By: Riley Pollock – 08.01.25
There was no wading into the water for Jack Follows.
Instead, he jumped right into the deep end.
The Roughnecks 2024 10th-overall pick has dressed in every game so far in his rookie season,collecting six loose balls, and causing one turnover.
Follows says it’s been a bit of an adjustment to the professional game.
“There is definitely a learning curve from the first game to now,” he said. “There’s always going to be room for improvement but it’s been pretty good. The guys have been a huge help, the coaches have been a huge help getting me there, so excited to see what is to come.”
Listed at 6-foot and 185-lbs., Follows may be considered a bit undersized when looking at themajority of the Roughnecks defenders and others around the league, but the rookie hasn’t been afraid to get his nose dirty.
“It’s definitely a different game than I am used to,” he explained. “The league is a lot bigger (physical size wise) than I am used to. I think it helps at times because I think that there aren’t as many smaller defenders out there these days and I think it helps with aggression when you are able to move a bit better.”
The Oakville, Ont., product got to experience the Rough House crowd for the first time a couple of weeks ago and says the 13,000-plus fans made it a night he will never forget.
“I’ve never played in a rink that loud and that intense,” Follows said. “To be on the home end of that is really special and I’m looking forward to many more games like that.”
The Riggers sit 2-1 on the season as they head out to Philadelphia this weekend for another early season eastern road trip.
Follows laid out the path to a victory in the City of Brotherly Love.
“I think just sticking to our game,” he said. “We have to continue to play aggressive and supportive, pushing the ball when we can and making sure we’re behind our guys at all times. We’ve got to work as hard as we can and the results will come.”
The Riggers return to the Rough House following Saturday’s game for a Jan. 18 tilt with Georgia at the Marvel Super Hero Party presented by Pete The Plumber. TICKETS
