Alexander, Philpot and Fajardo named MOP finalists

The CFL's standout player award finalists were announced on Wednesday, featuring Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander, Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot, and Edmonton Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo. Alexander, who led the league with 5,257 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, is only one of two Montreal players to reach the 5,000-yard mark.

His performance included a 72.1 completion percentage and 37 long completions. Philpot, from Delta, B.C., dominated in catches, yards, and touchdowns, setting CFL records for most catches and yards by a Canadian player. Fajardo tied his career-high with 4,788 passing yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 517 yards and eight TDs.

Defensively, Toronto linebacker Adarius Pickett and B.C.'s Darnell Sankey, along with Calgary defensive lineman Clarence Hicks, were recognized as finalists for the top defensive player award. Pickett led the league with 116 total tackles and 103 defensive stops, while Sankey had 136 defensive plays and 114 tackles, including a career-high four sacks.

Hicks set a career-best 12 sacks and appeared in every Calgary game. In special teams, Toronto's Tyreik McAllister and Edmonton's Vincent Blanchard were among the finalists, with McAllister leading in return touchdowns and Blanchard setting a league record with nine successful field goals. The CFL has decided to honor its top players through surprise online presentations instead of an annual awards ceremony this year.