Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

The CFL’s rule book continues to befuddle Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie Adarius Bowman.

But the rangy wide receiver showed Saturday night that he’s equally adept at inflicting befuddlement.

Bowman’s game-breaking display during a 34-13 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos was one for the history books: If the kid stays clean and healthy, he’ll put together one of the best rookie seasons we’ve ever seen out of a Saskatchewan freshman.

“I told them I can run when I want to, man — don’t ever forget that,” a congenial Bowman said with a happy laugh following his first-ever professional game — one he helped cinch with a 73-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown catch that stretched a 20-13 lead to 27-13.

Bowman caught the ball just below his knees, on the fly, 30 yards downfield, and didn’t lose a step en route to the end zone. There was no stumbling or hesitating or stutter-stepping as the ball settled into hands stretched as far as nature allowed. Just a yogurt-smooth rookie showing the football world that he’s more than ready to play professional football.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Bowman caught 1,000 yards worth of quarterback offerings twice during his collegiate career and was a top NFL prospect. Then he got nailed on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge, and his NFL dream crashed.

But Saturday night, with the music blasting off the old locker-room walls, Bowman looked happy and content — like, at least for now, he’d found his place in the football world.

Read More…