Trey Vaval doesn’t know anything about a sophomore slump.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers kick returner was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player on Thursday.
It’s the second year in a row that Vaval has received the award, which means he has made history by becoming the first player to win it in consecutive seasons.
THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Trey Vaval (left) and defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth celebrate with the Banjo Bowl trophy back in September. The special teams weapon made history Thursday when he was awarded the CFL Most Outstanding Player award for the second straight year.
That’s a heck of an honour, but for Vaval, he’s just thankful to be playing the game he loves.
“Every day is a highlight. Just waking up and being able to come to the facility — that’s a highlight,” Vaval told reporters after Thursday’s closed practice. “You go into the hot tub in the mornings and everyone in the world doesn’t get to do that. That’s a highlight. Being around this group of guys is a highlight.
“Special teams coach Mike (Miller), Coach Osh, the trainers, everyone in this facility… that’s my highlight. Coming to practice every day is a highlight. Being able to eat together with my teammates, food that I don’t have to pay for is a highlight. Everything that comes for me is a highlight for me.”
Saskatchewan Roughriders legend Corey Holmes (2002 and 2005) is the only other two-time winner in the award’s 27-year history.
Vaval led the league with 2,868 total kick return yards, while averaging returns of 13.8 yards per punt and 24.2 yards per kickoff.
JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Vaval (centre), led the league with 2,868 total kick return yards.
The second-year pro notched two return majors on an 88-yard kickoff return and a 129-yard missed field goal return. He also had 13 big-play returns.
“He’s just been exceptional for us. He produces big ones, but boy, just on a return-by-return basis, he’s maximizing his yardage — he really does,” said head coach Mike O’Shea.
“We are just so pleased to have him on our team.”
Vaval got the news at the end of practice. The Bombers media team had a few players participate in a “Guess what’s inside the box” game where you reach inside without being able to see, feel around, and guess what it is you’re touching. When it was Vaval’s turn, it was the award. When he realized what it was, he was swarmed by his teammates in celebration.
The video was uploaded to social media.
“Just very blessed that it happened.”
“We were just playing some little game… I kind of just hit it, the trophy, and I don’t know, I was surprised, shocked,” said Vaval, a 26-year-old from Blue Springs, Mo.
“So much shock. Super cool to happen. Just very blessed that it happened.”
The voting was conducted by 36 members of the local chapters of the Football Reporters of Canada and 20 national members.
Vaval finished with 133 points in the voting process, which was 39 more than Edmonton kicker Vincent Blanchard who finished in second.
Zach watch
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros is listed as questionable for Saturday’s Eastern semifinal against the Toronto Argonauts.
Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (ribs) was a limited participant at Thursday’s closed practice.
Collaros did not participate in the first two days of practice. He is listed as questionable for Saturday’s Eastern semifinal against the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field.
“Well, you know, I think he’s feeling better today,” said O’Shea, who didn’t provide any more information.
Five Bombers named all-stars
Five Bombers have been named to the West All-CFL squad. The league revealed the division all-star teams on Thursday.
Running back Brady Oliveira, offensive tackle Jarell Broxton, defensive tackle Jake Ceresna, defensive back Evan Holm and Vaval were all selected to the West All-CFL Team, following voting by members of the Football Reporters of Canada.
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Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor.
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