The number wasn’t as large as the first two years of recruiting under coach Mike Houston. But the additions were significant Wednesday as East Carolina’s football program picked up 16 new players during the first day of college football’s early signing period.
The total fell shy of the 18 Houston landed in his first recruiting class during the early period and far off the 25 of last year. Two factors, both related to the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to the smaller early numbers, Houston said Wednesday.
Limited or no in-person visits to campus during the COVID shutdown, plus the NCAA’s decision to grant an extra year of eligibility to current players made signing a full complement of 25 during the early period illogical.
“There’s so much around this signing that is different because of the way you have to operate this year,” Houston said in a Zoom video conference with media from ECU’s virtual living room that was used throughout this recruiting cycle for in-home visits and meetings with prospects and parents. “We still do have five remaining slots that we’re going to be very deliberate with. I think you’re going to see a lot of different things as we go through the spring semester and summer. With the NCAA granting everyone an additional year of eligibility, certainly, a lot of programs are figuring out how to manage rosters right now. We’re going to be very cautious with our five remaining spots.”
Houston said several of those remaining slots are “earmarked for offensive linemen,” if those scholarships are used. “Obviously, we are not done yet,” Houston said. “And that’s by design. We have some specific things we’re looking for in those final slots.”
Those slots could be filled during the early period, which runs through Dec. 18, or during the traditional signing period that begins Feb. 3, 2021.
Wednesday’s signing group did not include at least one prospect who had previously made a verbal commitment to East Carolina. Jalen Clyatt, a safety from Sherwood, MD, was actually the first player to make a pledge to ECU’s recruiting Class of 2021. But he did not sign his letter of intent Wednesday. Houston can’t comment on recruits who haven’t signed.
The group signed Wednesday was top heavy on secondary players, which was a priority for the Pirates in this recruiting cycle.
“Because of injuries and limited numbers — and it’s been a problem since I took the job — we had one game where we had two healthy safeties,” Houston said. “So we knew we wanted to generate more depth. We knew we wanted to get longer and faster. These guys we signed are ready to come in and play right now. So there’s going to be great competition this spring. It’s going to upgrade our special teams, too, because that’s where safeties play. So I’m extremely pleased with that group.”
Seven of Wednesday’s signees are scheduled to enroll at ECU in January and will be able to participate in spring practice.
Here’s a player-by-player breakdown of Wednesday’s signees along with a brief quote by Houston on each prospect.
*JAYDEN CHALMERS, Cornerback (6-0, 170) Sanford, NC (Lee County HS/Fork Union Military Academy)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 130 cornerback nationally, No. 50 in North Carolina as senior.
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 108 cornerback nationally, No. 40 in North Carolina as a senior.
Other FBS offers: Georgia State, North Carolina
Recruiting tale: Chalmers had ECU high on his list of college possibilities as a senior at Lee County High School. But family connections to North Carolina led him to choose and sign with UNC last December. Academic issues caused Chalmers instead to spend the fall semester at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, where he cleared up those problems. The Pirates stayed in touch and eventually convinced him to reroute his football journey to Greenville on December 9.
Career highlights: A second-team all-state pick by MaxPreps as a senior while helping Lee County to a 15-1 record and berth in the state 3-AA finals. … Contributed 41 tackles, four interceptions and broke up 20 passes. … Also caught 23 passes for 445 yards and nine touchdowns on offense as a receiver. … Named to All-Tri-County 6 4-A Conference team.
Fast fact: Chalmers is the cousin of North Carolina’s freshman defensive end Desmond Evans, who many ranked as the state’s No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2020.
From the film room: Speed is Chalmer’s greatest asset. He’s been timed at 11.04 seconds in the 100-meter dash, and that allows him to play nose-to-nose against receivers trying to make their way down field. Long arms are also an asset batting down passes. But Chalmers’ talents don’t end on defense. He’s also a gifted return specialist and could be utilized as a wide receiver in a pinch.
Houston said: “He really stood out in camp for us last summer (2019) with the speed that he has and great length. He’s just a really outstanding, talented young man.”
CANAAN CLARK, Offensive tackle (6-6, 310) Cumming, GA (Forsyth Central HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 140 offensive tackle nationally, No. 136 in Georgia.
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
- (ESPN.com) Unranked.
