as the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in CFL action in Regina, SK, July 19, 2024. Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards
Ajou Ajou took the Saskatchewan Roughriders from the 32 to the 32.
His 46-yard gain, on a pass from Shea Patterson, was one of the pivotal plays in Friday’s 19-9 CFL victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium.
With the Roughriders leading 16-9 and in a second-and-seven situation on their 32-yard line, Patterson found Ajou five yards downfield. He sped an additional 41 yards to give Saskatchewan fresh set of downs on the Blue Bombers’ 32.
Three plays later, Brett Lauther’s 32-yard field goal put Saskatchewan ahead by 10 points. The remaining 92 seconds were a formality.
On the evening, Ajou caught four passes for a career-high 110 yards, even though he wasn’t part of the front-line receiving quintet for the entire game.
The 22-year-old rookie, primarily a wideout before Friday, was pressed into service at an inside receiving position following an injury to Kian Schaffer-Baker.
“It’s just knowing the whole offence,” Ajou explained when asked how he had fared so well at a seemingly unfamiliar position.
“Anywhere … anywhere, Coach. I’ve got your back, literally.”
That was the word from someone who was chosen in the back end of the 2024 CFL Draft.
Saskatchewan selected the 6-foot-2, 211-pounder in the seventh round, 59th overall, on April 30. Only 15 players were chosen after him during the eight-round proceedings.
Since making his CFL debut in Week 2, Ajou has caught 12 passes for 191 yards.
His resume already includes a 40-yard TD, along with Friday’s gains of 46 and 33.
Of the 10 receivers who were chosen above Ajou, the best stats belong to Winnipeg’s Kevens Clercius — a second-rounder who has 10 catches for 113 yards in seven games.
Nick Mardner, chosen second overall by the Ottawa REDBLACKS, is third among 2024 draftees with six catches for 64 yards in six games.
Back to Ajou. Can you say “steal”?
“I’ve got to give thanks and show gratitude to everybody around me,” he said, extending appreciation to “my teammates for keeping me accountable and my coach for just having the trust in me. That goes a long way.”
So does the Roughriders’ mindset in general.
“We’ve got some blue-collar guys over here — guys who are willing to work and guys who are willing to put it on the line for their brothers,” Ajou said.
“If I know that Mitch (Picton) is going to block a 6-5, 325-pound D-end for me, well, I’m going to war for you, too. Let’s go.”
That comment is a reflection of the attitude Corey Mace has instilled in Year 1 as a CFL head coach.
“I’m just super proud of him,” Mace said of Ajou. “He was a roommate of my brother when they went to high school and played down in Florida. I’ve known Ajou for quite a few years.
“To see where he’s gotten to from the first time we talked on Draft night and to see the things that he has done to this point, I’m so proud of the kid.
“He said it in his speech after he got the game ball, which he should have: ‘I hope you guys know that I love you.’
“That is exactly what we are looking for in Saskatchewan Roughrider football players.”
