IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Sign Former Portland State DL EJ Ane

Published on February 6, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Panthers have added a versatile athlete with the signing of former Portland State defensive lineman EJ Ane.

"EJ is a physical pass rusher who has a powerful build and never quits," said Head Coach Rob Keefe, "He fires off the snap with aggression and passion and excels at pursuing the ball carrier."

Before Portland State, Ane was part of Brent Brennan's first recruiting class at San Jose State and is proud of laying the foundation for a program turnaround.

"I was able to see the whole process from the top down. It was interesting," said Ane. "I saw the culture completely turn around. It was a great thing to be a part of."

Before heading to San Jose State, Ane was named the CIF Southern Section Division 13 Offensive Player of the Year at Silver Valley High School in the High Desert of Southern California. Ane ran for over 2,800 yards with 35 touchdowns. He was also a force on the other side of the ball with 98 tackles, including 25.5 tackles for loss.

The college decision came down between San Jose State and Portland State. Both schools wanted him to play on the line and Ane ended up in Silicon Valley.

"Whatever colleges wanted from me, that's what I was going to do," said Ane. "I remember growing up, I was always taught 'hand in the dirt' with the linemen drills. That's how it all came about."

As a freshman, Ane played both offense and defense for the Spartans. He also served as a running back in short yardage situations. As a sophomore, Ane made the transition to defense full time. He was named to the Mountain West All-Academic team and played in 28 games for the Spartans. Ane earned his first college start in the 2020 Arizona Bowl against Ball State.

With his family relocating to the Pacific Northwest, Ane opted to finish his career at Portland State to be closer to his support system. In 2022, Ane led the Vikings in sacks and tackles for loss, finishing fifth on the squad in total tackles.

One of his PSU teammates was VJ Malo. They had a connection with Malo coached at Golden West College by Mike Iupati, Ane's uncle and an 11-year NFL veteran offensive lineman. After college, Malo signed with San Diego in the IFL and encouraged Ane to give the league a chance. Ane had relocated to Hollister in Northern California, making the Panthers a logical landing spot.

"VJ and I talked about football and life after football," said Ane. "I told him I wanted to keep my football career going and he knew Coach Keefe. He said I should reach out and one thing led to another."

Having seen a turnaround in college, Ane embraces joining the championship culture of the Panthers and is ready to be a factor on the defensive line.

"It's about taking advantage of what I can do and understanding the differences in the game," said Ane. "I'm not taking anything for granted and know that things move faster."

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Indoor Football League Stories from February 6, 2024


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