Kevin Glenn.

BY PERRY LEFKO
sportsnet.ca

In anticipation of the start of the 2010 Canadian Football League season, sportsnet.ca’s Perry Lefko looks into his crystal ball for the winner’s of this year’s awards.

Most Outstanding Player

East: Kevin Glenn, Hamilton

West: Darian Durant, Saskatchewan

Kevin Glenn really came into his own last year when given the starting role in Hamilton and, in a limited number of games, showed the same kind of form that made him the East Division’s Most Outstanding Player nominee in 2007 with Winnipeg.

With a solid cast of receivers in Arland Bruce, Maurice Mann, Dave Stala, Drisan James and Marquay McDaniel, there is plenty of talent. Bruce might end up leading the league in reception yardage, so he’s in the mix also for the MOP. While the logical choice is Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo for the third consecutive year, there’s reason to believe his numbers will drop slightly because the East isn’t nearly as weak as last year.

Darian Durant has had a full season under his belt and the upside for him is huge. All he needs is a little more consistency, specifically cutting down on interceptions, and he could challenge for most passing yards.

I’m giving Casey Printers runnerup consideration. He put up some huge numbers in limited starts last year.

And the winner is: Glenn

Most Outstanding Canadian

East: Dave Stala, Hamilton

West: Paris Jackson, B.C.

Receiver Dave Stala has played with purpose and passion since coming to Hamilton and an off-season training regiment might just take him to the next level and knock off logical favourite Ben Cahoon of Montreal, his one-time teammate.

Paris Jackson can be as good as any receiver in the league, and both he and Geroy Simon will benefit greatly from Printers’ vertical passing game. Strong runner-up consideration goes to Saskatchewan receiver Andy Fantuz.

And the winner is: Jackson

Outstanding Defensive Player:

East: John Bowman, Montreal

West: Sean Lucas, Saskatchewan

John Bowman tied for the league lead in sacks last season with 12 and in forced fumbles with five. He’s only into his fifth year, but his numbers are consistently rising. Hamilton linebacker Jamall Johnson clearly improved the Ticats’ defence last year and is only marginally behind in my choice for this pick.

Linebacker Sean Lucas did well last year in defensive tackles and sacks, and will be counted on to do more this year with the loss of ends John Chick and Stevie Baggs.

And the winner is: Bowman

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman

East: Josh Bourke, Montreal

West: Gene Makowsky, Saskatchewan

Bourque is heading into his fourth season and protects Anthony Calvillo’s blind spot.

Hamilton centre Marwan Hage is worthy of consideration.

Makowsky has won this award several times and may be the most versatile offensive lineman in the league, capable of playing outside or inside.

And the winner is: Makowsky

Oustanding Special Teams Player

East: Marquay McDaniel, Hamilton

West: Dominique Dorsey, Saskatchewan

Marquay Daniel chalked up almost 1,800 return yards and could be equally tough unless the Ticats cut back his load to let him concentrate on receiving.

Dominique Dorsey was acquired by the Roughriders as a free agent from Toronto specifically for his return duties, and if he can repeat what he did two years in winning this award he’s a shoe-in. But Tristan Jackson of Edmonton bears serious watching.

And the winner is: Dominique Dorsey

Most Outstanding Rookie:

East: Terence Jeffers-Harris, Winnipeg

West: Rob Maver, Calgary

Receiver Terence Jeffers-Harris looked impressive in both pre-season games and has a big body and good hands.

Maver was the Stamps’ first-round selection this year and replaces Sandro DeAngelis, so he’ll get his chance to chalk up points and make an impression.

And the winner is: Maver

Coach of the Year

East: Marcel Bellefeuille, Hamilton

West: Ken Miller, Saskatchewan

Bellefeuille did well last year in his first full season and figures to grab a few more wins this year and challenge Montreal’s Marc Trestman.

Miller guided the team to first in the West last year and narrowly missed winning the Grey Cup.

And the winner is: Bellefeuille