//DATE: Nov. 21, 2007
//For Immediate Release

Nesbitt Named CIS Defensive Player of the Year

TORONTO, Ont. * Canadian Interuniversity Sport released its 2007 major individual football awards on Thursday night, naming University of Regina Rams fifth-year middle linebacker Mat Nesbitt the Presidents’ Trophy recipient as its Defensive Player of the Year.

Nesbitt becomes the first U of R player to win a major CIS postseason individual award. The 6’3”, 225 lb. linebacker led Canada West and finished second in the CIS with 64 tackles after returning to the Rams following a season with the CJFL’s Okanagan Sun. Nesbitt also had two sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery as the Rams improved from sixth to third in the league in rushing defence.

Nesbitt was also named a first-team All-Canadian. Offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte, who was named to the second team, was the only other Ram to earn All-Canadian status.

For the second consecutive season, Rams quarterback Teale Orban was the Canada West nominee for the Hec Crighton award given to the CIS Outstanding Player, but was passed over in favour of Saint Mary’s quarterback Erik Glavic.

Other major awards were given to Concordia quarterback Liam Mahoney (rookie of the year) and Wilfrid Laurier offensive tackle Scott Evans (outstanding down lineman).

The final major award * the Frank Tindall Trophy for the CIS Coach of the Year * will be announced on Thursday morning. Rams head coach Frank McCrystal is one of four nominees for the trophy.

-30-


Braden Konschuh
Sports Information Coordinator
University of Regina
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, SK S4S 0A2
Phone: (306) 585-5199
Fax: (306) 585-5693
braden.konschuh@uregina.ca
http://www.uregina.ca/cougars/

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