Welcome to Bonesville, Swabbie! News, Analysis, Opinion & Booty for Internet Plunderers

Pirate Notebook No. 39
Wednesday, January 2, 2002

By Denny O'Brien
Staff Writer and Columnist

For the first time in four years, East Carolina will enter the spring not knowing who its quarterback will be. With much of next year's success riding on the emergence of a QB, spring practice 2002 may be the most critical of Steve Logan's tenure.

Transition years have been difficult for the Pirates under Logan's direction. Following Marcus Crandell's record-breaking career, East Carolina struggled to a 5-6 record with Dan Gonzales calling signals, even though the New Jersey product broke several records during his only full-season as the starter.

The record improved by just one game when Gonzo gave way to the one-two punch of Bobby Weaver and David Garrard in '98. Garrard eventually emerged as the full-time starter when the former fell to a knee injury against Houston, thus ending the Weaver era at QB.

Garrard shattered several ECU passing records during his freshman campaign, including the school's single-game mark when he threw for 414 yards in a come-from-behind win over Memphis to end the season.

The Durham native boasted an impressive two-to-one touchdown-interception ratio during his first year under center, largely due to the scaled-down menu Logan had tailored for him. The choices on that menu increased with each game of experience, until the stocky quarterback assumed free-reign over the Pirates' diverse offense during his senior season.

Though his statistics this season weren't what many had hoped, Garrard's experience paid huge dividends for an offense that averaged more than 32-points per game. Logan and offensive coordinator Doug Martin showed full confidence in Garrard's play-calling ability, giving him leeway to make adjustments based on defensive alignments.

"The thing that David did this year that really can't be appreciated was his check-offs system at the line of scrimmage," Logan said. "It was almost impeccable all year long.

"It is one of the big reasons why our running game was so effective all year long. We were in the right play, giving our offensive line proper leverage with which to execute their blocks, and giving Leonard Henry the proper lanes to run. It's one of the reasons we're averaging 33 points a game; it's one of the reasons we're running for 200 yards a game."

With Garrard's departure, Logan and Martin will likely scale down the complex Pirate offense next season, much like they've done in the past while nurturing the progression of a greenhorn QB. And though there isn't a clear-cut favorite to man the controls, the coaching staff certainly has a deep, talented pool of gunslingers at its disposal.

Rising sophomore Paul Troth may hold a slight advantage entering spring drills, being the only candidate having seen action at the collegiate level. But playing time wasn't extensive for the Charlotte native, who spent the majority of his freshman season perched on his right knee beside the Pirates' ten-year head coach.

The only meaningful time Troth saw during the year came in the first half of a blow-out victory over Army. Even then, the true freshman had no impact on the game's outcome, completing one of three passes for just five yards.

Logan wishes he could have found more playing time for his prized freshman, but recurring second-half collapses didn't allow him the luxury.

At six-foot-four, 217-pounds, Troth possesses a pro-style frame, one that is certain to add muscle during off-season conditioning. Though size has never been a determinant in naming a starting quarterback in Logan's system, the extra height is certainly a bonus.

Big, smart, and rifle-armed, Troth doesn't come without his knocks. Covering 40 yards in a less-than-swift five seconds, he isn't the most athletic of the bunch. Lack of speed at the position could limit Martin's play selection next year, while adding a little pressure to a stout offensive line.

Redshirt freshman Sakeen Wright appears to be Troth's biggest challenge. At six-foot-three, 200-pounds, the Glassboro, New Jersey native is almost as big, yet much more mobile.

Wright's high school credentials rivaled those of Troth. Throwing for 1,800 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior, Wright was considered one of the best in the talent-rich Garden State. What's more, he is a proven winner, leading Glassboro High to a 22-1 record during his final two seasons.

The third-party candidate in next year's race will be redshirt sophomore Desmond Robinson. Thought to be the back-up to Garrard entering Fall practice, Robinson was surpassed by the bigger, stronger Troth.

Unimposing in stature, Robinson is the spitting image of Crandell. Just five-foot-ten and not a shade over 200, the former Rock Hill standout has a better than average arm, and when compared to other candidates, he can flat-out fly.

All three got the opportunity to shine a little while preparing for the GMAC Bowl. Using the extra practices to prepare for '02, Logan aimed to hone the skills of next year potential starters.

"It's kind of been like an extra session of Spring ball," Troth said about the pre-bowl practice time. "You get to come out and stay with the seniors and learn from David (Garrard), and learn the offense."

And if one of the three doesn't fully grasp the Pirates' complex system, Logan and Martin could consider looking to someone that does.

Alston spent his first two seasons in the shadow of Garrard, learning the offense and playing sparingly in a supporting role.

Strong-armed and lighting-fast, Alston showed plenty of promise. Often turning six-yard losses into 15-yard gains, the Warrenton native looked at times like a Woody Dantzler in Pirates' garb.

His big-play ability, coupled with newfound depth at quarterback, prompted a switch to H-back. Alston was just too talented to leave on the bench — and he proved it on the field in his new position.

With 31 catches and three touchdown receptions, Alston tied for the team lead in both categories. He added 131 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, while completing two his four passes, both of which went for long-range scores.

As the season progressed, so did Alston's skills. By year's end, he was the best player on the field, regardless of position. His first-half performance against Marshall was dominant, if nothing else.

Now, with the quarterback spot vacant, it will be interesting to see if Alston is thrown back into the mix. There are certainly arguments against such a move, not the least of which is an inexperienced receiving corps.

There are just as many pros for putting number one under center. Having spent two seasons at quarterback and one more at receiver, Alston has a tight grasp of the Pirates' multiple "O", now from two different perspectives.

Alston's combination of mobility and strength are something to behold and, not insignificantly, he will be the lone player heading into spring drills already equipped, both mentally and athletically, to handle East Carolina's comprehensive playbook.

Alston hasn't put much thought into a return to his former position next year, instead focusing on his current role. Though if asked to call the signals during his final season, the rising senior will accept the challenge without flinching.

"I don't know what the coaches are going to do, but if they want to do that, I have no problem with it.," Alston said. "I just want to make this team win."

The Pirates' do-everything man certainly has the right attitude, as well as maturity beyond his years. Alston knows that if the Pirates are to achieve many of their goals, great strides need to be made in the off-season.

"I've got a lot of things to work on," Alston said. "During the winter I'm going to drop some weight, and over the summer, I'm going to bust my tail and try to get rid of some of these nagging injuries that have been bothering me.

"I just want to go out there and have an outstanding senior year. I definitely don't want to be 6-5 next year."