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“There’s chances that guys are going to have to step up, and guys are ready for that.”
The Brooks, Alta. product said he is ready.
“I just have to perform until big bro gets back,” Ajou said. “Speedy recovery — he knows I’m praying for him. We will be alright.”
Ajou came into last week’s game and went on to lead the team in receiving with 110 yards.
“The energy was at an all-time high (on the field). We were just trying to rally together and get behind each other,” Ajou said. “We were lit.”
The 22-year-old said he’s received a lot of praise for his performance.
“A lot of teammates coming up to me and saying, ‘Keep playing the way you’re playing,’ and whatnot, coaches as well,” Ajou said. “I like it.”
Ajou has been able to get into a few games for the team this season, hauling in 10 catches for 191 yards.
It’s been good news for the Riders, who drafted Ajou in the seventh round of the 2024 CFL draft.
Ajou said he has learned a tremendous amount of what it means to be a pro.
“Just not only what it takes to be a pro and be a winner, but all the little things,” Ajou said. “Just extra studying and saying no and just being a pro. If this is what you want, you’ve got to live like that.”
Ajou and Mace have some history together, with the young receiver staying with his coach’s younger brother, Jevaun Jacobsen, in Florida.
“He’s my dog. We go way back,” Ajou said. “Coach Mace has been the same — he’s been an outstanding guy. He has been that boy, that man, that dude.”
Ahead of the showdown against Montreal, Ajou said he is still focusing on the little things.
“Just ID-ing what sorts of coverages they are in, the personnel they are playing, just all that stuff,” Ajou said. “Just be better than I was last game. That’s all I can do.”
Notes: The Riders moved practice indoors on Monday due to the smoke in Regina … Defensive back DaMarcus Fields (illness) and running back A. J. Ouellette (hip) were both listed as “did not participate” on Monday’s injury report.
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