Thumbnail Sketches by Al Myatt.

Click on linked names to go to recruit profiles by Sammy Batten.

Number of known commitments to date: 26

Most recent update (06.22.17): Added thumbnail sketch on Eastern Michigan graduate transfer P AUSTIN BARNES.

Note: Thumbnail sketches displayed in red font are for previously committed players whose recruiting statuses have changed.

TAIJH ALSTON (6-5, 225), DE, Union Pines High School, Cameron … Alston was at East Carolina for the Purple-Gold Spring game and committed on April 16. … He is regarded as an explosive player with 17 tackles for loss as a junior for a 6-6 Vikings team coached by Ryan Riggan. … Alston also had offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Miami of Ohio and N.C. State. … Also showing interest were North Carolina, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Virginia and Wake Forest. … Rated a three-star recruit, Alston had 46 solo tackles in 2015 and 53 assists. … Credited with 10 sacks as a junior. … One evaluator said Alston takes good angles to the ball and has speed. … Regarded as the No. 2 defensive end prospect in his class in North Carolina. [Listed 04.18.16] (Image source:247sports.com)

LATHERON ROGERS-ANDERSON (6-1, 190) S, Ridge View High School, Columbia, SC … Rogers-Anderson had offers from Appalachian State, Charleston Southern, Cincinnati, The Citadel, Coastal Carolina, Colorado State, Elon, Gardner-Webb, Georgia State, Lafayette, Mercer, Old Dominion and Towson, as well as interest from South Carolina. … He committed to East Carolina on Sept. 13. … Pirates defensive line coach Deke Adams was listed as his primary recruiter by 247 Sports. … Rogers-Anderson rushed for 1,125 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore at Lakewood (SC) High. … His defensive totals in 2015 included 40 tackles and two interceptions before transferring to Ridge View. … Rated the No. 20 prospect in South Carolina by 247 Sports. … The Blazers, coached by Perry Parks, are off to a 4-0 start in 2016. … Rogers-Anderson has run 18 times for 189 yards with three touchdowns thus far this season. … On defense, he has 11 solo tackles and has assisted on 14 stops with one interception, two fumble recoveries and four pass deflections. [Listed 09.14.16] (Image source: TheState.com) — Rogers-Anderson reopened his recruitment.

AUSTIN BARNES (5-11, 217) P, Eastern Michigan … One of several graduate transfers who will be able to contribute immediately for the Pirates. … Averaged 43.5 yards per punt for the Eagles last season with 18 over 50 yards, 22 that were fair caught and 29 inside the opponent’s 20 yard-line. … Majored in communication. … Played for O’Fallon High School in O’Fallon, IL. … Eastern Michigan was 7-6 overall and 4-4 in the Mid-American Conference in 2016. … Barnes will compete with Jake Verity for the punting duties. … If Barnes punts, that likely will allow Verity to focus on kicking. … Barnes has kicking experience from high school. [Listed 06.22.17] (Image source: emueagles.com)

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BRUCE BIVENS (5-11, 217) ILB, Benjamin Davis High School, Houston TX … Bivens originally committed to Fresno State on July 1 after receiving an offer from the Bulldogs on May 13. … Bivens visited ECU on Dec. 9 and changed his commitment to the Pirates on Dec. 15. … Defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson was primarily involved in bringing Bivins aboard. … The Davis Falcons went 5-6 overall in 2016 with a 4-3 record in district play. … Bivens received offers from Fresno State, McNeese State, Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin, Texas Southern, Tulane and Nevada-Las Vegas. [Listed 12.15.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)
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JAYDEN BORDERS (5-11, 170) WR, Shelby … Borders is from ECU coach Scottie Montgomery’s home area. … He committed to the Pirates on June 22. … ECU special teams coordinator Shannon Moore is listed as the primary recruiter with wide receivers coach Phil McGeoghan in a support role. … Borders had offers from Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Miami of Ohio and Ohio. … Clemson, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia Tech had shown recruiting interest. … Borders helped the Golden Lions, coached by Lance Ware, to a 15-1 record in 2015. … Shelby topped Kinston 57-21 for the NCHSAA 2-A championship. … Borders had 93 catches for 1,732 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. … He averaged 25.0 yards on three kickoff returns and 11.0 yards on four punt returns. [Listed 06.22.16] (Image source:247sports.com)

