Toronto Argonauts: A.J. Ouellette excited to make first CFL start

The Toronto Argonauts will use their remaining games to give some players reps ahead of the 2020 season including running back A.J. Ouellette.

Growing up in a small town in Covington, Ohio, it took some time for A.J. Ouellette to adjust to the big city after signing with the Toronto Argonauts.

On the football side, it didn’t take Ouellette as much time to get used to the CFL game an now he’s getting thrown into the fire as he will get the start in place of James Wilder Jr. and Chris Rainey who are both battling injuries.

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Sure, getting used to the extra man, the three downs are one of the many challenges a rookie running back has to overcome. The 24-year-old is now hoping to use the opportunity to showcase himself considering the team called offering him one after he was cut by three NFL teams.

"“My wife’s dad actually knows a couple of people from Canada from his business travels and they were telling me about the CFL and how my style would fit perfectly up here,” said Ouellette. “I enjoy running through people like Wilder because I take pride in initiating contact.”"

Ouellette has been grateful for the support he’s received from his teammates especially Wilder Jr. who has tried to help him improve his game as quickly as possible and cheering him when he makes a big play.

Fortunately, the team gave told him that he would be getting an increased workload and the team seems confident considering he averaged five yards per carry against Montreal. The former University of Ohio running back was electric in his final season rushing for 1,306 yards and 12 touchdowns.

It will be a challenge considering the Argos are expected to shuffle through quarterbacks but fortunately, being on the practice roster afforded him to chance to practice with the backups along with the starters.

A bonus will be seeing his family making the trip to watch him in the stands for his first start in the CFL after they spent a lot of time watching him play in University.

"“They worked extra jobs just to make sure I had the opportunity to play the game that I love,” said Ouellette. “For them to finally get to come and see me play a professional game that’s not an NFL pre-season game, it’s going to mean a lot.”"

He won’t be the only one who will have family and friends watch him get on the field. Michael O’Connor is excited to finally get on the field in regular-season action after playing in the pre-season.

What the Canadian QB will look to showcase is his poise and composure especially against an Ottawa team that will try to get some retribution over their division rival. While many are wondering who will be on the team next season, players are just focusing on the task at hand considering this is the final home game.

Who are you excited to see in the Argos final home game? Let us know in the comments below.