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East Carolina offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley at last
summer's ECU Media Day. (Bonesville archive photo by Al
Myatt) |
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Riley (visor cap) was part of the celebration after his
high-octane offense helped the Pirates secure a 65-59
double-overtime win over Marshall in 2012. (Bonesville
archive photo by W.A. Myatt) |
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FOOTBALL |
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Captain Carden is leaving
his mark |
Shane Carden provides quite
a few advantages for East
Carolina. A fifth-year
senior, Carden has an
intricate understanding of
the Pirates offense. If
Lincoln Riley, ECU offensive
coordinator, doesn't feel
comfortable dialing up any
call in the playbook, he
never will. ...
More from Al Myatt... |
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OLYMPIC SPORTS |
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Pirates relish being underestimated |
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 Preseason coaches’ polls are a rite of
late summer for fall sports, but that doesn’t mean coaches,
players or fans have to put much stock in them. If anything,
East Carolina soccer coach Rob Donnenwirth looks at his
team’s name, sitting at No. 8 out of 10 teams in their new
American Athletic Conference, and he is delighted. ...
More from
Bethany Bradsher... |
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MULTIMEDIA |
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Audio: The
Brian Bailey Show |
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  The
Brian Bailey Show
airs on Pirate Radio
1250 on Mondays at
6:30 p.m. Brian's
guest this week was
East Carolina
strength and
conditioning sage
Jeff Connors
(right):
Replay
show... |
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FOOTBALL |
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Tide transfer punting
for Pirates |
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Worth Gregory spent a year
in the storied football
program at Alabama before
bringing his punting ability
to East Carolina. When Trent
Tignor completed his
eligibility in 2013 with a
42.8-yard average for two
seasons, Gregory gave the
Pirates someone ready to
continue providing an edge ...
More from Al Myatt... |
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FOOTBALL SPECIAL
FEATURE |
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15 Questions
for Devaris Brunson |
|
 Devaris Brunson
(6-1,230) heads into
his sophomore year
with the Pirates
after a true
freshman campaign in
which he helped the
team in several
different roles. The
South Carolina
native played all
four years of high
school football on
the varsity level
for Lake City High
School. He was rated
a four-star prospect
by Scout.com ...
More from W.A.
Myatt... |
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Pictured: Devaris
Brunson basked in
the glow of victory
after East
Carolina's win over
Ohio in last
December's Beef 'O'
Brady's Bowl in
Tampa, FL. The blue
chip recruit
experienced action
on offense, defense
and special teams in
11 contests as a
true freshman. (W.A.
Myatt file photo) |
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By
Al Myatt
©2014 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
About a year ago, East Carolina offensive coordinator
Lincoln Riley – in our annual pow-wow that would be better titled,
"Please coach, open up and tell me what you really got there" – told me
several things that played out almost prophetically.
In no uncertain
terms, the rising star OC declared – in his manner – that wide receiver
Justin Hardy and quarterback Shane Carden would re-write the record
books at ECU.
Check.
He told me that Tay Cooper, once his situational
recognition kicked in, would be the type of back who could be dominant.
Check. He told me to keep an eye out for a couple of freshman wide
receivers who were too good to keep off the field, despite at the time
competing with a bevy of talented upper classmen at the position.
Check Davon Grayson. Check Isaiah Jones.
He told me that though thin, the offensive line could be
pretty effective.
Double check.
And, that he expected the offense to produce big numbers.
Ding, ding, ding.
It wasn’t coach speak. Riley will tell it like is. So my
ears perked a bit when I asked him about this year’s version of the East
Carolina offense. My question kind of rambled out like this…
So Coach, do you expect this year’s offense to approach
the kind of production it had a year ago?
[Statistical reminder: More than 6,000 yards of total
offense, more than 40 points per game, only 16 giveaways (13th
nationally), 51% on 3rd down (3rd nationally), 71% on 4th down (5th
nationally), 85% in red zone…good to be the 26th best offense in the
nation.]
Riley hesitated maybe a half-second.