TRACE CHRISTIAN (6-1, 210) RB, Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs, FL … East Carolina its December success in gaining commitments from highly-sought recruits with a pledge from Christian on Tuesday evening, Dec. 13. … Special teams coordinator Shannon Moore was the primary recruiter for the talented back from the Orlando area. … Christian had offers from Boston College, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida Atlantic, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa Sate, Kentucky, Louisville, Marshall, Miami (FL), Mississippi State, Missouri, N.C. State, Rutgers, South Florida, Syracuse, Troy, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. … Christian visited ECU on Dec. 9. … The Lake Brantley Patriots, coached by David Delfiacco, were 7-5 in 2016 and ranked No. 11 in the 8-A class in Florida, according to MaxPreps. … Christian ran 145 times as a senior for 1,316 yards with 16 touchdowns. [Listed 12.13.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

TYSHON DYE (5-11, 220) RB, Clemson … Dye visited Miami and also had recruiting attention from Georgia Southern and Southern Methodist after announcing he was leaving 2016 national champion Clemson. … Dye had 21 carries for 109 yards as a junior for the Tigers, scoring a touchdown against Boston College. … His career numbers at Clemson included 76 rushes for 351 yards with five TDs. … Dye was rated the No. 18 running back nationally by ESPN when he was coming out of Elbert County Comprehensive High School in Elberton, GA. … Played in 17 games and saw 157 snaps at Clemson. … Majored in parks, recreation and tourism management at Clemson. … Dye is expected to enroll at ECU in June for summer school. … He gives the Pirates an experienced big back, which was a recruiting objective for ECU. [Listed 05.07.17] (Image source: Clemson Media Relations)

GAELIN ELMORE (6-6, 280) DE, Minnesota … Elmore chose East Carolina over Arizona after earning graduate transfer status at Minnesota. … Elmore had offers from Houston, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas Tech and West Virginia. … Elmore plans to enroll in summer school at ECU. … He will be eligible to play for the Pirates in 2017. … ECU defensive backs coach Brandon Lynch was the primary recruiter for Elmore with assistance from defensive line coach Robert Prunty, defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson and head coach Scottie Montgomery. … Elmore has Academic All-Big Ten honors to his credit and won a Wilma Rudolph Award at Minnesota, which recognizes those who have overcome adversity to achieve in academics. … Elmore had nine starts and played in 38 games with the Golden Gophers. … Elmore’s career numbers at Minnesota include 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and four fumble recoveries. … Elmore played at Somerset (WI) High School. [Listed 05.07.17] (Image source: Minnesota Media Relations)

MARQUES FORD (6-4, 235) DE, Jones County Junior College, Ellisville, MS … Ford received offers from Cal, Louisville, Middle Tennessee State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Syracuse, Texas A&M and West Virginia. … Ford was in the program at Rutgers but left following a coaching change. … He initially committed to Tennessee out of East Bay High School in Gibsonton, FL. … He was rated a four-star prospect in high school. … Deke Adams, East Carolina defensive line coach, was the primary recruiter for Ford, who visited ECU on Oct. 28. … Ford’s commitment is the fourth from the juco ranks on the defensive side for the incoming class, including Ford’s junior college teammate, linebacker Cannon Gibbs. … Ford and Gibbs both plan to enroll in January. … Ford had 9.5 sacks for the 6-3 Bobcats coached by Steve Buckley as a juco freshman in 2016. [Listed 11.08.16] (Image source: scout.com)— ECU suspended its recruitment of Ford.

CANNON GIBBS (6-2, 225) ILB, Jones County Junior College, Ellisville, MS … Gibbs committed to East Carolina on Nov. 2 after making an official visit on Oct. 28. … Officially signed with the Pirates during the December mid-year signing period and will enroll in January. … Defensive line coach Deke Adams was the primary recruiter for Gibbs with inside linebackers coach Ryan Anderson in a secondary role. … Louisiana Tech and Louisiana-Monroe also offered Gibbs. … Louisiana-Lafayette and Troy showed interest. … Gibbs was involved in 68 tackles in the 2016 season for Jones County, a team high. … He had 11 tackles for loss for the 6-3 Bobcats, coached by former Southern Miss assistant Steve Buckley. … Gibbs had six sacks, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery this season. … He was in on 22 tackles for Jones County in 2015. … Gibbs played on the high school level at Northwest Rankin in Flowood, MS, where he had 291 total tackles in three seasons on the varsity. … He had 14 sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in high school. [Listed 11.07.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

