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Three Stars: Marcus Howard, Shakir Bell and Grant Shaw lead the way in Week Four

Edmonton defensive lineman Marcus Howard earned our First Star nod for Week Four. (esks.com.)

Continuing our Three Stars series, here's a look at the CFL's top offensive, defensive and special teams performers in Week Four. This time around, it's a list heavy on Edmonton Eskimos.

First star/defensive player of the week: Marcus Howard, defensive end, Edmonton Eskimos: Howard came up big in the Eskimos' 23-12 win over the Ottawa Redblacks Friday. The Georgia product recorded two sacks and a forced fumble, plus four overall tackles. He put pressure on Ottawa quarterback Henry Burris all night and helped to hold him to just 252 passing yards with an interception. If Howard and the Edmonton defence can keep up this level of play, the Eskimos will be a team to be reckoned with.

(Honourable mentions: Chip Cox, LB, Montreal; Freddie Bishop III, DE, Calgary; Kyler Ellsworth, LB, Montreal.)

Second star/offensive player of the week: Shakir Bell, running back, Edmonton Eskimos: Bell made his first CFL start Friday, and he made it one to remember. The Indiana State product rushed 18 times for 144 yards, an average of 8.0 yards per carry. He was a crucial part of Edmonton's offence. At 5'8'' and 185 pounds, Bell isn't massive physically, but he was a huge component of the Eskimos' win.

(Honourable mentions: Jon Cornish, RB, Calgary; Fred Stamps, SB, Montreal; Weston Dressler, SB, Saskatchewan.)

Third star/special teams player of the week: Grant Shaw, punter/kicker, Edmonton Eskimos: After a somewhat rocky start to the season, Shaw looked great Friday night. The Saskatchewan Huskies' alum went five-for-five on field goals, providing 15 of Edmonton's total 23 points. He also frequently pinned the Redblacks deep on punts, averaging 44.6 yards per punt on five boots and keeping dangerous Ottawa returner Chris Williams in check. Williams had just two punt returns for seven yards on the day, and Shaw's skillful punting was a large part of that.

(Honourable mentions: Richie Leone, P/K, B.C.; Boris Bede, P/K, Montreal; Kendial Lawrence, PR/KR, Edmonton.)

 

Bonus star/Canadian player of the week: Jon Cornish, running back, Calgary Stampeders: Cornish picked up 120 rushing yards on 15 carries in the Stampeders' win over Winnipeg Sunday, an average of 8.0 yards per carry. It's been a little bit of a slow start to this season for the Kansas product, but if he can keep producing the way he did against the Blue Bombers, he'll be a force to be reckoned with this season.

(Honourable mentions: Grant Shaw, P/K, Edmonton;  Andrew Harris, RB, B.C.; Zach Evans, DT, Ottawa.)

Thanks for reading! Watch 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