Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Ajou Ajou had 110 yards in last week's win. (Submitted/Saskatchewan Roughriders)

By CKOM News - Britton Gray

Riders

Riders’ Ajou set for first CFL start as Schaffer-Baker injured

Jul 23, 2024 | 7:14 AM

The Ajou Ajou show is set to get fully underway.

Ajou, a first-year CFL pass-catcher, is expected to start his first CFL game when the Saskatchewan Roughriders head to Montreal to take on the Alouettes on Thursday. Kickoff for the game is set for 5:30 p.m. Sask. time.

The opportunity comes as it was announced slotback Kian Schaffer-Baker (shoulder) is not expected to be ready to go this week after he left last week’s 19-9 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers early.

“It would probably be pretty tough for this week,” said Riders head coach Corey Mace. “We’re still doing a deeper dive into exactly the time on how that recovery is going to look.

“There’s chances that guys are going to have to step up, and guys are ready for that.”

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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.”

Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker (89) drives toward the end zone for a touchdown while being tackled by Hamilton Tiger Cats defensive back Richard Leonard (23) on June 16, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power)

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.