DELVONTE “TEZ” HARRIS (6-0, 200) DB, Newnan High School, Newnan, GA … Harris committed to East Carolina on Sept. 7 after being recruited primarily by defensive line coach Deke Adams with support from secondary coach Rick Smith. … Harris made the All-Region team as a junior when the Cougars went 10-3. … Harris also received offers from Charleston Southern and Western Carolina. … Georgia Southern and Missouri also showed interest. … Harris is nicknamed “Tez.” … Newnan started 1-2 with a pair of competitive losses in 2016. … The Cougars are coached by Mike McDonald. … The Pirates offered Harris a scholarship on May 13. … He was on hand for the Western Carolina game on Sept. 3 for an unofficial visit. [Listed 09.13.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)
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BRANDON HENDERSON (6-5, 270) DE, Georgia Military College … The Bulldogs went 9-2 in 2016 under coach Bert Williams and continued to be a source of personnel for the Pirates as Henderson committed Jan. 25 after a Nov. 19 campus visit. … ECU wide receivers coach Phil McGeoghan was the primary recruiter. … Henderson played on the high school level in Greenwood, S.C. … Henderson had offers from Bowling Green, Charlotte, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Houston, Kansas, Louisiana Lafayette, Marshall, Northern Illinois, Toledo and Western Kentucky. … Programs showing interest included Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Texas and West Virginia. … Henderson had 15 solo tackles and 17 assists for Georgia Military in 2016. … He had two sacks and one fumble recovery. … As a freshman at Georgia Military, Henderson had nine solo stops, four assists, two sacks and two fumble recoveries. … His commitment represents an effort to upgrade personnel in the trenches after ECU’s 3-9 season in 2016.  [Listed 01.26.17] (Image source: 247sports.com)

LEROY HENLEY (6-2,175) WR, Deerfield Beach (FL) High School … Tweeted his commitment to East Carolina on Friday, Dec. 9, after a campus visit on Dec. 4 and a follow up visit by Pirates coach Scottie Montgomery and ECU wide receivers coach Phil McGeoghan. … Henley is the 11th-ranked wide receiver in Florida in the class of 2017. … The three-star recruit had offers from Auburn, Boston College, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Colorado, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Miami of Ohio, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, N.C. State, Northern Illinois, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, Toledo, Utah, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia. … The Deerfield Beach Bucks, coached by Jevon Glenn, were 10-3 in 2016, losing to Miami Southridge, 26-7, in the state 8-A semifinals. … Henley also has played basketball during his high school career. … He was at Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale as a freshman and sophomore. … He had 52 catches for 730 yards with eight touchdowns as a sophomore. … Henley said he was impressed with the development of Zay Jones as a receiver at ECU. … Jones broke Football Bowl Subdivision records for catches in a season and career in 2016. [Listed 10.09.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

MARCUS HOLTON (6-1, 170) CB, Georgia Military College … East Carolina received a commitment from Holton on June 25 after he had received offers from Marshall and Wisconsin. … Officially signed with the Pirates during the December mid-year signing period and will enroll in January. … Pirates secondary coach Rick Smith was the primary recruiter. … Smith, who became assistant head coach for the Pirates earlier this year, is a Florida State graduate. … Holton went to high school in the shadow of FSU, at Tallahassee Godby, helping the Cougars to a 12-3 record and Florida 5-A runner-up status in 2014. … As a senior for the Cougars, coached by Todd Lanter, Holton had 31 solo tackles and six assists. … He had four interceptions, 11 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, caused two fumbles and blocked a punt in 13 games for Godby as a senior. … As a freshman at Georgia Military last season, Holton played in seven games for an 8-4 Bulldogs team, coached by Bert Williams. … Holton had 15 solo stops and three assists. … He had two interceptions, returning one for a score. … Iowa Western topped Georgia Military 20-6 in the Graphic Edge Bowl in Cedar Rapids, IA. … Holton had a 10-yard interception return in the bowl game and two pass break-ups. … He had two solo tackles in the postseason contest and one assist. [Listed 06.25.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

JERRY HOWARD (6-0, 210) RB, Rock Hill, SC, Northwestern High School … Howard committed to the Pirates on June 21. … Howard played for a Trojans team that went 14-1, rolling to the state 4-A championship after a 40-31 season-opening loss to Byrnes. … Northwestern defeated Lexington 63-13 in the state final as Howard ran 16 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns. … He also caught a pass for an 11-yard score in the title game at Lexington. … For the season, Howard ran 199 times for 1,570 yards with 19 touchdowns. … He had 39 catches for 388 yards with six TDs. … Offensive coordinator Tony Petersen was the primary recruiter for Howard with running backs coach Antonio King in a secondary role. … Howard had offers from Air Force, Appalachian State, Army, Charleston Southern, Charlotte, Colorado State, Gardner-Webb, Georgia Southern, Marshall, Miami of Ohio, Navy, Old Dominion, Towson and Western Kentucky. [Listed 06.22.16] (Image source: 247sports.com) — Howard withdrew his commitment to ECU and verballed to Georgia Tech.