Other FBS offers: None
Recruiting tale: Canaan was part of a big July recruiting haul for the Pirates that included verbal commitments from three other recruits within a 27-day period. ECU had offered a scholarship in January and offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler led the pursuit of Canaan, which culminated with his commitment on July 11.
Career highlights: A two-way lineman for Forsyth Central and three-year varsity player. … Earned second-team All-Forsyth County and All-Region 5-7A honors as a junior at defensive end after making 46 tackles, five sacks and five pass breakups. … Helped Forsyth County averaged 178.1 yards rushing as a senior. … In six games as a senior, made 29 tackles and two tackles for loss on defense.
Fast fact: Canaan is the second offensive line prospect from Forsyth County signed by the Pirates in recent years, following Lambert High’s Sean Bailey who was part of the recruiting Class of 2016.
From the film room: Most of Canaan’s accolades in high school occurred on defense. Since that’s also where most of his video highlights are visible, it’s hard to evaluate him as an offensive lineman. But what you can see very clearly when Canaan’s playing defense is his height, long arms, ability to fight off blockers and great speed for a man his size. All those attributes can easily translate to offense at ECU where he’ll be tutored by one of the best in the business in Steve Shankweiler.
Houston said: “Canaan is a young man who played primarily D-line there at Forsyth Central. Obviously, a big body, good athlete. He is a guy we’re going to start training him. (Offensive line) Coach (Steve) Shankweiler is excited to have him. He’s got a big upside.”
JACOB COLEMAN, Wide Receiver-Tight End (6-4, 215) Chesterfield, VA (Matoaca HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 78 athlete nationally, No. 28 in Virginia.
- (Rivals.com) 3 stars, unranked nationally, No. 22 in Virginia.
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 92 outside linebacker nationally, No. 26 in Virginia.
Other FBS offers: Boston College, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Kent State, Liberty, Massachusetts, Ohio, Old Dominion, Rutgers, Temple
Recruiting tale: ECU coaches were at Matoaca recruiting defensive lineman Immanuel Hickman three years ago when Coleman walked by and drew their interest. He was just a freshman, but was already contributing as a defensive back, special teams performer and punter on the varsity. The Pirates continued to monitor Coleman’s progress and eventually extended a scholarship offer in early March of this year. He accepted on July 3rd, three days before teammate Troy Lewis announced his pledge to ECU.
Career highlights: As a varsity player since his freshman season, Coleman has been used at quarterback, running back, tight end, fullback, wide receiver, outside linebacker, safety and punter. … As a junior, he earned first-team All-Region 5B honors as a tight end after making 35 catches for 391 yards and four touchdowns. … Also received second-team honors as a punter after posting a 38.6-yard per kick average.
Fast fact: Coleman is the younger brother of ECU’s walk-on safety Jonathan Coleman II.
From the film room: Another versatile, explosive athlete in ECU’s 2021 class. Coleman has has been recruited as a receiver-tight end, where his ability to make yards after the catch is impressive. Time after time on his video highlights you see him take a short pass or receiver screen, shake off a defender and outrun the defense to the end zone. But Coleman isn’t just about catching and running. He’s just as adept at making a block downfield to spring a teammate. And if the Pirates ever need an emergency punter, Coleman is the guy.
Houston said: “I’ve been recruiting Jacob for a couple of years. Know the family very well. He’s spent a significant amount of time here on campus. I think he has a tremendous upside. I’m excited about him and everything he brings to our program.”
AVERY DURHAM, Defensive tackle (6-7, 305) Yadkinville, NC (Forbush HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) Unranked.
- (Rivals.com) Unranked.
- (ESPN.com) Unranked.
Other FBS offers: None.
Recruiting tale: Durham was one of the surprises/mysteries on signing day since he hadn’t been listed in any recruiting rankings. But Houson revealed during his signing day press conference that Durham was coming aboard as a preferred walk-on.
Career highlights: Two-way starter as sophomore and junior at Forbush. … Played offensive guard as a junior for an offense that averaged 186.6 yards rushing per game. … Also made 22 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks on defense. … Made 20 tackles, two tackles for loss and sack as a sophomore.
Fast fact: Durham is one of two ECU signees who’ll remain in high school for the spring semester to play for their prep teams. North Carolina’s 2020 season was postponed until the spring due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
From the film room: The Pirates may have landed a diamond-in-the-rough in Durham. He has a tall, lean frame with plenty of room to grow. But what is most impressive when you watch his highlight video is how well he moves for a big man. Durham comes off the snap with a quick burst whether he’s playing offense or defense. He’s often called upon to pull as a guard and displays good speed in doing so. Great potential here as an offensive tackle.
