Photo courtesy of Greystoke Photography

After developing as a player and person in the CJFL, the 2016 Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year Jamel Lyles is making the jump to the next level.

As a member of the Westshore Rebels last season Lyles broke Andrew Harris’ single season rushing record in the BC Conference with 1,604 yards.  He also finished the season with 17 touchdowns, 15 of which were on the ground, third most all-time in BC Conference history.  Lyles was outstanding returning kicks and catching passes out of the backfield, collecting 2,370 all-purpose yards in Rebels red.

His 1,604 rushing yards is fourth most in CJFL history.

He’s relentless ground attack helped the Rebels to their first Canadian Bowl appearance in 13 years.  He tallied 141 yards in the championship game on 16 carries.

Scouts from a number of different teams and schools kept their eye on his progress all season.  With many options in front of him, Lyles has decided to return to the University of Manitoba for the 2017 Canada West season.  Bisons’ head coach Brian Dobie said, “Jamel has proven to be one of the most productive and dynamic football players in the nation. In 2015, he was conference (Canada West) rookie of the year and an integral part of the Bison offence. In 2016, Jamel had an incredible and dominating season in the BC Conference, breaking Andrew Harris' single season rushing record. We are very much looking forward to Jamel returning to Manitoba and becoming a significant contributor to our offence."

The Rebels meanwhile will open the new CJFL season at the end of July.  The complete CJFL schedule will be released this month.