Redblacks defensive lineman Mauldin IV named CFL’s top defensive player

REGINA – Defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin IV of the Ottawa Redblacks was named the CFL’s top defensive player Thursday night.

The announcement was made during the CFL’s awards banquet in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine league head coaches.

The six-foot-four, 259-pound Mauldin IV was one of the few bright spots for Ottawa (4-14), which finished last in the East Division.

Mauldin IV had a breakout ’22 campaign, his first with Ottawa, registering a CFL-high 17 sacks.

He also posted career highs of 43 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Mauldin IV spent his first two CFL seasons with Hamilton, recording a combined 13 tackles and four sacks in 17 games.

Defensive lineman Shawn Lemon of the Calgary Stampeders was the finalist.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 17, 2022.