Houston said: “I think he’s a young man who has a ton of potential. He’s one the pandemic really prevented us from having in camp and prevented us from really getting him here and working him out. So we’re really excited to have him joining our program.”
*D.J. FORD, Safety (6-3, 215) Ashland, AL (Central HS/North Carolina)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 2 stars, No. 154 safety nationally, No. 80 in Alabama out of high school.
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked nationally, unranked in Alabama out of high school.
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 102 safety nationally, No. 43 in Alabama out of high school.
Other FBS offers: None as graduate transfer
Recruiting tale: Back in August, Ford opted to sit out the 2020 season at North Carolina due to concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak. By the time the Tar Heels rolled into the October portion of their schedule, Ford had entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal. Just over a month later, on Nov. 11, Ford announced via a Twitter post he was heading to Greenville to play his final season with the Pirates, who’ll have a number of ex-Alabama high school players on their roster in 2021.
Career highlights: A productive member of UNC’s secondary for three of the four years he was in Chapel Hill. … Ford played in 32 games for the Tar Heels and made 11 starts. … Had sophomore year interrupted by an injury. … Came back to log 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception in 13 games as a junior. … Finished his UNC career with 72 career tackles.
Fast fact: Ford’s interception in the in final minute last season against Georgia Tech helped UNC snap a three-game losing streak against the Yellow Jackets.
From the film room: First and foremost, Ford brings a wealth of FBS experience to the ECU secondary and especially the safety position. He’s a big, physical athlete who excels at run support, but at times found himself out of position on pass plays at UNC. Still, a great addition, who are short on scholarship safeties.
Houston said: “Obviously, he’s been at the University of North Carolina the last few years. He was a very high-end player for them, a starter in their secondary last year. He’s an outstanding young man with high character. Very intelligent. He’s a really great playmaker.”
*RYAN JONES, Tight end-Wide receiver (6-2, 231) Charlotte, NC (Mallard Creek HS/Oklahoma)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 50 athlete nationally, No. 29 in North Carolina as high school senior.
- (Rivals.com) 4 stars, No. 49 wide receiver nationally, No. 10 in North Carolina as high school senior.
- (ESPN.com) 4 stars, No. 24 wide receiver nationally, No. 2 in North Carolina as high school senior.
Other FBS offers: None as graduate transfer
Recruiting tale: Jones was one of the state’s most highly recruited prospects in the Class of 2017 and first committed to North Carolina in Feb. 2016. But by September he’d backed off that pledge as national offers poured in for him to consider. Jones eventually chose Oklahoma where he made the transition to linebacker. After a redshirt year in 2017, Jones played in 18 games and made three starts for the Sooners over the next two seasons before entering the transfer portal last January. In June, he committed to ECU, but because he fell one course shy of receiving his degree at Oklahoma he had to wait until the spring semester to enroll.
Career highlights: Started prep career at Ardrey Kell before transferring to Mallard Creek for his final two seasons. … Made 31 catches for 541 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior, while also recording 21 tackles on defense. … Was redshirted as freshman at Oklahoma in 2017 while he made transition to linebacker. … Appeared in 11 games and made three starts in 2018. … Made 20 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. … Played in seven games as a reserve in 2019, making nine tackles and his only career interception.
Fast fact: Jones was originally signed by Oklahoma to play defensive back.
From the film room: Jones was one of the most gifted prospects I’d ever scouted as a senior at Mallard Creek. He was big, athletic and had a knack for coming up with the big play just when his team needed it. I felt if he had remained home to play he would have developed into a star, but things didn’t work out as planned at Oklahoma when he was moved to defense. Jones will get a chance to play his more natural position of receiver at ECU. Once he knocks off the rust of sitting out the 2020 season, he has the potential to become a receiver in the mold of Trevon Brown.
Houston said: “Very explosive athlete. He wanted to find somewhere to transition to the offensive side of the ball, which is where he starred at Mallard Creek High School. I think he’s a guy who develop into a top-end player. He has two years of eligibility left.”
TROY LEWIS, Wide Receiver (6-3, 195) Chesterfield, VA (Matoaca HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 209 wide receiver nationally, No. 44 in Virginia.
- (Rivals.com) 3 stars, unranked nationally, unranked in Virginia.
