Colorado State University Athletics
Ajayi Feels Back to His Old Self
3/5/2020 6:38:00 PM | Football
Corner bidding to return to starting role
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The route was a simple one. San Jose State quarterback Josh Love expected the comeback route along the left sideline to open up, especially with Colorado State guarding a deep ball and a 35-30 lead. Before the signal caller could even react after getting hit as the ball was released, freshman standout Rashad Ajayi had raced 55 yards down field with the interception for an interception to put the game out of reach.
For some, the return was the first they'd heard of Ajayi, a defensive back who stood as the first Rams freshman to start every game since Rashard Higgins in 2013. If you ask him, he'll tell you it was his favorite football memory.
To even more, it was the flash Ajayi had shown at so many points in 2018's camp and throughout the early parts of the season – he'd earned the spot after exhibiting prowess normally foreign to such a young defender.
Even more was expected of Ajayi in 2019 after his breakout performance, both by his own ambitions and those around him. Instead, he was forced to sit on a training table for much of the campaign, marred with a rash of injuries spanning from an early season hip ailment to his season-ending lower back injury.
"Compared to my freshman year, I didn't have any injuries," Ajayi said. "I never had a major injury that kept me out of games. Last year, I felt really restricted. I couldn't run full speed, I couldn't break how I wanted to; it was just nagging pain throughout the whole year.
"It's very frustrating. You watch film, you know the play calls, you know what the other team is going to do, but you can't really execute on it because of your injuries."
The nine games Ajayi did appear in were more indicative of the injured-but-trying-to-play-through-it player than his previous form. Part of the reason he was even able to take part in the nine games was his own will.
Many times, he served as a benchmark for the defense with his work ethic and his ability to push through the pain.
"He's a competitive guy, he wants to be great, he wants to be the very best," cornerbacks coach Anthony Perkins said. "I had to basically drag him off the field some days. It's exciting to see him back and healthy."
The presence Ajayi is bringing to the field is crucial to a young Rams defensive backfield. When calls are being made, he's typically the one to ensure those adjustments are being heeded correctly.
When the injuries struck last year, it not only impacted the way Ajayi performed, but those around him as well.
"He's one of the leaders in the DB room," Brandon Crossley said. "Starting off as a freshman, he started every single game. Him just picking us up and leading; I'm grateful to play by him, he teaches me a lot."
Following the first day of practice, coaches will tell you no player is fully healthy or "100 percent." This year's version of Ajayi is a significant upgrade, however, even at whatever percentage he is on a given day.
The injuries of yesteryear were the first for Ajayi since his freshman season of high school when he suffered a hairline fracture.
For him to replay those same game-changing plays from his first year in Fort Collins, Ajayi knows health will play a big role.
So too will his familiar attitude.
"I'm just eager to get back out and play," Ajayi said. "It's the same mindset this year as the one I had as a freshman – as the one I had last year. It's the same motivation, nothing's changed."
The only alterations are the burdens of ailment holding Ajayi back. With those in the rearview mirror, it's once again time for the corner to wreak havoc.
For some, the return was the first they'd heard of Ajayi, a defensive back who stood as the first Rams freshman to start every game since Rashard Higgins in 2013. If you ask him, he'll tell you it was his favorite football memory.
To even more, it was the flash Ajayi had shown at so many points in 2018's camp and throughout the early parts of the season – he'd earned the spot after exhibiting prowess normally foreign to such a young defender.
Even more was expected of Ajayi in 2019 after his breakout performance, both by his own ambitions and those around him. Instead, he was forced to sit on a training table for much of the campaign, marred with a rash of injuries spanning from an early season hip ailment to his season-ending lower back injury.
"Compared to my freshman year, I didn't have any injuries," Ajayi said. "I never had a major injury that kept me out of games. Last year, I felt really restricted. I couldn't run full speed, I couldn't break how I wanted to; it was just nagging pain throughout the whole year.
"It's very frustrating. You watch film, you know the play calls, you know what the other team is going to do, but you can't really execute on it because of your injuries."
The nine games Ajayi did appear in were more indicative of the injured-but-trying-to-play-through-it player than his previous form. Part of the reason he was even able to take part in the nine games was his own will.
Many times, he served as a benchmark for the defense with his work ethic and his ability to push through the pain.
"He's a competitive guy, he wants to be great, he wants to be the very best," cornerbacks coach Anthony Perkins said. "I had to basically drag him off the field some days. It's exciting to see him back and healthy."
The presence Ajayi is bringing to the field is crucial to a young Rams defensive backfield. When calls are being made, he's typically the one to ensure those adjustments are being heeded correctly.
When the injuries struck last year, it not only impacted the way Ajayi performed, but those around him as well.
"He's one of the leaders in the DB room," Brandon Crossley said. "Starting off as a freshman, he started every single game. Him just picking us up and leading; I'm grateful to play by him, he teaches me a lot."
Following the first day of practice, coaches will tell you no player is fully healthy or "100 percent." This year's version of Ajayi is a significant upgrade, however, even at whatever percentage he is on a given day.
The injuries of yesteryear were the first for Ajayi since his freshman season of high school when he suffered a hairline fracture.
For him to replay those same game-changing plays from his first year in Fort Collins, Ajayi knows health will play a big role.
So too will his familiar attitude.
"I'm just eager to get back out and play," Ajayi said. "It's the same mindset this year as the one I had as a freshman – as the one I had last year. It's the same motivation, nothing's changed."
The only alterations are the burdens of ailment holding Ajayi back. With those in the rearview mirror, it's once again time for the corner to wreak havoc.
Players Mentioned
DB
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