The good news continues to flood in for the Ottawa REDBLACKS as the club saw two of its most dependable players earn spots on the CFL’s list of 2016 All-Stars on Wednesday.
A little over a week after the REDBLACKS stunned the Calgary Stampeders to bring the Grey Cup to Ottawa for the first time in 40 years, centre and Most Outstanding Offensive lineman nominee Jon Gott and Most Outstanding Player runner-up Ernest Jackson were named to the league’s list of its top 27 players.
For Gott, who has suited up for all REDBLACKS regular season and playoff games over the last three seasons, the recognition marks the second time in as many years that he has been named a league all-star.
“It’s a great honour and accomplishment to be CFL All-Star two years in a row,” Gott said. “I couldn’t have done it without the boys on the line – we work as a unit. Thanks, RNation!”
For Jackson, who recorded 1,225 regular season receiving yards and 10 touchdowns before hauling in the winning touchdown in overtime of the Grey Cup game, the inclusion on the list of the league’s best will surprise no one.
“E. Jack truly deserves it, he is a workhorse and the backbone of our receivers group,” said receivers coach Travis Moore. “He’s not selfish and he always brings a smile to work. The future is bright for this young man and he is doing it with class.”
While featuring in all games but the REDBLACKS regular season finale in 2016, Jackson was not tagged with a single dropped pass.
“I’m honoured to be named a CFL All-Star,” said Jackson. “It’s been one of my goals and I’m thrilled to have that title. Thank you to all those who have supported me!
Gott, who was drafted in 2008 by Calgary and spent five seasons with the Stampeders before coming to the expansion REDBLACKS in exchange for quarterback Kevin Glenn, has suited up for all 54 REDBLACKS regular season games in the club’s history, as well as two East Finals and two Grey Cup games.
“Jon is the anchor of our offensive line and someone who always leads by example,” said offensive line coach Bryan Chiu. “We ask him to do too much, but he is a huge reason why we are the 2016 Grey Cup Champions.”
