Bonesville: The Authoritative Independent Voice of East Carolina

News & Features from ECU, the AAC and Beyond

  • Home
  • News & Features
  • Recruiting
  • Photos
  • Audio
  • Roundup
  • Comments
  • Legacy Archives

• ECU 2021-22 Hoops Schedule
• ECU 2022 Baseball Schedule
• ECU 2022 Football Schedule
• Recruiting: Football • Hoops

Football Recruiting
Grad transfer Chase rekindles ties with ECU

April 19, 2020 By Sammy Batten Leave a Comment

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

East Carolina and Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium made an indelible impression on Justin Chase on a late September afternoon back in 2015.

Then a highly regarded offensive line recruit from Chesapeake, VA, who had already made a verbal commitment to play for the Pirates, Chase had driven to Greenville with his father to watch ECU face Atlantic Coast Conference power Virginia Tech. It would be a day neither Chase nor the Pirates would soon forget.

Despite miserable rainy conditions, a sold-out crowd of 50,514 remained until the end to see ECU rally from an early 14-0 deficit to beat the Hokies, 35-28.

“It was raining almost the whole time and you would have thought the fans would have left,’’ Chase said. “But those fans stuck it out and it was one of the craziest environments I’ve been in. I went to Neyland Stadium in Tennessee and experienced one of their games. It does not match the fans at East Carolina.’’

Chase would wind up backing off his pledge to the Pirates when head coach Ruffin McNeill was dismissed at the end of the 2015 season. He eventually signed with N.C. State and spent four seasons there. But next fall the 6-foot-5, 315-pounder hopes to find himself back in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and in an East Carolina uniform.

“It’s crazy how things come full circle. You just never know how things are going to work out,’’ Chase said last week, just days after announcing he’s joining the Pirates as a graduate transfer.

Justin Chase (via Twitter)

A former three-star prospect and two-time All-Tidewater selection out of Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Chase saw limited action in four seasons at N.C. State. His most significant action came last season when he played 14 snaps in the first two games. But even though he didn’t see a lot of game action, the time wasn’t wasted.

Day after day, especially during his first two years with the Wolfpack, he was competing against future NFL draft picks such as Bradley Chubb, B.J. Hill and Justin Jones.

“You know how much of an athletic shock it is going from high school to college where my freshman and sophomore years I had to block Bradley Chubb every day. I had to block B.J. Hill, Kevtavious Street, Justin Jones … it definitely made you put on your big-boy pants. They pushed me to be better.’’

As the 2019 season unfolded and Chase got nearer to completing his undergraduate degree in sports management with a minor in political science, the idea of spending his final season of college eligibility elsewhere began to form. Chase would eventually enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal in December, but then removed himself.

“I was going to give it one more shot to see if I could do it (at N.C. State),’’ he said. “I was thinking I’d see what happened after the spring game. But God has a plan, and I went back into the portal. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make because you don’t know where your future lies, if you’ll get recruited, or in my case could I get as much playing time as I wanted.’’

There was plenty of interest in Chase, but when East Carolina offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler reached out it renewed an old relationship.

The two had previously crossed paths in Raleigh during the 2017 season when Shankweiler served as the Wolfpack’s defensive analyst. During that time Shankweiler also worked with N.C. State’s scout team on which Chase was a member.

“I had always thought about, ‘Man, wouldn’t it be crazy if I could go back to ECU,’’’ Chase said. “I didn’t dwell on it and it didn’t consume my mind. But as soon as Coach Shankweiler reached out to me, man, you would have thought I was a kid in a candy store. I was just happy.

“I had a few other schools. No disrespect, but I don’t want to get into the names of the other schools I was talking to. But just know once East Carolina came into play it was my focus.’’

The decision brings Chase back to the school he originally intended to play for back in 2015. Then-ECU offensive line coach Brad Davis had extended Chase his first scholarship offer to play for head coach Ruffin McNeill. Chase quickly built a strong relationship with both coaches, resulting in his verbal commitment in June 2015 before the start of his senior prep campaign.

But after an injury-plagued season in which the Pirates finished 5-7, the popular McNeill was suddenly fired by his alma mater. The move impacted several recruits at the time, including Chase.

“I’m big on relationships, and I had built a strong relationship with Coach Ruffin and Coach Davis,’’ Chase said. “So there was the unknown of, how will it be with this new coach? I didn’t know one thing about this new coach.

“Coach Ruffin’s personality and his credibility speaks for itself. If you know Coach Ruffin, you know why people love him the way they do. He treated you like a man, but also like a son. I know I’m going to get that same experience with Coach Shankweiler because I already have built a relationship with him. I understand he’s going to push me, and the same thing with (head) Coach (Mike) Houston with his great credibility. I know if I put the work in and do what I’m supposed to do that I’ll have my opportunity.’’

The Pirates can certainly use the help. Due in large part to injuries, ECU’s offensive line play has been inconsistent in recent years. The current offseason has seen two former starters depart the program in center John Spellacy (medical reasons) and guard-tackle Matt Morgan. The future of one of the team’s top returning blockers, senior Cortez Herrin, is also uncertain after his suspension in January after being arrested on marijuana charges.

