The CFL announced on Wednesday their 2021 All-Star selections. The Toronto Argonauts have two players that have been recognized for this honour. DB/LB Chris Edwards and CFL Rookie standout DL Shawn Oakman.

The 27 All-Stars were selected by 50 voters comprising members of the Football Reporters of Canada and the league’s head coaches.

Chris Edwards was one of the best coverage players in the CFL. Playing at Sam linebacker near the line of scrimmage and hovering in the secondary along with other superb standouts like Shaq Richardson. The argument can be made that Edwards is the CFL’s best cover linebacker. And the voting and this nod reflect that.

Shawn Oakman, the Baylor standout, has been given a second life in the pros and has made the most of it. First starring in the XFL with the LA Wildcats in 2020 before emerging as one of Canada’s best American rookies in 2021.

The Argos and CFL released the following statements below. Along with the complete list of All-Stars.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS DL SHAWN OAKMAN & DB CHRIS EDWARDS NAMED 2021 CFL ALL-STARS

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts announced today that American DL Shawn Oakman and American LB/DB Chris Edwards have been named 2021 CFL All-Stars. The All-Stars were selected by 50 voters comprising members of the Football Reporters of Canada and the league’s head coaches.

In his first CFL season, Oakman was a dominant force from the interior of the defensive line racking up six sacks and 36 total tackles. The Texas native’s six sacks were second-most in the CFL from the inside of the defensive line, and his 36 tackles were also second-most amongst all defensive linemen. The 6’9, 287lb lineman lived up to his height knocking down four balls from the line of scrimmage this season, good for third-most in the league amongst defensive linemen. This is the first time an Argo defensive lineman has won a CFL All-Star award since 2013 (Khalif Mitchell).

In his first season with Toronto, Edwards was all over the field, posting 38 total tackles and three sacks while intercepting three passes for a league-high 162 yards and two touchdowns. The four-year CFL veteran’s three picks were a career-high and tied for third-most in the league this season. The 28-year-old played all 14 games this season and was tied for first on the Argos in interceptions, tied for second in sacks, and fourth in total tackles. This is the first time an Argo linebacker/defensive back has won a CFL All-Star award since 2013 (Pat Watkins).

2021 CFL ALL-STARS

* Denotes a national player

TEAM BREAKDOWN

11 – Winnipeg Blue Bombers
4 – Hamilton Tiger-Cats
3 – Montreal Alouettes, Calgary Stampeders
2 – BC Lions, Ottawa REDBLACKS, Toronto Argonauts

BY THE NUMBERS

16 – West Division All-Stars
11 – East Division All-Stars
4 – National CFL All-Stars

MULTIPLE CAREER CFL ALL-STAR SELECTIONS

6x – Adam Bighill, Stanley Bryant
5x – Rene Paredes
4x – Bryan Burnham, Willie Jefferson, Richie Leone
3x – Brandon Revenberg, Simoni Lawrence
2x – Sean McEwen, William Stanback