Manitoba Bisons haul in three of seven conference awards

WINNIPEG — Despite missing the playoffs, the Manitoba Bisons football team still hauled in three of the seven major conference awards in Canada West.

Offensive lineman Geoff Gray was selected as the Canada West Outstanding Down Lineman of the Year. Linebacker DJ Lalama was picked for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year award and defensive back Cam Teschuk was named the Student-Athlete Community Service Award winner.

RELATED: No playoffs but four all-star selections for Manitoba Bisons football

Gray, 22, was a conference all-star in his fourth season of eligibility. It’s the second straight year a Bisons’ player has won the award after David Onyemata won it last season. The Winnipeg native is currently ranked 11th in the CFL’s scouting bureau initial prospect list and is a good bet to be selected in the 2017 CFL Draft.

RELATED: Former Manitoba Bisons lineman David Onyemata cracks New Orleans Saints roster

“It means a lot to be recognized for your play,” said Gray. “I’ve always been proud of what I put into training, but then to be acknowledged by all the other coaches and everything. It’s definitely a major deal.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It means a lot to be recognized for your play," said Gray. "I've always been proud of what I put into training, but then to be acknowledged by all the other coaches and everything. It's definitely a major deal."

Lalama, 23, led the conference in tackles after getting picked by the Edmonton Eskimos in the eighth round of the 2016 CFL Draft. He’s still deciding on his future as he could return to the Bisons next season to attend law school or make the jump to the CFL.

“It’s humbling to know that the coaches across the conference respect the game you put forth this season,” Lalama said.

“I can speak for anybody that wins a major award and isn’t competing for the playoffs. You’d much rather be out there and have another chance at another game.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I can speak for anybody that wins a major award and isn't competing for the playoffs. You'd much rather be out there and have another chance at another game."

Teschuk, 23, had a cumulative GPA of 4.13 in the faculty of management and also worked with the Bisons Book Buddies where athletes go to schools to read and play sports. Teschuk is now a finalist for the prestigious Russ Jackson Award.

Regina Rams quarterback Noah Picton was named the player of the year.

All the winners are now up for national awards, which will be handed out on November 24 ahead of the Vanier Cup.

WATCH: Geoff Gray and DJ Lalama on winning awards

0:29 Manitoba Bisons Football Award Winners