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 200 wide receiver nationally, No. 34 in Virginia.
Other FBS offers: Air Force, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Kent State, Liberty, Massachusetts, Navy, Old Dominion, Rice, Western Michigan
Recruiting tale: Like his Maoaca teammate and best friend Jacob Coleman, previous ties to East Carolina’s program led to Lewis being discovered by the Pirates. ECU was the first FBS program to make an offer in late April, but 10 schools joined the pursuit as well as some prominent FCS and Ivy teams between then and July 6 when Lewis gave his pledge to the Pirates.
Stats/honors: Lewis was limited by injuries as a freshman playing for the Matoaca junior varsity before becoming a varsity starter as a sophomore at receiver and safety. … He became an all-star performer as a junior, making 35 catches for 675 yards and five touchdowns. … The performance earned Lewis third-team All-Region 5B honors. … Had six catches for 105 yards in game against Dinwiddie.
Fast fact: Lewis’s younger brother, Paul, is a 6-1, 175-pound receiver-cornerback for Matoaca who is a rising college prospect.
From the film room: Lewis has great length and is big target to look for in traffic. Matoaca coach Jay Parker notes Lewis developed from a possession receiver to a deep threat between his sophomore and junior campaigns. “The thing he really developed during his junior year is the ability to run away from defenders for touchdowns,” Parker said. “He had multiple touchdowns of over 50 yards last year running away from defenders essentially. That’s the type of explosion that was a change from his sophomore year.”
Houston said: “Troy is a big receiver with great hands and strength. He’s a very intelligent young man, a smart football player. He can really develop into a solid player for us.”
T.J. LOCKLEY, Wide Receiver (6-0, 175) Daytona Beach, FL (Mainland HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 105 athlete nationally, No. 152 in Florida.
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked nationally, unranked in Florida.
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 209 wide receiver nationally, No. 199 in Florida.
Other FBS offers: Appalachian State, Boston College, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Illinois, Kansas, Liberty, Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, Rutgers, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Temple, Toledo, Troy, Tulane, UAB, Utah, Western Kentucky.
Recruiting tale: Lockley’s massive offer list started back in January when Kansas stepped into the ring. But it was an early relationship built with Illinois cornerbacks coach Keyondo Hudson, who had worked as defensive coordinator at Mainland High (2009-11) that eventually led to a verbal commitment to the Illini on June 19 over a final list that included ECU. But by July, Lockley had a change of heart and re-opened his recruitment. National recruiting analysts had Lockley pinpointed for Utah after his departure from the Illinois recruiting class as he once again narrowed his list of possibilities to Cincinnati, ECU, Kansas, Illinois, Rutgers, Utah, Western Kentucky. It was the Pirates, however, who earned his definitive pledge on Sept. 1.
Career highlights: Started his prep career at Father Lopez High where he played two games at quarterback as a freshman (7-20 passing for 98 yards, 2 TDs). … Transferred after sophomore year to Mainland where he played quarterback and receiver as a junior. … Caught 28 passes for 559 yards and seven touchdowns. … Named to the Daytona Beach News All-Area first team at receiver. … Led Mainland to the state 6A finals as a senior playing quarterback. … Completed 85 of 160 passes for 1,071 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also rushing 69 times fo 410 yards and a score. … Has been timed at 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Fast fact: Lockley has been timed at 10.74 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 22.24 at 200 meters.
From the film room: Lightning quick is the best way to describe Lockley. When playing quarterback in high school, you often see him pull the ball down and take off up field. He does so with a great burst that can find him in an opponents’ secondary in the blink of an eye. Throw in his leaping ability and good hands, and you have the making of a quality wide receiver at the next level.
Houston said: “T.J. has done just about everything there at Mainland. This year he played a lot of quarterback there. He may be the fastest signee in the group and is one of the most athletic. He was a great playmaker there (at Mainland). We’re looking at playing him in the slot (receiver) here.”
LAITH MARJAN, Kicker-Punter (6-3, 194) Enloe HS/Cary, NC
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 2 stars, unranked nationally, unranked in North Carolina.
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked nationally, unranked in North Carolina.
- (ESPN.com) Unranked.
Other FBS offers: Air Force, Army, Oklahoma
Recruiting tale: The Pirates weren’t really in the market for a kicker until Monday when record-setting Jake Verity announced he’s foregoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. ECU quickly moved on to Marjan, whom it had offered in November. But with Verity moving on, Marjan jumped at the offer, committing on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after Verity’s announcement.