KINGSLEY IFEDI (6-3, 215) QB, Charlotte Vance … Ifedi committed to East Carolina on May 21. … Two of his older brothers, Casey and Jamime, attended ECU. … Casey walked on at linebacker with the Pirates. … Ifedi had offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Harvard, Pittsburgh and Yale. … Programs showing interest included Duke, Minnesota, N.C. State, Tennessee and Wake Forest. … Ifedi is a run-pass threat. … He threw for 3,213 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior while running for 800 yards with 14 scores. … Vance, which produced former Pirates quarterback Paul Troth, went 6-6 in 2015. … ECU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tony Petersen was the primary recruiter for Ifedi. [Listed 05.27.16] (Image source: scout.com)

DASHAUN JOHNSON (6-4, 200) WR/S, East Carteret High School, Beaufort, NC … The first commitment for East Carolina’s 2017 signing class. … Johnson committed to the Pirates on March 7, 2016 after receiving an offer Nov. 10, 2015. … His primary recruiter was ECU wide receivers coach Phil McGeoghan. … Johnson also received offers from Charlotte and Old Dominion. … Among those showing recruiting interest were Boston College, Mississippi State, N.C. State, North Carolina, Virginia and Wake Forest. … He is rated a three-star recruit. … Johnson had 85 catches for 1,493 yards and eight touchdowns for an 11-3 team coached by Caleb King in 2015. … He also had 66 tackles and four interceptions as a safety for the Mariners. … He is projected as a receiver on the college level. … Johnson helped East Carteret to the fourth round of the NCHSAA 1-A playoffs during the 2015-16 basketball season, averaging 13.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.9 blocked shots. … The Mariners hoops team, coached by Billy Anderson, went 26-3. [Listed 03.08.16] (Image source: facebook.com) — Johnson reopened his recruitment.

KALEN McCAIN (6-2, 185), S, Lackawanna Community College, Scranton, PA … McCain committed to the Pirates on Oct. 16 and will have two years of eligibility with East Carolina. … McCain played on the high school level for Pirates running backs coach Antonio King at Durham Hillside before entering the program at N.C. State. … King was the primary recruiter for ECU with support from Pirates secondary coach Rick Smith. … Programs that also showed interest in McCain included Kentucky, Louisville, Troy and West Virginia. … McCain had offers from Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech before signing with the Wolfpack. … McCain was rated the No. 24 prospect in the state coming out of high school. … Lackawanna, coached by Mark Duda, is currently 8-0. … McCain had two tackles in a 55-12 win over Hocking on Oct. 22. [Listed 10.26.16; updated 11.02.16] (Image source: scout.com) McCain reopened his recruitment.

MATT MORGAN (6-5, 260), OT, Corinth Holders High School, Wendell … Morgan helped the Pirates of Corinth Holders, who wear purple and gold, … Morgan also received an offer from Charlotte. … He was recruited by ECU offensive line coach Geep Wade. … Morgan helped Corinth Holders to a 9-3 record in 2015. … The CH Pirates are coached by Guy “Bubba” Williams, a former snapped at ECU. … Williams dad, Chipper, also is a former ECU gridder and noted high school football coach. … Morgan also played some defense for Corinth Holders last season, recording seven sacks for a total of 40 yards. … He had seven solo tackles and 11 assists in seven games. … He is projected as an offensive lineman at ECU. … Morgan committed to ECU during an elite camp on June 10. … … He became the third offensive lineman in the 2017 incoming class. [Listed 06.22.16] (Image source: rivals.com)