“We don’t put any limitations on our offense,” said
Riley. “This is the deepest offense we have had, talent-wise, across the
board, without a doubt. “
We can trend Riley’s offensive production since Coach
Ruffin McNeill’s recruits started hitting the depth chart. In 2011, the
O put up 4,700+ yards, 2012 the O improved by ~600 yards to settle in at
5,300+ yards. Last year, up another 700 yards per game to 6,000+.
With more talent across the board, perhaps the thought
shouldn’t be a step back this year, but a step forward toward 7,000
yards.
There’s a motto: 7,000 or Bust!
There are some variables outside of ECU’s control. Like
moving to a new league in the American Athletic Conference. The
opponents are not all completely unfamiliar, but they represent a clear
step up in competition.
Though picked 4th in the preseason AAC coach’s poll,
there is plenty of reason to be optimistic about the Pirates,
particularly on the offensive side of the ball. For starters, there's a
Heisman quality quarterback who has already re-written a lot of ECU’s
offensive records heading into his senior season, a bonafide All-America
candidate at WR who has also re-written the program’s record book. And
there's a top-15 offense, experience all over the skill positions,
experience and depth across the offensive line and a roster well-versed
in the advanced version of Riley’s offense.
With six starters back, some of the camp battles may be
pre-determined, but there are some compelling camp story lines that will
ultimately shape the two-deep. And in Ruff’s concept, the team’s No. 2s
and 3s are the guys who determine the success of the season ahead.
So, with this in mind, let's take a look how the 2-deep
is starting to shape up as the battles rage on in the days leading up to
kickoff for the top spots:
QUARTERBACK
On the Roster:
• Shane Carden, SR
•
Cody Keith, JR
•
Blake Kemp, JR
•
Jonathon Weymann, JR
•
Kurt Benkert, FR-RS
•
Raymius Smith, FR
•
Jason Connella, FR
There is a battle to be waged here, but it is not for the
starting job — not yet at least (read 2015). But developing is a a
knock-down, dragged out brawl for the right to back up unquestioned
leader and quarterback Shane Carden in 2014 and earn the inside track on
the job he will vacate in 2015.
First, the skinny on Carden, aka 'The Captain.' Despite a blisteringly hot
junior campaign, the thing about Carden is that he has a systemic
approach to his own game. The notion that one can always improve is lost
neither on him, nor on his mentor, Riley.
“There are a ton of things for Shane to improve on and he
will tell that, too,” said Riley. “He does so many things well, but he
can improve – he has improved already on a lot things. Whether it is his
footwork in adjusting to protections based on what he sees happening,
his ability to quickly identify the attack areas in the defense, knowing
well what the guys on his team can do and can’t do well, and even as
good a leader as he has been, he can be better at that too.
“Each year, we kind of break everything down – not just
for Shane, but all of the offensive players – and then rebuild it. He is
playing well right now and we can see the subtle improvements.”
Room for improvement or not, Riley knows what he has in
Carden.
“There is no question, no doubt that (Shane) has the
ability to play (in the NFL),” said Riley. “If I were putting together I
team, I would take him without hesitation.”
And, as if on queue, Carden went a perfect 12-for-12 with
two TDs in the team’s first fall scrimmage. And, noting that he
delivered several perfect deep balls, the notion that he cannot throw
the long ball may be premature for some of the pundits out there.
On the battle for the backup role, with Cody Keith out
for the season and working rehab from a season ending injury in 2013,
the back-up QB battle effectively comes down to redshirt freshman Kurt
Benkert and newcomer, JUCO star Blake Kemp. Riley indicated that both
were having great camps so far and both are game ready. The dark horse
in the group is walk-on Jonathon Weymann, who has ran scout team for the
Pirates and had a very good spring.
“Kurt got a lot of reps last season as Shane’s back-up
after Cody was injured and is progressing nicely,” said Riley. “The most
likely scenario would be that Kurt is the back-up and we redshirt Blake
(Kemp) so we have him for two years (after Carden leaves). I would be
very comfortable with Kurt and if he had to play tomorrow, I have no
doubt he can move this offense well.
“But, Blake is also having a really strong camp and is
looking like he will be ready sooner rather than later, so we have to
really look at that.”
