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October 30, 2024

Seven Blue Bombers Named West Division All-CFL Stars

Blue Bombers all-star defensive back Deatrick Nichols -- photos by Cameron Bartlett

They are the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Magnificent Seven — a collection of grizzled veterans, returnees and fresh new faces — have earned spots on the West Division All-CFL Team.

The Canadian Football League unveiled its 2024 Divisional All-CFL Teams today and seven Blue Bombers were named to the West squad in running back Brady Oliveira, receiver Nic Demski, offensive tackle Stanley Bryant, guard Liam Dobson, defensive end Willie Jefferson, cornerback Tyrell Ford, and defensive back Deatrick Nichols.

The voting was conducted by members of The Football Reporters of Canada, the FRC’s national chapter and head coaches in the West Division.

RB Brady Oliveira

His 2024 numbers: Oliveira finished the season with 1,353 yards rushing and four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) and averaged 79.6 yards rushing per game while posting six 100-yard games. Oliveira also had 476 receiving yards on a career-high 57 receptions to finish the year with 1,829 yards from scrimmage.

FYI: This is Oliveira’s second straight appearance on the division all-star squad after leading the league in rushing and yards from scrimmage for a second straight season. Oliveira was also recently named the Blue Bombers’ Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian for a second straight season.

Rec Nic Demski

His 2024 numbers: Demski led the Blue Bombers in receiving yardage with 1,030 yards on 76 receptions – both career highs.

FYI: Demski cracked the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the second consecutive season and second time in his career.  This is Demski’s fourth divisional all-star berth, having been also selected in 2021, 2022 and 2023. He was named the Blue Bombers’ top Canadian in 2021 and 2022.

LT Stanley Bryant

His 2024 numbers: Bryant continued to man the left side of the Blue Bombers front and played an integral role in Oliveira’s rushing crown and helping protect Zach Collaros as he set a new career high in passing yards at 4,336.

FYI: Bryant keeps adding to his impressive career resumé, having now been named a divisional all-star for a ninth time after also being selected in 2013-14 and 2017-23. The most-decorated linemen in CFL history as a four-time winner of the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award, Bryant was also named the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman for a seventh time.

LG Liam Dobson

His 2024 numbers: The 26-year-old Ottawa product was in his first full season as a starter and started all 18 regular-season games as part of a line that helped Oliveira earn a second-straight rushing title.

FYI: The Blue Bombers left guard has been saluted as a member of the West Division All-CFL Team for the first time in his career. Dobson was the Blue Bombers’ first pick, third overall, in the 2021 CFL Draft.

DE Willie Jefferson

His 2024 numbers: Jefferson posted a team-leading six quarterback sacks, adding one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 10 pass knockdowns along with 25 defensive tackles.

FYI: Jefferson has earned a spot on the West Division All-CFL Team for the seventh consecutive season after previously being named from 2017-19 and 2021-23.

DB Deatrick Nichols

His 2024 numbers: Nichols finished with a career-high 48 tackles and added three interceptions – matching his career best – including his first Pick-6 in a win over Calgary in July. He also had a team-high two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

FYI: This is the third divisional all-star appearance for Nichols, who was also recognized in 2021 and 2022 and was also named All-CFL in those two years.

CB Tyrell Ford

His 2024 numbers: Ford led the Blue Bombers with seven interceptions and finished second to Evan Holm in total defensive plays with 74 on 51 defensive tackles, four special-teams tackles, and 12 pass knockdowns – the second-highest total in the CFL.

FYI: Ford ade his first season as a starting corner for the Blue Bombers a memorable one in earning his first career all-star berth while also being named the team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Ford was the Blue Bombers’ first pick, 13th overall, in the 2022 CFL Draft.