Alford, Dean, Korsak selected to West Division all-star team

Three members of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders have been named West Division all-stars.

Returner Mario Alford, linebacker Larry Dean and punter Adam Korsak were selected in voting by members of the Football Reporters of Canada. Results of the voting were released Thursday.

Alford returned 88 punts (most in the CFL) for 978 yards (second-most in the league) and three touchdowns (second-most) in 18 regular-season games. His three punt-return TDs tied him for the team’s single-season record, which is shared by Willis Jacox (1991), Curtis Mayfield (1999) and Corey Holmes (2005).

Alford also had 51 kickoff returns for 1,181 yards, the third-highest single-season total in team history. Voted the CFL’s most outstanding special-teams player in 2022, Alford ranked third in the CFL with 2,266 all-purpose yards this season.

He’s the franchise’s leader in career return touchdowns, with six.

Dean finished the season with 104 defensive tackles, marking his second straight season with at least 100 tackles. He’s the second Roughriders defender to ever do that, joining George White (2000-01).

Dean added two sacks, two interceptions, four pass knockdowns, one forced fumble and one tackle for a loss, and his 114 defensive plays ranked fifth in the CFL. He was Saskatchewan’s nominee for the league awards as most outstanding player and most outstanding defensive player.

“It’s a blessing, first and foremost, just to be acknowledged,” Dean said. “(I’m) definitely appreciative of the opportunity.”

But while the selection came as an honour, Dean said he would trade the all-star berth for a chance to compete in the playoffs this weekend.

Korsak, who won the Ray Guy Award as the best punter in NCAA football last year, earned an all-star selection in his first season with the Roughriders.

The Australian punted 117 times (tied for second in the league) for 5,609 yards (first) with a 47.9-yard average (first). He added six singles (tied for second) and put nine punts inside the 10-yard line (tied for second).

Korsak was the Roughriders’ nominee for most outstanding special-teams player and top rookie.

“It’s exciting,” Korsak said. “It’s obviously good to receive an honour like that, and (I’m) just very thankful for my teammates and everyone in Saskatchewan for welcoming me and, obviously, my coach, Kent Maugeri, helped me a lot, so it’s just an honour.”

Korsak credited his teammates and coaches for his smooth transition to Canadian football.

The West Division all-stars now will face their East Division counterparts in voting for spots on the CFL all-star team.

–With files from 980 CJME’s Daniel Reech