That Kemp is game-ready should not be too much of a
surprise as the former JUCO All-America from Mesa (AZ) College has
been productive if not stellar dating all the way back to his time at
the helm for Hamilton (AZ) High where he presided over a good swath of
the 52 straight wins the nationally-ranked high school program had
during his time there. Under-recruited but highly productive, Kemp is a
guy who could really challenge the highly-talented Benkert for the job
in 2015.
Hence, depth-wise Riley is happy with the four guys he
has competing for the job.
“We have great depth and four quarterbacks – and I
include Johnathan Weymann in this group – who I feel good about right
now. Ideally, I guess, we would be able to redshirt Blake so we would
have him for two years to compete for the position.”
There are two frosh on the roster, Raymius (Ray) Smith,
who piled up passing yards at Cherokee (NC) High, and Jason Connella, who was very effective at
Charlotte
(NC)
Independence. Neither is expected to factor into the depth chart
competition this season and will likely carry redshirts in 2014.
From a depth-chart perspective, the odds are that the
Pirates go into the season with the following pecking order:
-
Shane Carden – The unquestioned leader of this team,
Heisman dark horse, could be an NFL drafted quarterback.
-
Kurt Benkert – Already showing signs of being another
record-setting type of QB for the Pirates.
Injured:
Trying to break in:
Redshirt:
-
Blake Kemp – Having an impressive camp, but for
program needs will be redshirted to allow for a serious on-field
battle in 2015 for the vacated starting job.
-
Ray Smith – Project who was a late signee for the
Pirates, but carries an impressive passing resume with him (4,000+
yards and 60+ TD passes), but not a factor on the DC in 2014.
-
Jason Connella – Good quarterback at a big high
school (1,800 yards passing and 22 TDs), but not a factor on the DC
in 2014.
RUNNING BACK
On the Roster:
Towards the end of last season, Breon Allen seemed to
kick up his play a notch, almost as if to announce to fans that he was
ready and able to step into what we all know are some formidable
football boots of Vintavious Cooper, aka Coooooooop. While Allen's 311
yards and 3 TDs are a pretty nice showing for the rising senior, it
doesn't necessarily translate into the player Coop was.
The 5.0 yards per carry is reassuring, and from a purely
observational perspective, Allen looks faster than Coop, but not as
physical, so the trade-off will be interesting to watch. That said,
Allen also appears to have the trifecta down — good runner, very good
receiver out of the backfield (14.4 yards per reception) and a grasp of
how to pass protect, an essential skill for an ECU back. And, there are
reasons he was a JUCO All-America two years ago — he is talented. It
would seem that the job is Allen's to lose going into the fall, but it
should be noted that he will have to hold off a good set of talented but
short-on-in-game-experience
contenders.
The inside track is Allen's based on the bar that Riley
has set for his backs.
“We like to play fast and to play fast — it is good to
have a running back who can carry the ball every down,” said Riley. “And
if a guy is hot, we are going to ride that guy.
“If you look back at Tay Cooper’s first year, we didn’t
play him much early in that season, but once he got going, once he
understood ... the position, he started getting most of the touches. I
don’t want to say that we want a feature back, but we are going to have
to narrow this group down to the three guys who will get the reps.”
Narrowing it down will be easier said than done this
season as Riley admitted that not only is the position deep with talent
this year, it is also deep with somewhat different skillsets, making
that trimming down task all that more difficult.
“No doubt, as a group, we have more talent at running
back than we did last year,” he said. “Some of that is that Breon and
Chris have improved a lot, and then we have some really talented young
guys here, too.”
A good problem to have, yes, but still a difficult one to
accomplish.
“Right now we have six guys who are repping in,” said
Riley. “The guys who are back are all very much improved and we have
some young guys who have the type of skills that make it hard not to
want to get them on the field somehow.”
Starting with Allen.
“Breon really picked it up at the end of the season for
us last year,” said Riley. “He knows what is required to excel in this
system. He has been consistent and is a leader for us. He is getting
after it in this camp.”
