Washington has its 15th player heading to the NFL after defensive tackle Ulumoo “MJ” Ale signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, where he will join former Husky and 2015 first-round pick, linebacker Shaq Thompson.
Ale had a very interesting career on Montlake, as he played his first four seasons as an offensive guard, but after defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield joined the coaching staff before the 2022 season, he felt that Ale’s skills suited him more on the other side of the ball. Along with the change in position, came a new slimmer and svelte physique, as he dropped nearly 40 pounds.
Born in Samoa, Ale lived most of his childhood in Australia where he was a three-time Australian Golden Gloves heavyweight champion boxer. He then moved with his family to Washington and attended Fife High School.
Not only was he named the 2A South Puget Sound League’s Most Valuable Player and to the Associated Press’ 2A All-State first team, but he was also his school’s class president.
An incredibly durable player, Ale played in 55 career games over his six years at Washington and won the Husky Excellence Award at the team’s postseason banquet following the 2023 season.
If he were to make the roster, Panthers head coach Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could use Ale as a much-needed depth piece to anchor the defensive line behind veterans Shy Tuttle and Nick Thurman.