Career highlights: A two-year starter as placekicker and punter at Enloe. … Converted 14 of 22 field-goal tries and 69 of 75 point-after attempts during those two seasons. … Tallied 33 touchbacks on kickoffs. … Averaged 35.6 yards on 70 punt attempts, landing 24 of those inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. … Received All-Cap 7 4-A Conference honors as a junior.
Fast fact: The Kohl Professional Football Camp ranks Marjan the nation’s No. 46 placekicker prospect and the No. 42 punter.
From the film room: First you have to love Marjan’s versatility. Even though he’s more likely to contend for placekicking duties at ECU, he’s also an excellent punter who has the ability to place the ball when needed. He gets the ball off quickly on placekicks and punts, and with a high trajectory.
Houston said: “Laith was an important guy for us to get. Laith is an outstanding talent. He’s rated highly by all the kicking experts. I think he’s going to bring a lot to our program and look forward to that (placekicking) competition this summer and next fall.”
JOSEPH MCKAY, Running back (6-0, 216) Phenix City, AL (Central HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 131 running back nationally, No. 85 in Alabama.
- (Rivals.com) 3 stars, No. 35 running back nationally, No. 28 in Alabama.
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 33 running back nationally, No. 26 in Alabama.
Other FBS offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State, Kentucky, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UAB, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Recruiting tale: McKay was inundated with SEC offers early with Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and LSU joining the recruiting fray before the start of his junior campaign. When Alabama stepped up with an offer last April, many locally figured McKay was bound for the Crimson Tide. But out of nowhere came East Carolina with an offer on Dec. 5 and five days later McKay made his pledge to the Pirates.
Career highlights: A four-year varsity player at Central High. … The son of a coach had 28 carries for 297 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman, then 57 rushes for 299 yards and five scores as a sophomore. … Enjoyed a breakout junior season in which he carried the ball 186 times for 1,333 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. … Had a 221-yard, five-touchdown effort against Auburn during a regular-season matchup. … Averaged 9.54 yards per carry as a senior for an 8-5 squad.
Fast fact: McKay is one of only two freshmen to make the Central varsity in the last 28 seasons, joining current Clemson receiver Justyn Ross.
From the film room: A natural runner whose sturdy build immediately gives the impression he’s just a power back. But McKay is so much more. Yes, he can run over people and get the tough yards, but he also has the speed to run away from people and the vision to find creases in the defense. McKay hits the hole with an explosive quality that often left prep defenders grasping at air.
Houston said. “I thought it was important to have a running back in this class. Obviously, we’re excited about our running back room here. We were very honest with our recruits about what we have on our roster. He didn’t flinch. He’s an outstanding high school football player. He’s a big guy with some speed and runs with power. He had a lot of offers down there in Phenix City and ended up committing to us. He’ll push for playing time as soon as he gets here.”
KINGSTON MCKINSTRY, Safety (6-1, 190) Grove City, OH (Grove City HS/Iowa Central Community College)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) Unranked
- (Rivals.com) Unranked
- (ESPN.com) Unranked
Other FBS offers: None
Recruiting tale: Needing to bolster the depth at safety, ECU began pursuit of McKinstry in late October by extending a scholarship offer. A virtual visit with the coaching staff a week before the signing period began sealed the deal for McKinstry, who committed on Dec. 11.
Career highlights: A three-year letterwinner at Grove City High, McKinstry joined the junior college program at Iowa Central as a freshman in 2019. … He appeared in nine game that season, making 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and breaking up four passes. … Helped Iowa Central produce a 7-6 overall record and a conference title. … Rated the nation’s No. 5 junior college safety prospect by 247Sports.com.
Fast fact: McKinstry is expected to remain at Iowa Central through the spring semester and will participate in the school’s eight-game football schedule. He’ll have three years of eligibility remaining at ECU.
From the film room: McKinstry plays the safety position with the physical attitude of a linebacker. He loves to come up and drive himself through a ball carrier. Sometimes that style can get you in trouble as a safety, but McKinstry has the speed to recover if he commits to the run too early. He also displays great instinct for where the ball is going and is usually around the play, whether it’s a pass or run.
Houston said: “He’s a great open-field tackler and has great length. He’s a very explosive player with solid speed. He has a chance to be a really good player for us.”