If Allen is the most consistent so far in camp, it is
only by a hair, according to Riley, who admitted that he has been really
pleased with Chris Hairston in camp.
“One of the guys who is really different this camp than
he was last year is Chris,” said Riley. “I really like where he is right
now. His improvement is especially noticeable. We are expecting a lot
from Chris this season.
“And Marquez, he has grown up a lot and has learned a lot
of the things we needed him to learn and he just didn’t have a handle on
last year. He is our biggest back and has a lot of talent that we are
seeing in camp right now.”
Riley then softened a bit with the mention of Cory
Hunter.
“Cory was our No. 2 back last year before he was injured.
Ahead of Breon, so that was a tough deal for him,” said Riley. “But Cory
has handled that very well and I am really happy to have him back
healthy and working so hard out there this camp.”
Those four backs, Allen, Hairston, Grayson, and Hunter
make-up the core of the group who will likely get touches this year –
understanding that it may be a group of two that appear to be the main
guys.
That said, there are two more backs getting a lot of reps
right now that, even if they do not make the running back rotation, are
likely to play special teams as true frosh.
“Right now, we are working Chris Love exclusively in the
backfield,” said Riley. “He is a good back and has speed out of that
position. And Anthony Scott is very talented and having a great camp for
a guy who is just really learning our system.
“Those two guys are in the mix here and have the kind of
skills that we want to get on the field either carrying the ball or on
special teams.”
The key in guessing on the depth chart is in Riley’s own
words when reflecting on Cooper’s climb to the main role a couple of
years ago. It’s not about skillset – they are all uber talented backs.
It’s about the full breadth of the job kicking in and the understanding
it takes to recognize when to do what in the system.
With that in mind, here is a guess at the depth chart
come first game:
-
Breon Allen – The group leader who has the most
meaningful experience, very good hands, and seemingly the best grasp
on the demands of the position. While Riley is sorting out the
position, Coach Ruff sure sounds set on Allen being the main guy.
-
Chris Hairston – Healthy and hungry, Hairston has
shown he can be an every down back (94 yards against Middle
Tennessee State) already last season and according to Riley is
playing at a new level this year.
-
Marquez Grayson – Big, talented and maturing in his
grasp of the offense and the role and will show his best with true
frosh Anthony Scott pushing him for his spot as well as Chris Love
doing the same.
Trying to break in:
-
Cory Hunter – Selfless player who understands the
offense and what it takes to play in the backfield. Don’t forget, he
is a former No. 2 on the DC.
-
Chris Love – May be the reason the Pirates are able
to allow Scott to RS. Has superior speed so the staff is looking for
how to get him on the field and the ball in hand.
-
Jamal Tillman – Likely to support special teams.
-
Marquise Sherrod-Ponds – Likely to support special
teams.
Redshirt:
-
Anthony Scott – super-talented, home-run type back
who is making it very, very hard to keep a redshirt on him this
season. Hopefully, he can hold onto the RS so he can become a record
writer over the next four years, but the coaches are talking like he
ain’t going to be seeing red.
-
Devin Anderson – power back (5-9, 200) who is a
preferred walk-on from Northern Vance (where former ECU defensive
lineman Mike Applewhite is the coach)
WIDE RECEIVERS
If you are a wide receiver coming out of high school or a
junior college, you have East Carolina on your short list of schools you
hope to hear from. With an offense that puts up nearly 4,000 yards each
season via the air, there is plenty of action to go around for 9-10
different receivers each season. This season's crop of wide receivers is
no less talented than any since Coach Ruffin McNeill's arrival. If the
top of each receiving group stays healthy, it could be the most dynamic
collection of receivers to ever wear the purple and gold at one time —
and yes, I know that is saying a lot.
Well distributed by class, this group is obviously
headlined by All-America IWR Justin Hardy. But 'The Freak' is not alone out there
even though he gets the lion's share of action. Such is the talent,
Riley has been able to move some marquee players from inside to outside
to ensure that every snap, there is talent across the four positions on
the field.
