Cody Fajardo’s story has perhaps been the biggest one in the CFL this season.
After being signed in the off-season to become the back-up quarterback to Zach Collaros, Fajardo took over as the starter in the team’s second series of the year and has proceeded to have a season that could see him end up leading the league in passing and being the league’s most outstanding player.
On Wednesday, Fajardo took the first step to being named the league’s MOP as he was unanimously selected as the team’s nominee.
Fajardo has thrown for 4.302 and 18 touchdowns with one game to go this season while running for 611 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Others to be selected as MOP across the West are Willie Jefferson (Winnipeg), Bryan Burnham (BC), Trevor Harris (Edmonton) and Reggie Begelton (Calgary).
Other Rider players to be recognized for year end awards are:
- Charleston Hughes- Defence
- Cam Judge – Canadian
- Dan Clark – Offensive Line
- Dakoda Shepley – Rookie
- Jon Ryan – Special Teams
For Clark, the recognition comes in what arguably was his best season in the CFL. That season coming after it looked like he may not have one as he was involved in a single-vehicle accident after speaking in the town of Cudworth in May shortly before training camp started.
The 30-year-old Clark admits that he thought his football career was perhaps over.
“I was thinking more along the lines on if I’ll be able to hug and kiss my wife or see my kids again or if I’ll be able to walk again,” Clark said Wednesday afternoon following practice. “Standing in the field that day beside the car, maybe waiting for STARS to show up or an ambulance, a lot goes through your mind. Football was the least important thing at that moment.”
The Eastern and Western finalists for CFL awards which will be handed out next month during Grey Cup week in Calgary will be announced November 7