Five players with starting experience are scheduled to be back in tackle D’Anta Smith, guard-center Fernando Frye, tackle Noah Henderson, guard Sean Bailey and center Peyton Windstead.

Chase expects to start out at guard with the Pirates, but spent time at both guard and tackle while at N.C. State.

“When I was at State I played both guards and both tackles during my tenure there,’’ he said. “I think that’s one thing that can make me a great asset to the team. If somebody goes down, they can bump me over. I can play there without missing a beat.’’

Chase will complete his undergraduate studies at N.C. State in spring, but isn’t sure when he’ll report to ECU due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But he’s anxious to get there and experience the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium crowd again.

“I know I’m going to have to work,’’ Chase said. “But I know the skill set I have and my drive, and I know Justin Chase can make some noise and actually be a game changer.’’

RECRUITING CLASS OF 2021 THUMBNAILS: OL JUSTIN CHASE & S SHAWN DOURSEAU
RECRUITING CLASS OF 2020 THUMBNAILS…

Related

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Filed Under: Football Recruiting, News & Features, Recruiting, Recruiting Class of 2021

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News & Features

Baseball News
Pirates walk off in 10th for sweep

Baseball News
Pirates continue roll

Baseball News
Pirates overtake Houston for 12th straight win

VIEW FROM THE EAST
Pirates grind to success

Baseball News
ECU edges Campbell, 7-6

Baseball News
Pirates clinch AAC crown

Baseball News
ECU captures series, boosts conference lead

Baseball News
Pirates take series opener with Bulls

ECU Recruiting News
Pirates aim high for interior line talent

VIEW FROM THE EAST
Pirates prevail at less than best

More News & Features

ECU Schedules

  • ECU 2021 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2020-21 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2021 Baseball Schedule

ECU Recruiting

  • Football Recruiting Class of 2021
  • Football Recruiting Class of 2020
  • Football Recruiting Class of 2019
  • Football Recruiting Class of 2018
  • Football Recruiting Class of 2017
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2021-22
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2020-21
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2019-20
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2018-19
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2017-18
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2016-17
Tweets by bonesville

Past Football Schedules

  • ECU 2020 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2019 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2018 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2017 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2016 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2015 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2014 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2013 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2012 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2011 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2010 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2009 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2008 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2007 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2006 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2005 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2004 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2003 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2002 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2001 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2000 Football Schedule
  • Historical Schedules

Past Basketball Schedules

  • ECU 2019-20 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2018-19 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2017-18 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2016-17 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2000-2015 Basketball Archives

Past Baseball Schedules

  • ECU 2020 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2019 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2018 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2017 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2016 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2015 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2001-2014 Baseball Archives

Recruiting Class Profiles

ECU Recruiting News
Pirates aim high for interior line talent

ECU Recruiting News
Well stocked Pirates enter fray for O-linemen

ECU Recruiting News
ECU faces uphill battle in hunt for tight ends

ECU Recruiting News
Pirates cast wide net for wide receivers

ECU Recruiting News
Loaded Pirates still courting running backs

ECU Recruiting News
ECU targets quarterbacks of the future

AAC Football Recruiting News
Transfer portal reshaping AAC football programs

Class of 2022 Defensive Report Card
ECU’s former weak link becoming big strength (updated)

Class of 2022 Offensive Report Card
Help is on the way for blocking corps (update 3)

American Athletic Conference Recruiting
Bearcats lead AAC’s early signing push

Class of 2022 In-depth Analysis
Surprises, depth highlight early recruiting haul

VIEW FROM THE EAST
‘What a difference a year makes’

Football Recruiting Report
Prolific receiver Webb may enroll early

Football Recruiting Report
Another gifted running back headed to ECU

Football Recruiting Report
ECU wins pledge from hotly recruited RB Gunn

Football Recruiting Report
Coveted lineman Sacra may enroll early

Football Recruiting Report
Pirates lure a star from DB factory

VIEW FROM THE EAST
Harrell on quest for unanimous effort

Football Recruiting Report
West Craven star Mims sticking close to home

VIEW FROM THE EAST
Pirates ready for preseason camp

Football Recruiting Report
Lineman built his future during COVID layoff

Football Recruiting Report
Norcross star on track for early enrollment

VIEW FROM THE EAST
Pirates pulling from portal

Football Recruiting Report
Big man Allen tapping into ‘nasty side’

Football Recruiting Report
ECU gets one of NC’s top D-line prospects

Recent Web Roundups

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Saturday, May 21, 2022

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Friday, May 20, 2022

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Thursday, May 19, 2022

Writer Archives

  • Bonesville Staff
  • Brian Bailey
  • Sammy Batten
  • Bethany Bradsher
  • Brett Friedlander
  • Al Myatt
  • NFF
  • Greg Vacek
  • Danny Whitford

Recent Web Roundups

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Saturday, May 21, 2022

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Friday, May 20, 2022

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Thursday, May 19, 2022

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Monday, May 16, 2022

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Sunday, May 15, 2022

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Saturday May 14, 2022

More Web Roundups

Copyright © 2022 Bonesville.net · Website by Seaport Webworks. · Log in · Privacy Policy