INSIDE WIDE RECEIVERS
On the Roster:
-
Justin Hardy, SR
-
Cedric Thompson, JR
-
Bryce Williams, JR
-
Isaiah Jones, SO
-
Darren Dowdell, FR-RS
-
Jacen Murphy, FR-RS
-
Steve Baggett, FR
-
Quay Johnson, FR
The ECU IWR corps is full of talented receivers. But
then, there is Justin Hardy. Hardy has been in a different class since,
well, since he first stepped onto the field for the Pirates. I recall
talking to Coach Riley about the offense in Riley's first year here and
wanted to talk about Dwayne Harris. While Riley acknowledged that Harris
was a stud, he kept coming back to Hardy... saying, don't sleep on
Hardy... then predicting – very prophetically – that Hardy would
re-write the ECU record books. And Hardy has and Riley was right and,
thank God he stuck around for his senior season. With Hardy in place to
lead the receiving corps, the list of other receivers not only becomes
more talented, they become much more dangerous. At this point in Hardy's
career, he could probably call the offensive plays and would have
Riley's blessing to do so if he wanted. He is a player that should be on
everyone's All-America list. Because of the talent around him now, will
likely see less double coverages, though you better believe defenses
will still game-plan for him. He is the undeniable leader, the
consummate veteran, and a talent that you just can't check no matter
what you try to do. If you double him, he will still get catches, but
more importantly, he will take pride in the fact that his teammates are
piling up the yards. Clear cut, top receiver across both units.
“Well, you know what Justin does,?" asks Riley. "He does
everything we ask him to do and is that guy who works all the time. He
is always trying to get better, every repetition, which is what we want
all the young guys to do.”
Hardy is a quiet leader who has perfected his craft. And
as a mentor, his prized protégé is rising sophomore insider Isaiah
Jones. Similar to Hardy in his approach to refining his skills with
perhaps a smidge more gregariousness. Jones' passion comes out loud and
clear – he loves being a Pirate. And coming off a true frosh season
where he was the team’s 2nd leading receiver (604 yards), Riley sees a
better Jones in the fold for 2014.
“Like the other guys who played last year, Isaiah came to
camp a better player this season,” he said. “The thing about Isaiah last
season was that Shane really trusted him. He always catches the ball. We
challenged him (this off-season) to be a better blocker and we want him
to work on what he does after the catch and I think we are seeing that
in this camp.”
And speaking of improved players in camp, Riley has been
impressed with this year’s version of Bryce Williams, the 6-6 mismatch
maker.
“Bryce is having a really, really good camp,” said Riley.
“He is bigger… up around 255 pounds now and comfortable now playing with
his hand on the ground and doing the things we need him to do blocking.
He is a match-up guy for us and did great job last season and we expect
him to do more this year.”
After Hardy, Jones and Williams, there is talent, but
with much less experience. Riley indicated that this year’s crop of
receivers – inside and out – give him and receiver coaches Donnie
Kirkpatrick and Dave Nichol a lot of flexibility should it be needed.
However, the stock of young talent on the roster at inside receiver has
Riley confident that the moving of receivers may not be necessary,
barring injuries.
“You know, a guy who has improved noticeably is Cedric
Thompson,” said Riley. “He had a chance to get in some last year and he
has had a good camp so far. He’s a guy who knows the system very well
and can help us.”
Beyond Thompson, there is a trio of young players who
could emerge in the same manner that Jones and outside wide receiver
Davon Grayson did a year ago. Starting with tight end Steven Baggett,
who may be the surprise player of fall camp.
“Steven Baggett has had a very nice camp so far,” said
Riley. “His versatility could get him (in the lineup some this season).
He is already a good blocker – they did a lot there at his high school.
“We also have Jacen Murphy, who has done a really good
job so far… he’s got a very bright future ahead… he’s already just a
good football player.
“And Quay (Johnson) has the potential to be a really
exciting player for us. He may be able to work in there some already.”
Tight end Darren Dowdell will miss the 2014 season with
an injury.
In summary, Hardy is the face of the receiving corps –
inside or out – and well he should be as one of the nation's elite pass
catchers. Jones is riding a bullet to ECU stardom and Bryce Williams is
a match-up bonus any time he is out in the pattern. Those three are
rock-solid on the depth chart. After that, there are some battles going
down to see who can earn reps this season.
