Post by David on Feb 5, 2016 3:14:29 GMT -8
2.5.16 -
It's been a busy couple of days for the Spokane Empire, as the team signed veteran WRs Samuel Charles and Carl Sims via free agency. Yesterday, as the Empire began training camp, the team continued its free agency splash with the signing of veteran RB Washaun Ealey.
Ealey (5'11'', 225 lbs, Georgia & Jacksonville State) is entering his third year in the IFL, having spent the past two seasons as a member of the Cedar Rapids Titans. A versatile threat running and catching the football, Ealey adds experience to Spokane's ground game, joining veteran Andrew Pierce. As a member of the Titans in 2015, Ealey led the team with 140 carries for 535 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game, hauling in 23 passes for 181 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a rookie, Ealey joined Cedar Rapids late in the season; his only game action came in the regular season finale against Sioux Falls, rushing 18 times for 74 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 49-37 victory.
"Washaun is as dominate and bruising of a back as this league has seen," said Empire Head Coach Adam Shackleford in the Empire's press release. "Beyond his running skills, he also has great ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. The late edition of Ealey instantly makes our offense better."
Prior to joining the IFL, Ealey split time at the collegiate level between University of Georgia and Jacksonville State (AL). He spent his freshman and sophomore years at Georgia, he started 9 out of 21 games played for the Bulldogs, rushing 282 times for 1,528 yards and 14 touchdowns. Prior to his junior season, Ealey transferred to Jacksonville St. Despite battling injuries in his last two years, he played in 20 games, rushing 357 times for 1,809 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Touchdowns are common for Ealey; when he played high school football at Emanuel County Institute (Georgia), he set a state-record 133 touchdowns, including 58 in a single season in 2007.
-DKH
Image Credit: Cliff Jette / The Gazette
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