Rams’ Bennett repeats as Canada West award winner

University of Regina Rams defensive lineman Anthony Bennett is on a roll.

Bennett was named the Canada West defensive player of the week for a second straight week in the wake of his showing in Friday’s 32-24 victory over the Calgary Dinos.

The product of Weston, Fla., had an interception return for a touchdown, a sack, a fumble recovery and a half-tackle for loss in Regina’s second straight victory to open the season.

“Anthony has become a very instinctual player,” Rams defensive co-ordinator Sheldon Gray said in a release. “He has really gained a thorough understanding of the Canadian game and has been outstanding both on and off the field this season.”

Bennett’s sack was his fourth of the season. On Calgary’s next possession, the fifth-year defensive lineman recovered a fumble at the Dinos’ five-yard line.

On the Dinos’ first possession of the second half, Bennett tipped a pass up in the air, caught the ball and ran 28 yards for a touchdown. It was just the second pick-six by a defensive lineman in school history.

The last time a Rams player won back-to-back Canada West honours was in 2016, when quarterback Noah Picton was named the offensive player of the week in each of the first two weeks of the season.