Riders’ Ajou Ajou ‘Thankful’ for game action against Ti-Cats

Ajou Ajou was ready for his number to be called.

The first-year CFL wide receiver played in his first regular-season game last week in the Riders 33-30 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The Brooks, Alta., product came into the game after starter Shawn Bane Jr. had to leave due to an injury. He caught five passes for 45 yards in the game.

“It was good … Just thankful for the opportunity,” the 22-year-old said. “Just don’t flinch. Sheriff (quarterback Trevor Harris). Just don’t flinch – go in there, know your position and do your job.”

He was ready for the moment after putting in the work during practice and training camp.
“I learned every position just in case. I felt like I prepared well. Coach prepared us well so it was just going and playing,” Ajou said.

Being able to make his debut in a hostile environment like Tim Hortons Field was a bonus for Ajou.
“I feed off of energy. We walked in there, we knew we were walking into a trap but we took over their trap,” Ajou said.

Ajou was taken in the seventh round of the 2024 CFL Draft by the Riders. Ajou played two seasons with the Clemson Tigers and head coach Dabo Swinney. But he fell out of favour there and eventually played for South Florida Bulls and Garden City Community College.

In the preseason, Ajou caught five passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Head coach Corey Mace was glad to see Ajou succeed when called upon.

“Dating back to our conversation on draft night to where he is at, this is exactly where we expected him to be. I know he holds himself in high regard and he has put in the work to be here,” Mace said. “Kudos to him. I was happy for him to have that moment but now it’s what’s the next goal for yourself.”

One of the players Ajou has credited with helping him as a pro is Jerreth Sterns.
Sterns said it meant a lot to see the younger receiver get an opportunity to show what he could do.

“Last year I was the young guy getting the shot. I’m just happy for him,” Sterns said. “He has been working hard and staying locked in and locked into the playbook. He made the most out of his opportunity.”

While Ajou has taken a moment to appreciate where he is in his football career, he knows there’s much more to do.

“The work never stops. Just trying to continue to get better every day,” Ajou said. “I’m a pro football player but a regular dude at the end of the day.”

Notes: Running back AJ Ouellette (leg) did not participate in practice for a second straight day but Mace believes he will be good to go for the game. Centre Peter Godber (personal) missed another day of practice. Mace said it’s 50/50 if he will play this week.