JA-QUANE NELSON (6-3, 260) DE, High Point Central … Nelson committed to East Carolina on July 28 after also receiving offers from Charlotte, Hampton and Murray State. … Pirates secondary coach Rick Smith and defensive line coach Deke Adams were involved in recruiting Nelson. … Among programs showing interest were Appalachian State, Charleston Southern, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Elon, Maryland, N.C. State, North Carolina, N.C. A&T, Purdue, Wake Forest and Western Carolina. … Nelson is rated as a three-star recruit and the No. 42 prospect in the state in the class of 2017. … The High Point Central Bison, coached by Wayne Jones, were 5-7 overall in 2015 and went 3-2 in the Piedmont Triad 4-A Conference, losing 35-28 in the first round of the playoffs at South Caldwell. … Nelson had 19 solo tackles and 14 assists from his defensive end position as a junior. … He had nine sacks for 47 yards in losses in 2015. [Listed 08.01.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

BEN NORRIS (6-3, 230) LB, Myers Park High School, Charlotte … Committed to the Pirates on Monday, Nov. 21, as offensive coordinator Tony Petersen and head coach Scottie Montgomery were influential in the recruiting process. … Selected for Shrine Bowl. … Mustangs, coached by Scott Chadwick, were 11-1 going into a second-round 4-AA playoff matchup with Vance, which features Pirate commit Kingsley Ifedi at quarterback. … Myers Park rated No. 20 by MaxPreps among North Carolina teams. … Former UNC and NFL performer Dre Bly is an assistant on the Mustangs’ defensive staff. … Norris’ older brother Clay is starting quarterback at Georgetown, a Football Championship Subdivision program. … Norris received offers from Coastal Carolina, Elon and Georgetown. … Louisville and West Virginia had interest. … Norris attended a Louisville camp in June. … Both of his parents were college athletes. … Dad, Rob, has been Booster Club president at Myers Park, raising over $700,000, including funds for weight room that is one of best in the region. … Norris had an unofficial visit to ECU on Nov. 12 for the Southern Methodist game. … The Pirates offered Norris last spring. … He plans to enroll at ECU in January. … Norris is projected as an outside linebacker for the Pirates. … An all-conference selection as a junior when he had 62 tackles, eight for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. … [Listed 11.23.16] (Image source: Hudl.com)

TYREE OWENS (6-5, 295) DE, Copiah-Lincoln (MS) Community College … Owens was recruited by East Carolina defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson. … Owens made a campus visit on Dec.9 and committed to the Pirates on Sunday, Dec. 11. … Officially signed with the Pirates during the December mid-year signing period and will enroll in January. … The Co-Lin Wolfpack is coached by Glenn Davis and went 7-2 in 2016. … Davis was a former running backs coach at Mississippi State on Jackie Sherrill’s staff. … Owens initially signed with West Virginia out of Ovieda (FL) High School but the Mountaineers dismissed him from the program after Owens needed 18 stitches for an arm wound sustained in an off-campus attack. … He initially picked West Virginia over 19 other Football Bowl Subdivision offers. … Owens de-committed from Texas A&M on Nov. 25. … He had offers from Alabama, Auburn, Central Florida, Houston, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Southern California, South Carolina and Texas A&M. … Rated the No. 49 strong-side defensive end nationally coming out of high school, Owens should help strengthen ECU’s front. [Listed 12.11.16] (Image source: West Virginia University)

DARIUS PINNIX (6-2, 225) RB, Western Alamance … Pinnix is listed as an athlete, defensive end and quarterback on the Warriors’ roster for his senior year although he is projected as a running back for the Pirates. … Pinnix ran for 871 yards on 109 carries last season with 12 touchdowns. … He had 70 catches for 1,288 yards with eight scores. … Pinnix also returned a pair of kickoffs for a total of 98 yards, including a 65-yard return in a 47-0 win over Northeast Guilford. … Western Alamance went 9-3 overall under coach Jeff Snuffer in 2015. … The Warriors were 7-1 in the Mid-State 3-A Conference. … The team had a four-game winning streak stopped with a 28-27 first-round playoff loss to Morehead. … Pinnix has run 40 yards in 4.62 seconds. … He had 13 solo tackles and two sacks last season. … Inside linebackers coach Ryan Anderson handled his recruiting for ECU. … Pinnix was offered by ECU on July 23 and committed on July 27. … He selected the Pirates over offers from Appalachian State, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, East Tennessee State, Elon, Furman, Richmond, Virginia, Wake Forest and William & Mary. … Also showing interest were Duke, Miami of Ohio, N.C. State, North Carolina and Vanderbilt. [Listed 08.01.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

