowns. The Illinois State product has had plenty of ups and downs in his CFL career, but his play Sunday might show he still has something left, and that could be great news for the Roughriders, especially with starting quarterback Darian Durant gone for the year.

(Honourable mentions: Trevor Harris, QB, Toronto; Ryan Smith, SB, Saskatchewan; Zach Collaros, QB, Hamilton.)

Third star/special teams player of the week: Brandon Banks, punt returner/kick returner, Hamilton Tiger-Cats: The Ticats thumped the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 52-26 Thursday, and Banks was a big part of their success. The Kansas State alum earns his second-straight nod in this slot thanks to a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown. On the day, Banks had four punt returns for 100 yards and three kick returns for 60 yards; he also added four rushes for 13 yards and two catches for 11 yards. He's a threat to score whenever he gets the ball, and a significant headache for opposing teams.

(Honourable mentions:  Paul McCallum, K, Saskatchewan; Justin Medlock, K, Hamilton; Ray Early, P, Saskatchewan.)

Bonus star/Canadian player of the week: Brad Sinopoli, slotback, Ottawa Redblacks: Sinopoli, a former CIS quarterback for the Ottawa Gee-Gees, played at his old stadium for the first time as a pro Saturday, and he made his return a memorable one. Sinopoli had nine catches for a team-high 99 yards and a touchdown in Ottawa's 27-16 win over the B.C. Lions, often working over the middle and surviving tough hits, and he demonstrated he fits right in with the Redblacks' other big-name additions at receiver. If he can keep this up, he'll likely be a vital piece for Ottawa this year.

(Honourable mentions: Jerome Messam, RB, Saskatchewan; Andy Fantuz, SB, Hamilton; Paul McCallum, K, Saskatchewan.)

Keep an eye on 55-Yard Line for next week's Three Stars, and if you'd like to nominate a candidate during the week's games, contact me via Twitter or e-mail. Thanks for reading!