To Be Frank: Williams wins Most Outstanding Special Teams award
CALGARY — One of the CFL’s most dangerous weapons was honoured on Thursday night, as Hamilton Tiger-Cats returner Frankie Williams has been named the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.
Bombers fullback Mike Miller is the runner-up, as the two will go head to head in the 107th Grey Cup presented by Shaw on Sunday.
No player made a bigger impact in the return game than Williams, who led the league in punt return yards (949) while tallying 10 returns of 30-plus yards and a touchdown. In addition, the Tampa Bay, Fla. native accumulated 1,071 yards, two returns of 40-plus yards and a touchdown on kickoff returns.
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Altogether, Williams’ 2,020 total kick return yards topped the CFL, pacing one of the league’s most productive special teams units all around.
“I really don’t have words for it. I appreciate it to an uncommon degree,” Williams said of receiving the honour. “(Coach Orlondo Steinauer) just had that trust in me and I have that trust in him. I would say that’s what the locker room is about. The same trust he has in me, we have in each other.”
The versatile receiver also made his presence known on defence, where he emerged as a regular starter at corner, totaling 50 tackles and an interception. He’ll take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 107th Grey Cup presented by Shaw on Sunday.
The former Purdue Boilermaker is the third Tiger-Cat to be named Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, joining Chris Williams (2012) and current teammate Brandon Banks (2015).
Williams received 34 first-place votes.
