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June 30, 2017

Adeleke shines in victory

Tunde Adeleke scores a 71-yard punt return touchdown on June 29, 2017 (Photo by Canadian Press/Larry MacDougall)

A spin and a win.

Thanks in part to a dazzling display from a 21-year-old rookie, the Red and White were flying high to kick off the Canada Day long weekend.

Selected 25th overall in this year’s CFL Draft, Tunde Adeleke was tasked with returning punts against the visiting Ottawa RedBlacks in the Stamps home-opener on Thursday night.

The Nigerian-born speedster did not disappoint as No. 27 ran back his first-ever score off a 71-yard scamper to give Calgary a nine-point lead in the early stages of the fourth quarter.

The Stampeders would go on to win in a 43-39 shootout.

“I noticed I was very hesitant at the start of the game so the guys on the team and the coaches were telling me that I’ve just got to hit it and trust the blocking and everything,” said a smiling Adeleke amid post-game celebrations. “So I hit it and I trusted my teammates and that got me in the endzone.”

Adeleke, who was raised in the Ottawa area and attended Carleton University, made his professional debut at TD Place Stadium last week in the Nation’s Capital.

But his inaugural performance at McMahon Stadium will likely shine brighter for him thanks to his highlight-reel touchdown – which included a nifty spin move to break free from a would-be tackler – that brought the Stamps faithful to their feet.

“It was exciting,” the former first-team Ontario University Association standout and USPORTS all-Canadian described. “The fans were great throughout the game and they were with us from start to finish. It was a close game again with Ottawa so it was pretty exciting and it’s great to get the win. Hopefully it’s one of many (touchdowns) and it doesn’t stop here. But it’s great to get one this early in the season.”

With Roy Finch unavailable, Adeleke proved he was more than capable to step in on punt-return plays and make an impactful contribution to propel Calgary over the resilient RedBlacks squad.

“After playing Ottawa last week, I know how it feels playing a close game so I knew our guys were going to push through it,” emphasized the 5-foot-9, 190-lb. newcomer. “(The) defence was going to keep playing strong and (the) offence was going to get us through it. So I trusted the team.”

With the TD ball still in tow while heading back to the sideline following his superb score, Adeleke already had a plan for his prized keepsake.

“Yeah, it’s my first CFL touchdown,” he beamed. “I guess I’ll keep it at my house right now but when I go back home I’m going to keep it in my mom’s house. It’ll be something for her.”