Blue Bombers linebacker Muamba nets three player award nominations

TORONTO – Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Henoc Muamba was named a finalist in three categories Wednesday in first-round voting for the CFL’s outstanding player awards.

The first overall pick of the 2011 CFL draft was voted as Winnipeg’s nominee for outstanding player, defensive player and Canadian awards.

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

Also named outstanding player nominees were quarterbacks Ricky Ray (Toronto) and Henry Burris (Hamilton), running backs Jon Cornish (Calgary) and Kory Sheets (Saskatchewan), linebackers Chip Cox (Montreal) and Adam Bighill (B.C.) and receiver Fred Stamps (Edmonton).

Other multiple nominees included Cox and Bighill (both top defensive player), Cornish (Canadian), Montreal safety Mike Edem (Canadian, rookie), Edmonton linebacker Eric Samuels (rookie, special teams) and Hamilton defensive lineman Brian Bulke (Canadian, defensive player)

The division finalists will be announced next week.