Hardrick earns first Outstanding OL nod

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This article was published 25/10/2023 (718 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jermarcus Hardrick has a different name for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award.

“It’s the Stanley Bryant award,” said Hardrick.

It might be renamed to that one day, as Bryant won it annually between 2017-22 en route to picking up league honours a record four times during that stretch.

In 2023, Hardrick is the one getting recognized. The CFL’s individual team winners were revealed on Wednesday and Hardrick’s name made the list for the first time in his nine-year CFL career.

“I was speechless. I didn’t know what to do. I was texting Darren (Cameron, club’s senior director of public and player relations) to make sure. I was like ‘Are you sure?’ But other than that, I’m just happy my teammates helped me get to this point. I’m happy for my wife,” said Hardrick.

“It’s more for my teammates, my wife, and kids for all the sacrifices they’ve made. My wife and kids they get out of school and we go straight to the gym in the offseason… They don’t have a regular life. They move up here and back and forth. It was more for them and my teammates.”

Four media members from the local chapter of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea get to vote. It was closely contested with Bryant and centre Chris Kolankowski also having their names written down.

“It does make it sweet because I know the standard that Stanley has put the bar at. I’ve been trying to chase him and look up to him all these years. It’s good to put one on my resume, but let’s go get the big one,” said the 33-year-old University of Nebraska product.

“That was the best feeling of all, the hug Stanley gave me and the pressure he had in the hug, that was genuine.”

The right tackle played a pivotal role in holding the opposition to 32 sacks which is tied with the Calgary Stampeders for the second fewest in the CFL this season behind the Toronto Argonauts (17). Hardrick’s presence has also helped the Bombers lead the league in rushing yards (137.1 per game) and passing yards (291.6 per game).

“I’m very happy for him. I know how hard he works,” said Bryant.

“He’s one of those guys that I think is underrated in this league. He’s had great years over the years and it’s good to see him finally get recognition for it.”

Running back Brady Oliveira (Most Outstanding Player/Canadian), Defensive end Willie Jefferson (Most Outstanding Defensive Player), kicker Sergio Castillo (Most Outstanding Special Teams Player), punter Jamieson Sheahan (Most Outstanding Rookie) will also represent the Bombers for the West Division awards.

This is Jefferson’s third time being named Winnipeg’s top defender (2019 and 2022). He led the league with 13 pass knockdowns and had a team-high 11 sacks and three forced fumbles.

“My trophy case is getting full, but I can always make room for more,” said Jefferson. “It’s something that you appreciate at the end of the year, but it’s not something that you try to fight for. I fight for the wins, I fight for trying to play a perfect game and have an amazing season with my teammates. At the end of the year, whoever gets it, we congratulate eachother and we hope they can go further on.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

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