BLAKE PROEHL (6-1, 170) WR, Charlotte Providence High School … ECU offensive coordinator Tony Petersen reeled in the son of former Carolina Panthers receiver Ricky Proehl with assistance from wide receivers coach Phil McGeoghan … Proehl’s brother, Austin, plays at North Carolina. … Proehl committed to the Pirates on June 22. … He received offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, Elon, Florida International and Georgia State. … Also showing interest were Air Force, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Furman, Liberty, Maryland, UNC-Chapel Hill, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. … The Pirates offered Proehl when he attended a camp at ECU on June 5. … Providence was 5-7 overall last season and 4-3 in the South Mecklenburg 8 4-A Conference, which also produced 4-A state champion Charlotte Catholic. … The Panthers are coached by Brad Bowles. … Proehl had team highs in catches (22) receiving yards (336) and receiving touchdowns (2) in 2015. [Listed 06.22.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

DAVONDRE “TANK” ROBINSON (6-0, 194) S, Lake Marion High School, Santee, SC … Rated the No. 1 safety prospect for the high school class of 2017 in South Carolina, Robinson committed to East Carolina on Sunday, Jan. 29, shortly after a campus visit. … Inside linebackers coach Ryan Anderson was the primary recruiter for the Pirates with new secondary coach Brandon Lynch in a supporting role. … Robinson received offers from 2016 national championship finalists Alabama and Clemson as well as Central Florida, Duke, Georgia, Georgia Southern, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Troy, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. … Nickname is “Tank.” … Lake Marion, coached by Leonard Johnson, was 2-8 in 2016. … Rated a three-star recruit. [Listed 01.29.17] (Image source: 247sports.com)
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MIC ROOF (6-2, 180) QB, Buford, GA … A twin son of former Duke coach Ted Roof. … The elder Roof guided the Blue Devils from 2003 to 2007 and is currently defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech. … A pro-style quarterback, Roof committed to ECU on May 20. … He completed 109 of 164 passes for 1,507 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. … He had received an offer from ECU in January. … Roof selected the Pirates over offers from Charlotte, Miami of Ohio and Troy. … The Wolves were 13-2 in 2015, losing 10-0 to Cartersville for the Georgia 4-A state championship. … Buford has won 11 state titles since 1978, the most recent in 2014. … ECU offensive line coach Geep Wade was listed as the primary recruiter for Wade with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tony Petersen in a support role. [Listed 05.27.16] (Image source: 247sports.com) Roof withdrew his commitment to ECU and verballed to Charlotte in January.

DQMARCUS SHAW (6-4, 320) OL, Itawamba Community College, Fulton, MS … Offensive line coach Geep Wade of the Pirates reeled in a commitment from the ICC sophomore, who played on the high school level at South Panola in Batesville, MS. … Shaw helped the Indians, coached by Sean Cannon to a 5-4 record in 2016. … Shaw obviously has the size to bolster ECU’s offensive front. … Shaw received offers from Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Louisiana-Monroe and Southern Mississippi. … South Florida was recruiting Shaw before coach Willie Taggart left for Oregon. … Rated a three-star prospect. … Visited campus Dec. 4 before announcing via Twitter on Dec. 12 that he was heading to ECU. … Officially signed with the Pirates during the December mid-year signing period and will enroll in January. … Shaw had initially committed to Arkansas State in July. [Listed 12.13.16] (Image source: Itawamba Community College)

KENNAN SOLOMON (6-5, 275) DL, Person County High School, Roxboro … The last commitment to the Pirates on Jan. 31 before the 2017 signing date on Feb. 1. … Had 14 sacks for a 7-5 Rockets team in 2016. … Soloman earned three varsity letters under coach David Kleine at Person. … Soloman helped the Rockets to the playoffs as a junior and senior. … Soloman also was recruited by Central Michigan, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Miami of Ohio, Towson and Western Carolina. … Also lettered in basketball and track. … A three-star recruit rated among the top 100 defensive ends nationally. … Regarded as a top 50 prospect in North Carolina. … Has bench pressed 320 pounds, squatted 500 and has a 30-inch vertical jump. … Defensive Player of the Year in the PAC 6 4-A Conference as a senior. [Listed 02.01.17] (Image source: 247sports.com)

