Yahoo Sports 
Berg vs. Ferg: Who’s the Most Outstanding Rookie?
Berg vs. Ferg returns for another season on CFL.ca as columnists Pat Steinberg and Marshall Ferguson debate over some of the league’s most contentious storylines. This week, they debate on this year’s Most Outstanding Rookie.
This week, the Canadian Football League revealed the list of players who qualify for the year-end Most Outstanding Rookie award.
In a deep class of impressive rookies, Marken Michel, D’haquille Williams and Richard Leonard appear to stand out from the rest, the latter being the early favourite to take home the prestigious award.
The award is a meaningful one, especially when you consider the list of past winners that includes DaVaris Daniels, Derel Walker, Dexter McCoil, Brett Jones, Chris Williams, Solomon Elimimian, Cam Wake and Weston Dressler.
RELATED
» CFL unveils list of eligible rookies for 2017
» Breaking down the all-rookie depth chart
» CFL.ca Game Notes: A look at Week 18
Following in the footsteps of past standout rookies Daniels and Eric Rogers, Michel has made a notable impact in his first season catching passes from Bo Levi Mitchell. With injuries to Daniels and Kamar Jorden, Michel has made a seamless transition as a starting receiving, helping the Stampeders lead the CFL once again.
Equally impressive has been Williams, who’s found a way to stand out despite an Eskimos receiving corps overloaded with talent. Williams has been a human highlight reel for the Eskies, using his powerful frame to win far more one-on-one fights for the ball than he’s lost.
While many receivers have won the honour in the past, another defensive player has a strong chance to be named the CFL’s top rookie. Leonard has stood out in the Ticats’ secondary all season, making plays every day despite his diminutive size, giving him a bright future in the three-down game.
The list doesn’t end there, as players like Dylan Wynn and James Wilder Jr. have also made a strong impact. If the season ended today, who would be the Most Outstanding Rookie? Berg and Ferg debate.
BERG VS. FERG: LAST WEEK’S RESULTS | ||
Ferguson: Adams/Harris (80%) Steinberg: Sinopoli/Ellingson (20%) | ||
FERG (9-9): A NOSE FOR THE BALL
Marshall Ferguson, CFL.ca
@TSN_Marsh
What do you look for in a rookie of the year candidate?
I look for a difference maker. Someone who comes out of nowhere, earns a roster spot and uses that chance for good, never evil.
There are plenty of valid candidates that fall under that description this season in the CFL. I have been blown away by the play of Argos defensive lineman Dylan Wynn, Montreal Alouettes Canadian free safety Dondre Wright has quietly had a fantastic season while Duke Williams, James Wilder Jr. and Jimmy Ralph have all made waves.
Despite the success of all named above, for me there is only one name deserving of the rookie of the year: Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Richard Leonard.
It’s easy to think I’m a homer on this one and in a way I agree. Not because I cheer for only Ticats success, but because I’ve seen more of Leonard this season than anyone else. He went from being a face in the crowd of possible Ticats defensive backs to a stud at field corner who then was so productive he was bumped inside to replace former CFL All-Star field halfback Emanuel Davis.
Leonard this season leads Hamilton as a rookie with four interceptions, while his three fumble returns lead the CFL. So do his twelve pass break ups while his 61 tackles put him inside the CFL’s top 20.
Having that kind of stat line on the island that is wide side corner is exactly why Richard Leonard has been moved closer to the football and a primary reason why he should be CFL Most Outstanding Rookie.
BERG (9-9): SOMEHOW STANDING OUT
Pat Steinberg, CFL.ca
@Fan960Steinberg
Adding D’haquille Williams to the Edmonton Eskimos receiving corps was almost unfair knowing the embarrassment of riches they already possess. But the standout rookie has held his own in a group that includes league-leading receiver Brandon Zylstra along with Adarius Bowman, Vidal Hazelton and recent returnee Derel Walker. That’s just one of the reasons he leads the way for me in the Most Outstanding Rookie conversation.
More than anything else, Williams is just a really good receiver. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, the Auburn product is a beast on the ball and his physicality helps away from the ball, too. Williams runs solid routes and does a good job stretching the field, with evidence being his 15.5 average per reception. Oh, and he scores, as his four touchdown grabs have him tied for the team lead.
There’s a reason why quarterback Mike Reilly has relied on Williams as much as he has this season. Sure, Zylstra has been Edmonton’s go-to guy all season long, but Williams has been a dangerous second option all season long with 46 receptions and 83 targets. To do that as a rookie with the receiving talent the Eskimos boast is pretty impressive.
Yes, Bowman has had a down year hampered by injuries and Walker has only played five games in Edmonton since returning from the NFL. However, it’s not like Williams has been buried, even since this group of receivers was rounded out in September. Since Walker’s return, Williams has two of his touchdown receptions and a couple really solid games. He’s still very much part of Edmonton’s aerial arsenal.
As we head towards the post-season, the Eskimos boast one of, if not the, deepest group of receivers in the CFL. A big part of that is Williams and that hasn’t changed since Walker’s return and nor should it when Hazelton is ready to return, either. Williams doesn’t boast eye popping numbers, but he’s had himself a really solid rookie season that deserves some solid consideration.
DON’T SIT ON THE FENCE!
While both sides are pretty convincing, someone’s got to take it. Whose argument convinced you the most?
You can vote for this week’s winner both on CFL.ca and Twitter. Meanwhile, continue the conversation by tweeting @Fan960Steinberg and @TSN_Marsh.
The winner will be revealed in the following week’s Berg vs. Ferg.
Fan Poll
Berg vs. Ferg: Who should win Most Outstanding Rookie?
Submit View Poll Results
Related Articles