I see the DC working something like this:
-
Justin Hardy – freakishly good...top receiver in the
program, who even with the national press and awards lists out
there, is still underrated…he’s that good.
-
Isaiah Jones – encore season will be better than
debut because he is a passionate player, a self-starter who works
hard, and he is a team guy…his style is infectious.
-
Bryce Williams – will become more of a regular target
for Carden in 2014. Williams has delivered all the promise that
former tight end Justin Jones had but never delivered. He has proven
to be a match-up nightmare and he is now all that in a more physical
body.
-
Cedric Thompson – will be a good solid reps guy to
help out the rotation. He will make the routine catches and should
see his opportunities increase a bit.
Trying to break in:
-
Jacen Murphy – May being seeing some reps this season
and be a big help on special teams. Probably a year away from
cracking into the rotation.
-
Ben Codispoti – Expect him to help on special teams,
though game reps at IWR not likely
Injured:
Redshirt:
-
Steve Baggett – May very well see his RS go by the
wayside, but hopefully Dowdell will emerge some and allow the
Pirates to keep the red on this playmaker.
-
Quay Johnson – May be too talented not to play, but
with the depth chart already bursting with talent, Pirates may need
to stockpile Johnson.
OUTSIDE WIDE RECEIVERS
On the Roster:
-
Cam Worthy, SR
-
DaQuan Barnes, SO
-
Brandon Bishop, SO
-
Davon Grayson, SO
-
Jimmy Williams, SO
-
Trevon Brown, FR
-
Curtis Burston, FR
-
Malik Gray, FR
-
Terrell Green, FR
While he is not a Justin Hardy-like receiver, senior Cam
Worthy has quietly and efficiently become a fantastic leader among a
talented outside WR group. He managed 295 receiving yards and a pair of
TDs along with an eye-popping 15.5 yards per catch (tops on the team)
despite an offense geared toward its bevy of talented IWRs. Equally
exciting is the fact that stud sophomore Davon Grayson and emerging
talent Jimmy Williams – both healed up from injuries – have moved from
the IWR position to the OWR group, bolstering the talent pool and giving
Carden a sick number of big-time mitts to look for.
Like the IWR group, there are also several youngsters
already impressing in camp, making the decisions this year an all-time
brain breaker for the coaches.
“You are a right, Cam finished very strong last season
for us,” said Riley. “He is a such a grinder who was extremely raw last
year coming from junior college and walking on with us. He is just a guy
who works so hard, and I have to give Dave (Nichol) credit here. Cam
really took to Dave and has made himself a great receiver and he is very
good. He came a long way fast. Doesn’t surprise me… he is a former
quarterback. No question, he is talented and we expect a lot from him
this season.”
And Worthy will not be a lone outside this season. There
are a lot of talented guys who will get into the mix, starting with the
return of Grayson. Grayson burst onto the scene as a true freshman
showing great speed and the ability to get open as well as make the
tough grab before an injury ended his season barely halfway in. He is
healed up and showing signs that he hasn’t lost anything. He is getting
behind the defense and making the deep ball a whole lot easier for
Carden.
“We moved Davon because we want to get our best four out
there on the field,” Riley said of moving Grayson from inside to the
outside “Z” position. “He’s a natural Z and has settled in well there.
Davon has been excellent this fall and gives us a lot out on the
outside.
“Jimmy (Williams) is also on the outside now and having a
good camp too. The two of them give us explosiveness and the deep pass.
And neither of them are showing signs of injury. We expect a lot of big
plays out of Davon and Jimmy.”
Rounding out the experienced group of OWRs is DaQuan
Barnes who had some good flashes last season.
“DaQuan is fine,” Riley said of an injury that has slowed him down a bit
in camp. “He should be fine (for the season). DaQuan did some nice
things for us last season and has big-play abilities for us, too.”
Like on the inside, there are a few true frosh that could
see their redshirts bypassed.
