Ouellette, Saskatchewan’s prized free agent signing, is looking forward to his first game in a Roughrider uniform
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A.J. Ouellette is ready to make his regular season debut in green and white.
After being a priority free agent signing by the Saskatchewan Roughriders this off-season, the two-time CFL East Division all-star running back is set to make his his first start in the West Division on Saturday as the Riders visit the Edmonton Elks (2 p.m., TSN).
And while Ouellette is excited to get into game action, he’s also looking forward to seeing the physicality of the offensive line in front of him.
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“They haven’t got to hit anyone truly in a while,” said Ouellette. “You can say pre-season games you get some hits in, but really, some of them are only in there for a series or two so they don’t get that full ramp up into game mode.”
After spending five years with the Toronto Argonauts, the 28-year-old Ohio native joined the Roughriders this off-season after being recruited by Corey Mace, Saskatchewan’s new head coach who spent the last two years as Toronto’s defensive coordinator.
And while Ouellette can lead the way with his hard-nosed running on the field, Mace wants him to speak up off the field.
“Asking him to take more of a vocal leadership role is only going to help our team but help him as well growing into being what I know he wants to be,” said Mace. “He’s always going to be lead by example.
“If the guy couldn’t speak a word, just follow what he’s doing and you’re going to be in good company.”
For Ouellette, he’s done exactly what his head coach has asked of him.
“Coming into a new environment, you want to earn your respect, not just show up and it be given,” said the 5-foot-9, 210-pounder. “So, at first, it was just how can I show how things should be done in the first two, three weeks of camp.
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“And now it’s being a little bit more vocal and telling the guys what we’re expecting … Just try to build the culture that we’re looking for.”
Offensive identity
While Ouellette will be a focal point in the Roughriders’ offensive identity, there are several other playmakers on the offensive side of the ball who want to make an impact.
“There is only one ball and these guys are all eager to touch it and what they do with that, we’ll see,” added Mace. “Whether it’s through the ground or through the air, we’re looking for a healthy balance.”
For Ouellette, he doesn’t care how much he is used, as long as it comes in a victory.
“As long as we get that win, I want to do my part to contribute to wins, so I hope that means a bunch of touches,” he said. “Every running back wants to touch the ball every play.
“But really it just comes down to winning.
“If I get five touches and we win the game, that’s a productive day for me … If I get 20 touches and we lose, I could care less.”
Roster notes
The Riders will have two rookie Americans starting on the defensive side of the ball with linebacker C.J. Avery and halfback DaMarcus Fields, who made the active roster out of training camp following stints in the NFL with the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints.
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“I’ve been excited just to learn,” said Fields, a 26-year-old Texas native. “It’s definitely different than where I’m from so I’m happy I was able to pick it up quick.
“I learned a lot from my coaches and teammates; they helped me out a lot.”
On the offensive side of the ball, American rookie Trevor Reid will be making his first start at left tackle while fellow newcomer KeeSean Johnson will start at receiver.
Quarterback Jack Coan, fullback Clint Ratkovich and linebackers Antoine Brooks Jr. and Melique Straker will also be appearing in their first CFL game as backups.
Injury report
Rookie receiver Ajou Ajou has landed on the one-game injured list to start the season, alongside fullback Bruno LaBelle (leg), defensive lineman Miles Brown and defensive backs Rodney Clemons (Achilles), Amari Henderson (Achilles) and Marcus Sayles. It appears Ajou, Brown and Sayles are healthy scratches.
Backup offensive lineman Noah Zerr (thumb) has joined receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby (hand), safety Jaxon Ford (wrist) and linebacker Nick Wiebe (knee) on the six-game injured list to start the season.
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Quarterback milestone
Roughriders’ quarterback Trevor Harris is set to make his 102nd career start in the CFL, which is third among active quarterbacks behind Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros and Hamilton’s Bo Levi Mitchell.
Harris is also closing in on a milestone as he is just 116 passing yards away from 30,000 in his career. On Saturday’ he’ll have a chance to become the 19th player to achieve the feat.
“It’s incredible,” said Harris. “Praise Jesus that I’ve been able to play this amount of time and have the coaches and teammates that I’ve had.
“To be able to be close to something like that, it’s not something I ever really set out to do. Obviously, it’s really cool but it’s really just a testament to my coaches and teammates I’ve had in the past.”
Saturday’s game will also mark the first regular season game for the 38-year-old quarterback after suffering a tibial plateau fracture in his right knee in Week 6 of the 2023 CFL season.
Now fully recovered, that injury is in the past.
“Make no mistake, I’m not just happy to be here,” said Harris. “We’ve got bigger fish to fry than just me being back and playing.
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“My mind has shifted from getting back to play — that’s long in the past.”
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