Austin Ekeler and Clelin Ferrell have both signed with Washington. Ekeler mentioned the potential for a quick turnaround under Coach Lynn's guidance. Ferrell, a Richmond native and lifelong Commanders fan, chose Washington to be part of its rebuilding process and to be closer to family. Both players highlighted the influence of familiar faces in their decision-making process.
Austin Ekeler: Signing with Washington about sharing workload, reuniting with Anthony Lynn https://t.co/JnkOwvqL0x
On Austin Ekeler, what he has left. How Clelin Ferrell can help. A theme to what the signees have been saying. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/TO80DLulvn
Austin Ekeler: Signing with Washington about sharing workload, reuniting with Anthony Lynn https://t.co/bW3BeVyV83 https://t.co/Styee38t0f
Clelin Ferrell said being from Richmond and having a lot of family was a big factor in his decision to come here (also: Darryl Tapp/Adam Peters). Said his grandmother can come watch him play. Family huge to him.
Clelin Ferrell grew up a Commanders fan. Said he was at RG3's first home game and that the team is "part of his DNA." While he would have played here earlier in his despite the chaos, says he needed to go through those career ups and downs he experienced elsewhere.
Clelin Ferrell time. Says after getting to the Super Bowl with the 49ers, he wanted to join a place that was in building mode. That's Washington which is close to his native Richmond and also has former 49ers assistant DL coach Darryl Tapp and Adam Peters.
Clelin Ferrell, a Richmond native, on signing with Washington: “I wanted to be a part of a place where we could really build, and what better place than where I grew up.”
Austin Ekeler: "Just the philosophies of Coach Lynn as well as far as a running backs coach, this man is an absolute guru. So just being back in a room with him I know will definitely keep me focused, keep me locked in and give me the best opportunity to push myself as a player.”
Austin Ekeler: "I’ve seen it done before with actually coach [Anthony] Lynn as my head coach. … We saw it last year too with the Texans, how they went through their [down] season and had a bounce-back season. … It doesn’t have to take long. I think we can get something going…