The 2024 Canada West football season is only two weeks old, but many of the Rams' new recruits are already making major contributions. 

In the Rams' Week 2 win over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, 14 of the team's 2024 recruits dressed for the game. 

Rams head coach Mark McConkey is pleased with what he has seen from the group so far. 

"There is always a bit of an adjustment period, but this group has done a great job adjusting to the speed and skill level of U SPORTS," said McConkey.

The smooth transition is due in part to the numerous CJFL players included in the 2024 class. McConkey says bringing in these older, more experienced players was intentional, as the Rams are set to host the 2025 Vanier Cup.

"This year's recruiting strategy was a bit different from previous years," said McConkey. "We went after more CJFL players in specific groups to increase our size and age at those positions."

One of those position groups is the offensive line, where four junior players have already dressed and contributed upfront. 

Hailing from the Regina Thunder, Riley Schick has started both games at center for the Rams. He says that the transition has gone smoothly because of the support he has received from his teammates.

"The guys have been really accepting and have helped me with some of the new techniques," said Schick. 

Schick was a CJFL All-Canadian in 2022 and 2023 while spending both those seasons on the Saskatchewan Roughriders practice roster but was injured late in the 2023 season. He says that making the jump while injured certainly made things more difficult.

"Coming back from a knee injury on a new team is a challenge," said Schick. "But being able to have self reflection is key to continue having success." 

Schick's Thunder teammate Nick Makowsky also made his first career start in Week 2 and helped keep QB Noah Pelletier from being sacked in the game. Makowsky was also named a CJFL All-Canadian in 2023. 

Receiver Nicholas Sirleaf has also contributed immediately. The Calgary Colts product has 7 receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown through the first two weeks and his 20.4 yards per catch average puts him third in the conference.

On the defensive line, 2024 recruit Tarick Polius has immediately entered the starting lineup after joining the Rams from the Okanagan Sun. Polius has already recorded 10 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, as well as 2 pass breakups, helping the Rams defence hold their opponents to just 59.5 rushing yards per game so far. 

Defensive back Michael Jourdan also had a timely interception in the Rams' win over the Huskies, while newcomers Cedric McCallum and Maliq Washington both saw some time on defense.

True freshman Renzel Arinaza dressed for the first time in Week 2 against the Huskies and was targeted early and often. He finished the game with 7 catches for 91 yards, including the would-be game winning touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Arinaza joined the Rams right out of Terry Fox Secondary in Port Coquitlam, B.C.