“We have a few true freshmen who might play this season,”
said Riley. “I’d say that Terrell Green has looked the best of the group
in this camp. He’s got such a big body and has shown us a lot of skill
so far.
“Malik (Gray) has been a little nicked up, but we think
he has a bright future ahead of him here.”
“(Curtis) is developing well,” said Riley about the true
frosh Burston who enrolled in January and had some real eye-catching
moments in the spring. “(He) will mostly likely redshirt.”
Riley likes what he sees in this group.
“Without a doubt, I think we are more talented this year
than we were last season on the outside.”
In summary, Worthy is the unquestioned leader of this
group who has made himself a top flight receiver with a physical style.
Grayson and Williams bring big play ability to the unit and Barnes will
improve.
I see the depth chart working something like this:
-
Cam Worthy – Leader of the OWR group,
dependable...not flashy, but has game and will be a threat regularly
this season.
-
Davon Grayson – Super talented, speedster star on the
rise, gets back to where he started in 2013 as a big threat.
-
DaQuan Barnes – Got his feet wet in 2013 and is ready
to pick it up this season. Will be a force with increased reps,
increased production, and will become a big part of the scoring
punch.
-
Jimmy Williams – Another IWR to OWR talent who will
make a lot of big plays after the catch for the Pirates.
Trying to break in:
Redshirt:
-
Terrell Green – Rangy receiver might see redshirt
lifted because of the unique size he brings to the position.
-
Curtis Burston – Had a fantastic spring for the
Pirates and is good enough to play now. Best results would be to
save him for next year.
-
Malik Gray – Showing flashes of readiness, but would
benefit greatly from a year to acclimate.
OFFENSIVE LINE
On the roster:
-
Taylor Hudson, SR
-
Marquis Wallace, SR
-
Will Foxx, JR
-
Bladen Gatling, JR
-
Ike Harris, JR
-
Stewart Hinson, JR
-
Dontae Levingston, JR
-
Quincy McKinney, JR
-
Tre Robertson, JR
-
C.J. Struyk, JR
-
J.T. Boyd, SO
-
Christian Matau, FR-RS
-
Brandon Smith, FR-RS
-
Larry Williams, FR-RS
-
Des Barmore, FR
-
Kyle Erickson, FR
-
Erik Lenzen, FR
-
Garrett McGhin, FR
-
Messiah Rice, FR
There is a bit of good news and a bit of bad news when it
comes to the offensive line. The bad news is that the team needs to
replace a pair of all-league guards in Will Simmons and Jordan Davis.
The good news is that the offensive line overall has more talent across
the group and some good experience battling it out in camp.
“Our talent across the board is better this year, without
a doubt,” said Riley. “We need to get them playing together, but this is
a talented and pretty experienced group.”
Riley indicated that part of the expectations for this
group hinge on the two all-America junior college linemen that joined
the team – guard Quincy McKinney and tackle Dontae Levingston – panning
out to be starter ready.
“They looked prepared, both of them,” said Riley. “You
look at them and see Division 1 offensive linemen.”
One thing that is certain is that Ike Harris will anchor
the line, returning to his left tackle spot to protect Carden’s back.
With C.J. Struyk and Taylor Hudson at center, you have two starters
there, and with Tre Robertson’s PT a year ago, he is starter ready.
So how will the OL shake out? Let’s take a look by
position.
CENTER
With the tackle and guard positions needing all of camp
to determine things, center is not much of a concern for the Pirates. In
Struyk and Hudson, the team has not one, but two proven performers at
the pivotal position on the line.
“We have two starters there in those two,” said Riley.
“Both of them played well last year and give us depth.
“Taylor is probably our most improved lineman in camp. He
has come back stronger, more physical and prepared. He is one of those
Will Simmons-type tough guys out there who plays mean.
“C.J. played really well last season and is a very
physically strong center. I feel good with either of those guys in
there.”
GUARD
While an area of concern, the cupboard is not as bare as
it might seem at first glance. On the right side, J.T. Boyd has been
having a very good camp so far and on the left side. Will Foxx is also
emerging as a talent. Factor in McKinney and FR-RS Larry Williams and
there is potential.
