In Week 19 last season, Saskatchewan Roughriders' linebacker A.J. Allen made a memorable play against B.C. Lions Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke when he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. Allen is eager to face the Leos again and replicate what he did against Rourke last year.
"It would be insane, going two-for-two would be incredible, it would mean so much," Allen said. "I'm hoping that happens, I'm hoping he tests me again and I'm able to make a play off the ball, take one to the crib and celebrate with my friends."
Since Week 2, Allen has been inserted into the Green and White starting defensive lineup at the weak-side linebacker position.
"It means so much to have the confidence of my teammates and coaches as well. It's a combination of hard work, I've been here for my fourth year now and finally getting that opportunity to do so," Allen said.
"I've always prepared like I was going to be a starter or in case of injury because that's football, you never really know. I've always prepared like that, I've got to prepare for special teams as well, but I'm always doing my part to know what's going on in defence and be able to help my teammates. Maybe I see something they don't. It hasn't changed my preparation, I've always tried to be a prepared athlete."
The Riders initially selected Allen in the fourth round, 35th overall during the 2020 CFL Draft out of the University of Guelph. Last season, the 27-year-old suited up in 18 regular season games for the Green and White, registering seven defensive tackles and one interception, which was returned for a touchdown. He also tied for the most special teams tackles in the CFL with 22 alongside Toronto Argonauts' Jack Cassar.
"I'm still so humbled to be able to play this sport at a high level, regardless whether I'm starting or not," Allen detailed. "To be a Saskatchewan Roughrider in itself is already something I'm very proud of. Only one percent of people are professional athletes. I'm already humbled and blessed to be in this position, regardless of whether I'm starting."
Veteran middle linebacker Jameer Thurman, who was a 2024 West Division all-star, has helped Allen develop.
"He's always trying to help me, he knows so much about this game and he's been around here for a while. I'm always trying to learn, I'm always trying to get better. He's someone that is trying to win, that means picking up your teammates and I'm one of them," Allen said.
"I'm new to the starting role, he's helped me a lot trying to understand things and understand what people are trying to attack. Thurman's help has been instrumental to my development as a linebacker, especially over the last two years. I've got to thank him, I've got to thank him for sure. He's a great guy and a great linebacker as well as a great teammate. I've got nothing but appreciation, I'm humbled to be in this position."
Head coach Corey Mace appreciates the work Allen has been doing on defence and special teams.
"Going into the offseason, the conversation, we felt that he deserves some more reps and looks on defence. He earned the spot going into the season. Then, with C.J. Avery going down, it was easy for us. It felt comfortable putting him out there at the WILL spot," Mace said. "He was a monster for us on the special teams, I can't completely take him off. He does such a good job, he's managing both and he's been awesome."
The Riders take on the Lions at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday. Catch the pre-game show with Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 2 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5 p.m. You can hear everything on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