*RICHARD PEARCE, Center-Offensive guard (6-3, 305) Hueytown, AL (Hueytown HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 58 offensive guard nationally, No. 49 in Alabama
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked nationally and in Alabama.
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 90 offensive guard nationally, No. 67 in Alabama
Other FBS offers: Middle Tennessee State
Recruiting tale: The recruitment for Pearce began to pick up in the spring prior to his junior season with mainly FCS offers. He knew very little about East Carolina when it jumped into the mix with an offer in early July. But Pearce did his homework on the ECU program and liked what he learned. A desire to get away from home to pursue his football career was also a factor in Pearce making a verbal commitment to ECU on July 30.
Career highlights: Earned four letters on the offensive line at Alabama powerhouse Hueytown, and was a starter the last two seasons. … As a junior helped pave the way for future Alabama signee Roydell Williams, who ran for 1,289 yards in 2019. … Selected to play in the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
Fast fact: Pearce played for the same Hueytown program that also produced Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL draft pick in quarterback Jameis Winston.
From the film room: Maybe because he was originally supposed to play defensive line, Pearce has a nasty attitude, according to Hueytown coach Greg Patterson. “A lot of big guys, you have to light a fire under them,” Patterson said. “But when he gets his hands on you, he’s not happy unless he finishes the play on top of you with a pancake. If he can’t pancake you, he wants to smash you into the goal post.’’
Houston said: “Richard will be here in January. (He has) a big frame. He’s a solid athlete who could develop into a top-end offensive lineman. He plays with an edge and has some nasty to him. He’s a very mature, serious, determined young man.”
*WALTER SIMMONS III, Quarterback (6-2, 180) Orange Park, FL (Oakleaf HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 38 dual-threat quarterback nationally, No. 155 in Florida
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked nationally and in Florida.
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 18 dual-threat quarterback nationally, No. 129 in Florida
Other FBS offers: Central Florida, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Memphis, Old Dominion, Southern Miss, South Florida, UAB, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia.
Recruiting tale: The Pirates began showing interest in Simmons after the 2019 season and offered a scholarship on March 27. Once the offer was made, Simmons began researching the American Athletic Conference program and despite the restrictions in place due to COVID-19 he took a trip to Greenville with his family to visit campus in July. The trip led to Simmons making his commitment to ECU on August 1.
Career highlights: A four-year starter at quarterback for Oakleaf, Simmons produced 2,274 total yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior for a 7-4 squad. … He completed 128 of 235 passes for 1,747 yards and 20 scores. … Also rushed 108 times for 527 yards and eight TDs. … Produced a pair of 200-yard passing performances – 15-of-23 for 291 yards with four TD vs. Orange Park and 9-of-12 for 215 yards and a TD vs. Nease.
Fast fact: Simmons’ grandfather (Walter Simmons Sr.) was a defensive end at NAIA Edward Waters College, while his father (Walter Simmons Jr.) was a defensive tackle for Bethune-Cookman.
From the film room: Simmons describes himself as a cross between Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson, and that’s not a stretch. He has the ability to hurt a defense by running with the football or extend plays by escaping the rush. But he’s just as adept sitting in the pocket and throwing the ball downfield. Either way, he generates a lot of excitement because he’s capable of making a big play on every single down.
Houston said: “We said at that position we’re only going to offer a guy if he’s an exceptional talent. Walter is the one quarterback that had a solid offer from East Carolina this year. I told him throughout the process he was the only one we were going to take a commitment from. So when he committed we were very excited about that. Good thrower. I think he can develop into an exceptional thrower. He has a strong arm. He has great top-end speed and is a great competitor.”
*JACOBY SIMPSON, Linebacker (6-0, 225) Houston, TX (Aldine-McArthur HS/TCU/Cisco Community College)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 33 inside linebacker nationally, No. 103 in Texas as high school senior
- (Rivals.com) 3 stars, No. 18 inside linebacker nationally, No. 57 in Texas as high school senior
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 22 inside linebacker nationally, No. 111 in Texas as high school senior
Other FBS offers: None.
Recruiting tale: Simpson attracted offers from such FBS programs as Arkansas, Arizona State, Kansas, Louisville and others as a prep senior before deciding on TCU. But after seeing limited action in 11 games over two seasons with the Horned Frogs, he began looking at other options and eventually settled on attending Cisco Community College while also entering his name in the NCAA transfer portal. ECU inside linebackers coach Blake Harrell was one of the few who came calling and eventually offered Simpson a second chance with the Pirates. Simpson accepted on Sept. 4.
