Shanna Rose | WV Sports Chat
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.- When Clay Ash first joined West Virginia’s football program, he was just a preferred walk-on with a dream and a lot to prove. Today, the 5-foot-9, 194-pound running back is emerging as a key contributor, earning playing time and the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
As a freshman, Ash’s role was limited to special teams. By spring 2025, his dedication earned him the Tommy Nickolich Memorial Award, given to a walk-on who distinguishes himself through attitude and work ethic.
With starter Jahiem White sidelined by injury, Ash has stepped into a larger role.
“Obviously, as a competitor, you know that’s what you want, but I just tried to control what I can control and give my best effort and leave that in the coach’s hands and decision,” he said.
White has helped mentor the sophomore.
“He’s a great player and a great person, Ash said. “I love Jaheim. And he always has a very positive attitude towards everything. So just learning how he operates day to day, how he deals with certain things, he’s definitely giving me some great advice.”
Against Pitt, the Leechburg, Virginia, native rushed for 37 yards on 12 carries. Ash is ready to help the Mountaineers in any way, whether running the ball or catching short passes.
“Coach Rod tries to use all of his players to the best of their ability and put them in the best situations,” he said. “And so I think that’s kind of, you know, he might put me out there a little bit to catch the ball and I’m comfortable with catching the ball.”
His rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi compared him to fiery Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo, who was drafted by the New York Giants after a standout season.
Prior to coming to Morgantown, Ash played for the IMG Academy in Florida. He was ranked a 3-star recruit coming out of high school but was not heavily recruited, which ultimately led him to WVU.
That adventure was not the one he envisioned but he is happy to be a Mountaineer.
“I’m blessed for it, and I’m grateful that it happened,” Ash said. “Yeah, started out in Virginia, where I’m from. Then got an opportunity to go down to Florida, play some football down there. Still, you know, wasn’t very heavily recruited. So then was blessed to get a walk-on opportunity here. And I felt, you know, it was kind of fitting for me to be a walk-on, how I operate and how I’ve gone about, you know, my career. And so, you know, it was no different. Just show up and give everything I got and see what happens.”
Geography and relationships also influenced his decision to commit to WVU.
“So I heard from them while I was in Virginia and kind of built a relationship with them,” he said. “And then when I was down at Florida, they were kind of the ones that stuck around and kept building the relationship with them. And then I just felt like this is where I need to be.”
Even amid a coaching transition, Ash stayed focused.
” A lot happens in that transition,” he said. “I think you kind of got to control what you can control. And that’s, you know, just keep working, keep your head down, and just try and show the coaches who you are. And just give my best effort, you know, and bring a positive attitude with everything I do. And just keep working.”
From the moment Rich Rodriguez arrived, Ash embraced the “hard edge” mentality he brought into the program.
“I remember when he first got here, he spoke to the team,” he said. “And I loved everything he was about. He’s kind of my style, for sure. And I just loved everything he was about. And so, yeah, I knew I needed to stick around.”
As the Mountaineers prepare to travel to Kansas on Saturday, Ash will continue to seize every opportunity to show what a determined walk-on can achieve — on and off the field.
Photo credit: Kelsie LeRose WVSN
