Bighill’s impactful play recognized

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This article was published 31/10/2018 (2557 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Adam Bighill was supposed to have a transforming effect on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He hasn’t disappointed.

The 30-year-old linebacker from Montesano, Wash., was named the CFL club’s Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player Wednesday following voting by members of the local chapter of the Football Reporters of Canada. Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea also cast a ballot.

Bighill’s physical skills were obvious but his leadership skills and knowledge of the game have done wonders for the Bombers’ defence, which is among the best in the CFL.

A late addition during training camp after being released by the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, Bighill is third among defenders with 104 tackles, trailing only Calgary Stampeders linebacker Alex Singleton (115) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Larry Dean (105). The four-time league all-star also leads the CFL with four forced fumbles.

“I wanted to let my experience in the league help people around me,” said Bighill following practice Wednesday. “If I can help someone be better, it’s going to make us all better. I didn’t come in and say I’m going to control this place and I’m going to be the leader. It naturally formed into that. I’ve never been a big talker. I lead by actions on the field and how I work off the field.”

Bighill’s enthusiastic approach has been well-received by his teammates.

“Adam’s very well deserving,” said running back Andrew Harris, who finished a close second to Bighill in the voting for MOP. “He’s come in, learned a new defence and made everyone around him better and he’s made big plays in big situations and changed games.”

Harris, a teammate of Bighill’s when both played for the B.C. Lions, lobbied hard to get the free agent to sign with the Blue Bombers.

“I knew coming here the situation was going to be a good one,” said Bighill. “It started with guys I played with in this locker room already, led by coach O’Shea. It’s been a great place for me.”

Other Winnipeg nominees for league awards are: Harris (Most Outstanding Canadian); offensive tackle Stanley Bryant (Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman); cornerback Marcus Sayles (Most Outstanding Rookie); and kicker Justin Medlock (Most Outstanding Special Teams Player).

East and West Division nominees for the league awards will be announced in early November.

The 31-year-old Harris, second in league rushing with 1,355 yards, was the CFL’s leading ground gainer and earned his first Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2017.

“It’s definitely a tribute to the guys around me,” said Harris, with a nod to his sturdy, veteran offensive line. “I mean, I definitely take a lot of pride in being a Canadian in this league and having a good season.”

He’ll have a chance to pass Ottawa’s William Powell (1,362 yards) for the rushing title on Saturday against the Edmonton Eskimos. Powell is not expected to play for the Redblacks in their final regular-season game.

“To have the rushing totals that I’ve had and the success we’ve had on the ground, the dominance we’ve had on the ground as a team is definitely something you take a lot of pride (in),” said Harris.

“My game has evolved in the last two, three years into being a more complete back and taking pride in all the different things that come along with that. This one, especially, is important to me because of the teammates and the guys I go to war with.”

Bryant, a 32-year-old American, is looking to repeat as the CFL’s top offensive lineman. The offensive tackle also earned CFL all-star honours in 2017, 2014 and 2013.

He also owns a remarkable iron man streak, starting all 71 games since joining the team as a free agent from the Stampeders for the 2015 season. Bryant credited his fellow hogs for his ongoing success.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without those guys,” he said.

The 24-year-old Sayles, a product of the University of West Georgia State, has played 15 of Winnipeg’s 17 games thus far, registering 65 defensive tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, five special teams tackles and one blocked punt.

Sayles started Week 3 at cornerback and shuffling around the defence before finding a spot at halfback.

“I just think I have more freedom to do what I want (playing halfback),” said Sayles. “At corner, it’s more technique you have to have and with me, I think you have to have a different skill set to be playing at weak (side) half. I think I can run with a lot of receivers in this league.”

Medlock, 35, was the league’s top special teams player in 2016 and is having another all-star calibre season. He has connected on 42 of 47 field-goal attempts while averaging 44.5 yards per punt.

How did he rate his season so far?

“I would say really good,” said Medlock, Winnipeg’s top special teams performer for three consecutive seasons. “I would say mentally, I’ve been at the best. I’ve been really solid, that was one of the main focuses coming into the year. I wanted to be really steady… Punting really improved, by a yard and by a yard net, too. The only thing I’d take back is I think my kickoffs could’ve been a little better.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @sawa14