Jovon’s best birthday

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This article was published 03/11/2011 (5144 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Happy birthday, Jovon Johnson.

Wednesday was a day to remember for the fourth-year Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back after hearing he was voted the team representative for three of the six ‘Most Outstanding’ awards given out by the CFL.

Johnson was voted the Bombers’ Most Outstanding Player, the Most Outstanding Defensive Player, and the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player. It’s the second time Johnson (who celebrated his 28th birthday Wednesday) was named the club’s M.O.P. (he won it in 2009) and the third straight time he’s been selected as the team’s best player on special teams.

But it was the nomination for defensive player that had the Iowa product glowing, if not a little bit humbled after practice at Canad Inns Stadium. On a roster filled with stars and playmakers who have given the Bombers a defensive reputation that is considered among the best in the CFL, being recognized in that deep pool of talent easily takes the cake.

“That’s the more meaningful one for me at this point,” Johnson said, not missing a chance to mention his good friend Jonathan Hefney or the contributions of defensive end Odell Willis when answering questions.

“For us, a lot of guys could have been given any of these awards — especially (Hefney) and Willis — guys who have stepped up to the challenge and were successful,” he added. “Considering our defence has been (ranked) first in a lot of categories from start to finish, anybody on our team could have walked away with these awards.”

That team-first mentality wasn’t lost on the head coach, either. Paul LaPolice isn’t big on public praise regarding individual success, so any chance to work in the team angle is always welcome.

As one of the voters for the award, he knows first-hand how difficult the defensive player choice was.

“A lot of guys could have gotten that award on defence but Jovon is certainly deserving,” LaPolice said.

Seven members of the local media (along with the head coach) voted on the Bombers nominees. The four Winnipeg players will now go up against the rest of the East Division nominees in their specific categories on the next ballot.

As expected, the final tallies for the Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player on the Bombers were close. For the M.O.P., Johnson received four first place votes, Hefney received three and quarterback Buck Pierce received one. The defensive player voting was even tighter, with both Johnson and Hefney receiving four first place votes.

The tiebreaker: Johnson received more second place votes to edge out Hefney.

“I thought the defensive player would be given to Jonathan,” Johnson said. “He’s deserving of the award. He’s had a tremendous season. I know he probably hates the fact that he didn’t get nominated.”

Hefney has six interceptions and leads the team with 74 tackles and two fumble recoveries this season.

Johnson wasn’t the only Bomber to take home some recognition Wednesday. Cory Watson was named the Most Outstanding Canadian; fellow receiver Clarence Denmark was named the Most Outstanding Rookie; and Brendon LaBatte was named the Most Outstanding Lineman — the third straight year he’s won the award.

Johnson was the lone CFL player to pick up three nominations Wednesday and the first Bombers player to score the hat-trick since Doug Brown pulled the trifecta in 2008.

B.C. kicker Paul McCallum, Montreal kicker Sean Whyte, Hamilton defensive end Justin Hickman and Toronto kick returner Chad Owens are the only other CFL players to earn team nominations in two categories.

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @wazoowazny