B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian named CFL’s top defensive player

TORONTO — B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian is the CFL’s top defensive player.

Elimimian was honoured Thursday night at the league’s awards banquet.

Montreal Alouettes linebacker Bear Woods was the other finalist.

Voting was conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine CFL head coaches.

The six-foot, 225-pound Elimimian was the CFL’s leading tackler (129) with eight sacks and an interception this season. It marked the second time in three seasons Elimimian led the league in tackles, registering a record 143 in 2014 when he was named both its outstanding player and top defensive performer.

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Elimimian returned to form after suffering a career-threatening Achilles injury last season.

The six-foot, 245-pound Woods also enjoyed a solid 2016 campaign, finishing second in tackles with 126. He also registered five sacks and two interceptions.

Woods was also the award finalist behind Elimimian in 2014.

The Canadian Press