E.J. ASH

Renton Ravens, Eastside Hawks, Seattle Stallions, Puget Sound Titans, Kitsap Bears

Running Back

2003 - 2016

The most feared running back during the early 2000's, Ash was the ultimate breakaway threat and former record holder for most yards rushing in a season that stood for 17 years.  Ash, as of 2024 still holds the record for highest per carry average for a season with 16.4 yards per tote in 2006.  His 18 total touchdowns as an Eastside Hawk in 2004 stood as the top record until 2008.  An unfortunate aspect of the semi-pro game is that not all of EJ's accomplishments were recorded or were lost to time.  If found, his statistical record could be the top of the running back room for all-time in the Northwest.

The former Renton High standout, grounded the first 4 games of the 1998 season while getting his grades up, returned to the lineup to average nearly 10-yards per carry and 100-yards per outing while garnering All-Seamount League first team honors. In upsetting undefeated Ferndale in the opening round of playoffs, EJ ran for a 62-yard TD, passed for a 51-yard TD and ran back a 90-yard interception for his hat trick touchdown performance showing just how special he was on the football field, and the mindset to overcome the early setback.

Ash graduated in 1999 and went on to be a multi-time all-league performer at the semi-pro level and was named GNFA Player of the Year in 2004 and seven seasons later was still rolling as the Pacific League offensive player of the year in 2011.

Beginning his semi-pro career with the Renton Ravens, Ash burst onto the scene earning three NWFL awards including League MVP and Rookie of the Year.  That performance grabbed the attention of NFL Defensive Lineman Sam Adams, owner of the Eastside Hawks.  Ash would don the Yellow and set a regional record 1,673 yards and 18 touchdowns and earn Regional Player of the Year honors.  Those Eastside Hawks would win the American Football Association National Championship in Florida in a blowout over the Central Penn Piranah 53-28.  Ash scored twice while racking up 153 yards against the Pennsylvanians.  From that time forward he would be the most highly sought after tailback in the Northwest League, but would always find his way back to Renton where in 2006 he was again crowned 1st Team All-League and added Punt and Kick return nominations as well.  This was AFTER he had rushed for over 1,000 yards with the spring-league Seattle Stallions and a 1st Team All-America nod from Minor League Football News.

In 2008, the Puget Sound Titans would come calling in their only season of operation.  Ash was again 1st Team All-League and added another league championship to his trophy case.  Following another stint with Renton, The Kitsap Bears would grab his services as they won the 2011 Pacific League championship and EJ was named the Offensive Player of the Year.

EJ returned to his roots in Renton to close out his semi-pro career with 2014 and 2015 All-Star selections with the Ravens, finally hanging up his cleats 14 years after announcing his presence in dramatic fashion.  Although many of his measurable stats have been lost over the years, those who played during the early 2000's know the name EJ Ash and recall the dominant rushing performances he displayed, as well as his return capabilities and when called upon, defensive prowess.  A multi-time league champion, national champion, record-holder and statistical leader for multiple teams, EJ is if not the top rusher in Northwest history, he would definitely be a Top 3 selection in any era.

Semi Pro Career Highlights

2003 Renton Ravens - Northwest Football League Offensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, League MVP

2004 Eastside Hawks (Northwest League Champions - Rushing Champion, Record Setting 1,673 yards in a season)  GNFA Player of the Year   *AFA National Champion*

2006 Renton Ravens - 1st Team All-League Running Back / Punt Return / 3rd Team Kickoff Return

2006 Seattle Stallions (Pacific Northwest Conference Champions - Rushing Champion 1,059 yards) - MLFN 1st Team All-America

2008 Puget Sound Titans (Northwest League Champions) - 1st Team All-League

2009 Renton Ravens (Cascade League Champions) - 2nd Team All-League Defensive Back

2010 Kitsap Bears

2011 Kitsap Bears (Pacific League Champions) - 1st Team All-League - Offensive Player of the Year

2013 Seattle Stallions

2014 Renton Ravens - Western Washington League All-Star Selection

2015 Renton Ravens - Western Washington League All-Star Selection

2016 Renton Ravens