The 22-year-old Ajou had four catches for 110 yards in the victory over Winnipeg, despite not starting the game
Ajou Ajou is making a name for himself in his first CFL season.
“If coach calls you up, you’ve got to go,” Ajou, 22, told reporters after the win. “You’ve got to go man and you’ve got to make sure you give it 100 per cent.
“And that’s all I did.”
However, he’s been noticeable when he has been on the field.
In Week 2 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Brooks. Alta. product recorded his first career CFL reception as part of a five-catch, 41-yard performance. The following week, he caught his first CFL touchdown.
On Friday night at Mosaic Stadium, Ajou — normally a wideout — was pressed into action at slotback when Schaffer-Baker went down.
Turns out, that was no problem for the rookie.
“Just knowing the whole offence,” said Ajou. “Anywhere. Put me anywhere, coach, I’ve got your back.”
After producing first downs with his first two catches, Ajou made an even bigger play on his third reception, as he caught a short pass from quarterback Shea Patterson before evading Blue Bombers linebacker Adam Bighill.
And while the rookie Ajou noted his respect for the six-time CFL all-star and three-time most outstanding defensive player, he didn’t shy away from going right through the veteran linebacker.
“I’m that man too,” said Ajou. “You’ve got to know that when you step on that field.
“It’s all confidence. I don’t want to come off arrogant or ignorant or anything like that, but I’m a good football player too so you’ve better bring your A-game because I’m going to bring mine.”
While his first three catches produced big plays, his last was the most important. With 2:11 left, Ajou scampered 46 yards to put Saskatchewan in scoring range as Brett Lauther came in to kick a field goal shortly after to put the Riders up by 10.
“We’ve got some blue-collared guys over here,” said Ajou. “Some guys who are willing to work; some guys who are about to put it on the line for their brothers.
“If I know that Mitch (Picton) is going to block a 6-5, 325-pound D-end for me, I’m going to go to war for you too then.
“I’ve just got to give thanks. And just show gratitude to everybody around me; my teammates for keeping me accountable (and) coach for just having the trust in me.
“That goes a long way.”
And while 6-foot-2, 211-pound Ajou is grateful for the opportunity, his teammates and coaches are certainly happy to see him step up to the plate in big moments as well.
“It’s great having him out there,” said Patterson. “Just so proud of him stepping up and really playing a position that he doesn’t get many reps at in practice.
“Our guys are expected to know the concepts but for him to come in and fill a spot for Schaffer-Baker when Schaffer-Baker went down, it was huge.
“He’s got explosive-play ability and he’s very, very fun to play with.
“He’s hard to miss out there.”
Riders head coach Corey Mace, who played a role in Saskatchewan drafting Ajou, is happy to see the progression the rookie has made already.
“I love him,” said Mace. “Just super proud of him.
“He was a roommate of my brother in high school down in Florida when they went down there and played.
“I’ve known Ajou for quite a few years. To see where he’s gotten to from the first night we talked on draft night and the things that he’s done to this point, so proud of the kid.”
That pride extended off the field and into the locker room, when Ajou spoke to the group after being presented with the offensive game ball.
The rookie receiver then referenced something injured right tackle Jermarcus “Yoshi” Hardrick told the team earlier in the week.
“What Yosh told the guys is love shows different on film,” said Mace. “And (Ajou) just said, ‘I hope you guys know that I love you.’
“And that is exactly what we are looking for in Saskatchewan Roughrider football players.”
The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.
With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.