With the Saskatchewan Roughriders coming off a victory last week, the upcoming Labour Day Classic on Sunday and a baby on the way, there is plenty of enthusiasm attached to Riders quarterback Cody Fajardo right now.
After the win against the Lions last Friday, Riders Head Coach Craig Dickenson said his starting quarterback had a lot of involvement in the offensive game planning last week. Fajardo said the designed quarterback running plays were a result of that.
“I’m hoping we can continue doing that because I think it keeps the defences honest, you can’t just focus on our running backs, you got to worry about out receivers running the ball, me running the ball, and that’s very difficult to do.”
Fajardo adds the running nature of the quarterback position has been with him for his entire career.
“I’ve been a running quarterback all of my life, when you ask me to drop back and throw, throw , I’m not use to that, so when I get to run and get some rhythm and get some confidence that way it helps me out.”
A new weapon has been added to quarterback’s diposal as Brayden Lenius could make his 2022 Roughriders debut on Sunday after resigning with the club last week following a tryout with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Fajardo is happy to have Lenius back in green and white.
“What a way to start off in the Labour Day game, so it’s good to have him back, he brings a lot of energy to the receiver room, he’s a good guy to have in the locker room, we’re lucky to have him.” He added that Lenius has done an excellent job of picking up the offence once again this week.
Another possible return to the Riders receiving unit on Sunday is Shaq Evans. The receiver was hoping to return to the Riders lineup last week after practicing throughout the week, but ultimately did not suit up against the Lions. Fajardo is looking forward to having Evans back in the lineup.
With additional receivers returning to the lineup, the Riders QB knows the key is finding scoring touchdowns against Winnipeg.
“Our biggest goal is to find ways to score touchdowns in the redzone, the last couple of times we played them we moved the ball really well but we didn’t finish it with seven in the endzone.”
On Sunday, Fajardo is looking forward to the whole gameday experience of the Labour Day Classic, including entering the field in front of a sold out Mosaic Stadium.
“Running out of that tunnel, there is nothing like it, being apart of that for the last two years is truly special in the CFL, I’m looking forward to running out of the tunnel.”
The Nevada product adds playing back to back games against the Blue Bombers in a home and home set is very special, considering both teams are supported by strong fanbases.
“We know the opportunity with our home crowd, making it loud and hard on them and then what we have facing down the barrels the next week, going to their stadium and we want to make it as hostile as we can for them, cause we know they’re going to make it hostile for us, that’s what makes it so special and I think it’s the greatest rivalry in the CFL. ”
Off the field, the excitement is building for the Fajardo household with the arrival of the family’s first child. The due date is less than two weeks away and the Riders quarterback said he will be present for the birth of his child. Fajardo says he has been in communication with the team’s coaching and football operations staff in preparation of the big event.
Recently at the baby shower, Fajardo said the family did reveal the name for the child, Luca Charles Fajardo. The Riders quarterback said him and his wife Laura chose the name because the name Luca means bringer of light, and he expects the arrival of the first child for the Fajardo family to bring a lot of positivty.
On Sunday, the Labour Day Classic can be heard on 620 CKRM, with an opening kickoff at 4:00.
