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A.J. Allen made a big impression in limited playing time last season.
On the first snap of a game against the B.C. Lions on Oct. 12, the former Guelph Gryphon linebacker picked off quarterback Nathan Rourke and returned it for a pick six. That was his first career interception and touchdown.
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“(The CFL) only posted it 15 times so yes, (I watched it). I showed it to everybody,” the Saskatchewan Roughrider linebacker said.
“Even my mom told me too, she had some friends at work go, ‘Is that your son? No way?’ That’s always awesome, and more to come for sure.”
The play was named the 10th best of the CFL season — something Rourke jokingly disagreed with asking on social media where the dislike button was.
Nathan Rourke and A.J. Allen had something to say about the Top 10 play of the year! 😂 pic.twitter.com/YmH3TJHcPc
— CFL (@CFL) December 29, 2024
“That’s my guy. We’re always taking (trash). I’ve known Nathan since I was younger and always rooting for him and things like that,” Allen said.
“He told me after, ‘I have to work on my linebacker skills,’ because for those who don’t know, I started at defensive end and he started at linebacker before he played quarterback.”
Allen will get a chance to show what he can do as a starter as he gets the nod due to a bicep injury to C.J. Avery that landed him on the six-game injured list.
Allen is listed as the starting linebacker as the Riders take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. on Saturday.The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.
“It means a lot. It feels nice to have the confidence of the coaching staff and my teammates. It means a lot — it’s a testament to my hard work and my ability so I’m excited to prove them right with the opportunity,” Allen said.
During his CFL career, the Burlington, Ont. product has appeared in 49 games, mostly as a special teams contributor. He had 22 special teams tackles last season, tied for first in the league.
“It’s the most important part of our game, if you ask me. It’s my start. It’s a big part of A.J. Allen as a football player,” Allen said.
“Ever since university, I have made it a point and emphasis to be the best one on the field and keep proving myself right with that opportunity, and just be a dog.
“That’s your job out there — be the best one out there — be unblockable, make sure that you block everybody you’re supposed to block and make plays.”
Allen has been able to learn from some of the best in the CFL, such as linebackers Jameer Thurman and Larry Dean as well as defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., who is the reigning CFL most outstanding defensive player.
“It’s instrumental to hear their side of things and what they are thinking and pick their mind about football and how they see things,” Allen said.
“Especially with Ro — getting more on the DB side of things and the footwork and reading the scheme and routes. It definitely helps you play faster as well.”
With the Riders reaching the CFL West Final last season and bringing back a lot of their players, Allen is excited for what the team can accomplish this season.
“We are prepared. We are intentional with our actions, we are efficient. I think that means a lot because we have been through ups and downs where we weren’t prepared, we weren’t efficient with our time and how we played. It means a lot to start a winning program and be here from the bottom and be on the up end of it,” Allen said.
“No one wants to lose. We are all paid to play winning football so that’s what we are trying to do every day.”
Some other roster moves for the Riders this week involve recently signed rusher Ka’Deem Carey being added as the backup to AJ Ouellette due to an injury to Thomas Betrand-Hudon.
Also making his season debut this week is safety Jaxon Ford, who missed the first game due to a hand injury. Offensive lineman Jacob Brammer (back) also returns to the lineup.
Kian Schaffer-Baker (foot) has been added to the six-game injured list. Former University of Regina Ram D’Sean Mimbs will make his CFL debut.
(Saskatchewan Roughriders)
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