East Carolina can expect an immediate impact from a pair of late additions to its football recruiting class of 2017.
Graduate transfers Gaelin Elmore, a decorated defensive end from Minnesota, and Tyshon Dye, a running back from Clemson’s national championship team, have elected to complete their eligibility wearing the purple and gold after gaining undergraduate degrees.
Elmore was a projected starter for the Golden Gophers before leaving the program during spring drills and announcing he was looking for another school, reported The Pioneer Press.
The 6-6, 280-pounder quickly had the attention of a number of suitors, attracting offers from teams in the Pac-12, Big 12, and SEC as well as from American Athletic Conference power Houston.
Elmore ultimately chose the same destination to finish his college career as former Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson, who passed for 2,641 yards and 16 touchdowns during an injury-hampered senior season at ECU in 2016.
Dye, a brawny 5-11, 220-pounder, was in the middle of Miami’s radar before the Pirates snatched him away, reported SB Nation.
The Hurricanes, thin in the running back ranks, may have envisioned Dye as a better option for immediate help than luring a late signee from the limited pool of quality high school backs that are still unsigned.
A four-star prospect when he came out of Elbert County (GA) High School, Dye fielded offers from Notre Dame, Southern Cal and a number of SEC schools before opting for Clemson, where he suffered a back injury during a redshirt freshman season during which he earned ACC Academic Honor Roll honors.
Despite the setback limiting his progress up the depth chart, Dye saw action each of the last three seasons, rushing 76 times for 351 yards with five TDs. He is expected to be an instant factor in the Pirates’ running back mix.
Elmore and Dye boost to 24 the number of players in ECU’s incoming crop of 2017 recruits.