By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Franklin senior Josiah Echols has emerged as a driving force for the school’s football program, earning praise for his leadership, growth, and determination—on and off the field. A four-year varsity player, Echols is now in his final season and hopes to cap it with team success and personal milestones, including First Team honors and greater exposure to college programs.
Echols’ journey began in sixth grade after watching his cousins compete in Little League. Curious and eager, he decided to try football for himself—and never looked back. Over the years, his love for the game deepened, fueled by the competition, camaraderie, and life lessons that have shaped him.
“The chemistry we have is amazing, and it is totally different from last year,” Echols said. “Last year, we had people not too happy with very negative energy, but this year it is completely flipped. Win or lose, nobody is mad at each other, and it is really nice to see how it improves our team. For me, I just want to get my name out there because college is something that I am looking forward to, and to reach my goals.”
Echols credits his growth to the influence of Franklin’s coaching staff and the unwavering support of his father.
“Coach Green and Coach Miller are my biggest inspirations; I don’t have a number one or a favorite. I think that all of the coaches have turned me into a well-rounded player, and especially my dad,” he said. “He has made sure that I stay in shape and has guided me through it all. He is the reason why I am so confident on where I am at right now.”
Now a senior, Echols reflects on how his mindset has changed over the years—especially when it comes to accepting coaching.
“I am way more coachable now,” he said. “I used to think that the things that the coaches would make us do, nobody liked. But once I put my trust in what they are telling me to do, and follow, you can only learn from there. Being coachable is a very good way to grow.”
Franklin head coach Terry Green calls Echols a “legacy player”—a title reserved for athletes who exemplify commitment, consistency, and heart.
“He brings leadership to this team on and off the field,” Green said. “We call him a legacy player because he has been with the program for four years. He and I have a long history of football, and his leadership, tenacity, positive attitude, and willingness to compete—we see that all every day.”
Green says Echols’ influence reaches far beyond his stats.
“Josiah goes out there and just plays with as much heart as he can and inspires his teammates to do the same,” he said. “He is doing a great job of teaching the younger guys to come out with the same energy every day.”
Watching Echols grow over the years has been rewarding for Green. The coach remembers when Echols struggled academically and says his transformation into a focused student-athlete has been just as impressive as his performance on the field.
“He had some grade problems early on in his career, and he has changed that all around now. Just watching that maturation and watching him grow up as a young man—that is exactly why I am here, and this is why I do what I do,” Green said. “He is going to be a great asset to our community one day with whatever he chooses to do.”
Looking ahead, Echols is focused on what comes next. He hopes to keep playing football at the college level and feels fortunate to have had Green as a mentor.
“I really hope somebody looks at me and gives me a chance because I know I can show them what I can do,” Echols said. “Coach Green is like a second father figure, and it has been really nice to have him around. He has been a really great mentor for my four years of high school here at Franklin.”
Green hopes the season gives Echols more than just stats—he wants it to be something to look back on with pride.
“I would love to see him on the honor roll for school-wise. For football-wise, I just want him to make sure he gets the accolades that he deserves. This is all about memories and legacy,” Green said. “I just want him to have something where he looks back and be like, man, this is what I wanted, and this was all worth it.”