“You know, J.T. is another guy who is playing mean right
now,” said Riley. “He was a bit of a disappointment to us in the spring,
but right now, he is having a very strong camp. He is a flexible guy,
too, who can play center if we need him there.”
And Foxx has also looked good.
“He is having a strong camp right now at left guard,”
said Riley of Foxx. “But so is Larry (Williams)… he is a very strong and
talented guy who is pushing (for PT) right now.”
The interior will no doubt be shaped by McKinney’s
presence. The former N.C. State player’s skillset and past would suggest
he will play at left guard.
“Good,” said Riley when asked about McKinney’s ability.
“He’s every bit ready to play at this level. You can tell the guys who
played at Division 1 schools. He is physical, too. He’s fighting for a
(starting) position.”
Rounding out the roster is Marquis Wallace, who is
repping at right guard.
There is also a chance that stud tackle Tre Robertson
could move down to the right guard slot should the tackle situation
improve.
“Tre is a flexible player for us who can play any
position on the line except for center,” said Riley. “It’s possible he
could play guard.”
TACKLE
For now, the position looks pretty solid. Ike Harris
returns for his third season at left tackle and for now, Robertson
appears to return as the starting right tackle.
“You got Ike there at let and Tre at right,” said Riley.
“Ike has been a strong (performer) since he got here and Tre started
down the stretch there last year.”
Then, there is Dontae Levingston, the former Southern
Methodist player. Levingston prefers to play on the left side where he
has been most of his career, but he is also working at the right side.
“We are working Dontae on both sides right now and he can
play either,” said Riley. “He is going to help us up front.”
Rounding out the offensive tackle roster is primary
reserve at left tackle Stewart Hinson, who has been in the program for
three years and should be a regular in the rotation, and talented but
inexperienced Brandon Smith, who is massive and athletic working on the
right side.
Beyond this group, the rest of the cast are true
freshman, so the unit is a bit thin, but talented.
In summary, the OL depth and strength are somewhat
opposed. There is talent without a doubt, but there are questions to be
answered. Guard, which appeared to be the risk area, looks pretty solid.
Tackle looks talented but thin. Center looks to be in great shape.
I see the DC working something like this:
Center:
Taylor Hudson – Having a great camp and looking like a
leader and potential dominant center.
C.J. Struyk – Starter as a primary reserve. Provides no letdown when he
is in the line-up.
Injured:
Christian Matau – Great size for center, but has been
injured for much of his early career.
Redshirt:
Erik Lenzen – Big, smart football player who will learn
the position from OL Coach Brandon Jones, a former center himself.
Right guard:
-
J.T. Boyd (RG) – Having a great camp, showing grit
and skills that have emerged since spring ball.
-
Will Foxx (RG) – Though he has worked mostly at left
guard, the emergence of McKinney may see Foxx move to the right side
more.
Left guard:
-
Quincy McKinney (LG) – Will pair with Ike Harris to
form an athletic and punishing right side of the line.
-
Larry Williams (LG) – While only a FR-RS, the
imposing looking Williams has the attitude and skillset to find
himself in the rotation.
Trying to break in:
Redshirt:
Right tackle:
-
Tre Robertson (RT) – Having another strong camp,
showing that he is every bit a starter.
-
Brandon Smith (RT) – Was good enough as a frosh last
year to earn strong consideration for playing time. Fortunately it
was not needed. Ready to step into a bigger role.
Left tackle:
-
Ike Harris (LT) – Super talented stalwart on the left
side, bringing back the most starting experience in the group.
-
Dontae Levingston (LT) – Left tackle is his best
position and he will give the Pirates a strong starter-quality
reserve behind Harris.
Trying to break in:
Redshirt:
-
Des Barmore – Agile, gifted tackle prospect.
-
Garrett McGhin – Big, athletic tackle.
-
Messiah Rice – High potential recruit for the
Pirates.
East
Carolina football
coach Ruffin McNeill
spoke briefly with
the press after
Thursday's practice
session. (Recorded
by Brian Bailey;
archive photo by W.A.
Myatt.) ...