JOHN SPELLACY (6-1, 280) C, St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, OH. … Spellacy, a co-captain of the Wildcats, committed to the Pirates on April 23 during a campus visit the same weekend. … He also received offers from Army and North Carolina Central. … East Carolina offensive line coach Geep Wade was his primary recruiter. … Also showing interest in Spellacy were Ball State, Bowling Green, Duke, Eastern Michigan, Georgia State, Illinois, Marshall, Navy, Purdue, Richmond and Syracuse. … Spellacy developed in the St. Ignatius program coached by Charles Kyle. … The Wildcats were 5-4 in 2015. … Rated a three-star prospect. [Listed 05.05.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)
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MYDREON VINES (6-0, 170) WR, Greenville Rose … The hometown product cast his lot with the Pirates on June 17. … Vines helped the Rampants to a 12-3 record and the Eastern 4-A championship in 2015. … Rose is coached by David Wojtecki. … Vines had 41 catches for 645 yards and seven touchdowns last season. … The Rampants produced 4,056 yards passing and had 2,837 yards rushing. … Vines contributed 12 carries for 105 yards and two TDs on the ground. … His longest pass reception covered 50 yards and his longest run was 25 yards. … Vines had two catches for 41 yards in a 61-21 win at 3-A state champion Rocky Mount. … He also had a 24-yard scoring run against the Gryphons. … Appalachian State, Charleston Southern and North Carolina Central made offers to Vines. … He was recruited primarily by ECU defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson and Pirates wide receivers coach Phil McGeoghan. … Vines received an offer from ECU on June 13, made an unofficial visit on June 16 and committed the following day. [Listed 06.22.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

ERIC WEBER (6-2, 220) TE, Blythewood (SC) High School via Southwest Mississippi CC … Originally signed with ECU out of high school but did not enroll in classes. … Re-signed with Pirates during the December mid-year signing period after playing one season in the juco ranks … Will enroll for spring semester in January. Played four games for coach Tucker Peavey at Southwest Mississippi CC … Was a two-year standout on offense and defense for coach Dan Morgan at Blythewood High School … Recorded 458 yards on 36 receptions with five touchdowns as a junior and senior … Significantly contributed to the Bengals’ 9-4 record in 2015 and their run to the quarterfinal round of the Class 4A Division II playoffs … Had 64 tackles (14 solo) as a defensive end with seven resulting in lost yardage … Added a sack and turned in the longest fumble return in program history, a 79-yarder against Westwood HS … Cited as one of the top tight ends in the Midlands area by The State … Spent sophomore campaign (2013) at Jack Britt HS in Fayetteville, NC, under the tutelage of head coach and former ECU star Brian Rimpf, helping the Terriers to a 9-4 overall record and a 6-0 league mark … Was also recruited by North Carolina State out of high school. [Listed 12.14.16] (Image source: 247sports.com)

MYLES WHITE (6-1, 175), CB, Dudley High School, Greensboro … White visited campus for the spring football game and committed to East Carolina thereafter. … An athlete with diverse skills, White also played receiver in football and was on a Panthers basketball team that went 18-8 in 2015-16. … Dudley went 13-2 in football under coach Stephen Davis in 2015 and reached the fourth round of the 4-A playoffs before losing 17-8 to eventual champion Charlotte Catholic. … White had 35 solo tackles, 31 assists, three interceptions and 12 pass deflections as a junior. … He punted five times for a 37-yard average with a longest of 47 yards. … White was interested in ECU’s facilities and likes the Pirates’ swagger. … He feels the program is on the rise and appreciates the supportive fan base, according to Scout.com. [Listed 04.18.16] (Image source: scout.com) White reopened his recruitment.

KORRIN WIGGINS (6-0, 200) DB, Clemson … Wiggins became the fourth graduate transfer to join the Pirates when he selected ECU over Maryland, Michigan and Oregon on June 15. … Wiggins played 194 snaps and had 13 tackles for national champion Clemson in 2016. … Former Tigers running back Tyshon Dye is also slated to join the Pirates. … Wiggins, a former Shrine Bowl selection from Hillside High School in Durham missed 2015 with an ACL injury. … Started as a sophomore for a 16-0 Hornets team  that won the NCHSAA 4-A championship. … Graduated in May from Clemson with a degree in health science. … Played 521 snaps for Clemson in 2014 with 40 tackles and two interceptions, making six starts. … Had 1,007 career snaps for the Tigers.  … Had an interception against Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl as a sophomore. … Rated a Top-30 cornerback nationally out of high school and the No. 28 prospect in North Carolina. [Listed 06.16.17] (Image source: clemsontigers.com)