Career highlights: Simpson was a four-year varsity player at MacArthur High. … Despite being limited to eight games as a senior due to Hurricane Harvey, Simpson racked up 116 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and eight sacks to earn second-team all-district honors. … He played in eight games at TCU on special teams as a freshman, then seven games in 2019. … Had a potential season at Cisco Community College wiped out due to COVID-19.
Fast fact: Simpson originally made an oral commitment to play for Arizona State as a senior in high school, but backed off that when Todd Graham was fired as head coach.
From the film room: Simpson is one of those instinctive players who seems to know where he’s supposed to be on the field at all times. That enables him to consistently be around the football. He has the speed to run with running back and tight ends, and the strength to take on offensive linemen on running plays. Pass coverage was once a weakness, but he’s vastly improved in that department now.
Houston said: “Jacoby is an older guy who can come in and compete for playing time immediately. He’s going to be a guy who’ll be able to play on special teams, compete at inside linebacker and could probably play some at outside linebacker at well. He runs really well.”
*CRUZ TEMPLE, Safety (5-11, 205) Abbeville, SC (Abbeville HS)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 168 safety nationally, No. 33 in South Carolina
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars unranked nationally, unranked in South Carolina
- (ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 86 outside linebacker nationally, No. 11 in South Carolina
Other FBS offers: Air Force, Army, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Navy
Recruiting tale: The Pirates endeared themselves to Temple by being one of the first schools to show serious interest in him. Once they offered last April, they quickly moved to the top of list of possibilities. But it was after a virtual tour of the campus and football facilities that Temple became sold and made his commitment on June 10.
Career highlights: Has helped Abbeville to a 10-0 record this season ahead of Friday’s state Class AA championship game. … School has produced a 51-2 record and won two state titles during Temple’s time in the program. … He made 35 tackles, two tackles for loss and had two pass breakups as a junior despite missing three games with an injury. … Was named to the All-Lakelands Region team and South Carolina High School Coaches Association First-Team All-State as a junior.
Fast fact: Cruz’s father, Tony, was a walk-on player at the University of South Carolina and is now an assistant coach at Abbeville High. Brother Nate was a Shrine Bowl All-Star game participant at Abbeville and is now a redshirt freshman defensive end at Pittsburgh.
From the film room: Cruz is a throwback player who leaves it all out on the field every game. He plays with a relentless motor, but also relies on a strong football IQ developed by being the son of a coach. Cruz’s most impressive attribute, however, is his physical style of play. Rarely, in high school, was he not the hardest hitter on the field.
Houston said: “You talk about run and hit, that’s what he does. He brings it. A great open-field tackler and an explosive guy. He’s going to be a tough kid and bring that instantly to our roster.”
*JULIUS WOOD, Safety (6-2, 196) Columbus, OH (Walnut Ridge HS/Miami Ohio/Blinn Junior College)
In the ratings:
- (247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 107 safety nationally, No. 61 in Ohio as high school senior
- (Rivals.com) 2 stars unranked nationally, unranked Ohio as high school senior
- (ESPN.com) Unranked
Other FBS offers: None
Recruiting tale: Wood originally signed with Miami Ohio out of high school in 2019, but never saw any action for the RedHawks. He transferred to Blinn College where he spent the last two years. Needing depth at the safety position, ECU sent an offer out to Wood on Dec. 8 and he accepted four days later.
Career highlights: Two-way starter at Walnut Ridge as a defensive back and wide receiver. … Twice a first-team all-state and all-district pick. … Made 190 tackles in 22 games during his final two years of prep football. … Appeared in nine games as a freshman at Blinn in 2019. … Registered 36 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. … Missed 2020 season at Blinn after it was cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreak.
Fast fact: Wood will have three years of eligibility remaining at East Carolina.
From the film room: Another big hitter for ECU’s secondary. Wood likes to lay the lumber on opposing ball carriers, but doesn’t just reserve that for plays from scrimmage. He excels on special teams as well and has a penchant for blocking kicks. Watch for him make a quick impact in that area at ECU.
Houston said: “Julius is another guy in that secondary with great length, good speed and a good open-field tackler. He’s very aggressive and plays with toughness. He’s another older guy who’ll come in and compete for playing time. It was a little touch and go because he had a lot of traffic here at the end.”
*Denotes January enrollee
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