East Carolina made some impressive additions to its 2023 football roster Wednesday during college football’s early signing period. But there could be even more talent joining the Pirates by the time the traditional signing day arrives in February.
Fifteen high school prospects signed a national letter of intent with ECU during the early period, and several others have come aboard through the transfer portal. The latter, and the junior college ranks, are where the Pirates are expected to be very active in the coming weeks as they seek to fill a few more holes in their roster.
“I’m pleased with the class we’ve signed,” ECU head coach Mike Houston said Wednesday. “But we’re not quite finished yet.”
East Carolina filled some immediate needs with Wednesday’s signings at wide receiver and linebacker. But Houston is still looking to strengthen the roster at several other positions.
“I still think we need to kind of finish the offensive line,” Houston said. “We’ll probably look at a couple of other guys there. I could see us taking one or two other skill players on offense. Defensively, I feel like there’s a possibility by the end of the week we should be about set there.”
While we wait for those additions, here’s an in-depth look at the 15 players signed to a national letter of intent by East Carolina on Wednesday.
(Note: *indicates player will enroll at ECU in January)
ZION AGNEW, Receiver (5-11, 165) Ridge View HS, Columbia, SC
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 136 athlete nationally, No. 28 in South Carolina.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 113 athlete nationally, No. 28 in South Carolina.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 218 receiver nationally, No. 29 in South Carolina.
Other FBS offers: Charlotte, James Madison.
Recruiting tale: Despite impressive prep credentials, only two other FBS programs offered scholarships to Agnew, and one of those (Charlotte) wanted him to play defensive back. But ECU’s coaching staff were impressed by Agnew’s breakout junior season and initiated contact last February. The Pirates extended a scholarship offer on June 16 and an official visit quickly followed on June 22. Agnew joined ECU’s recruiting Class of 2023 three days after his official visit.
Career notes: After playing in just two games and registering one catch for nine yards as a sophomore, Agnew enjoyed a breakout junior season in 2021. … He caught 65 passes for 1,030 yards and 12 touchdowns in 10 games, finishing the year with 32 receptions for 553 yards and fives scores over the final four contests. … In a single game against Clover that season, Agnew had 11 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns. … Capped his career by earning all-state honors from the S.C. Football Coaches Association. … Also selected to represent S.C. in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star game. … Caught 60 passes for 900 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.
Fun fact: Agnew was half of one of the best receivers combos in South Carolina for most of the last two seasons. He teamed with Appalachian State signee Chris Lawson Jr. to make 105 catches for 1,703 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. The pair were well on their way to another stellar year in 2022 before Lawson was lost for the season with an injury after five games.
From the film room: Agnew is like a little stick of dynamite. He may not impress you physically upon first inspection, but put a football in his hands and he’ll deliver explosive play after explosive play. As mentioned, when Agnew committed to the Pirates, his skill set is similar to ex-ECU receiver Mitchell Galloway. Galloway was a lightly regarded and smallish recruit who made the transition from prep running back to wide receiver at ECU, where he still ranks among the school’s top 10 in receptions and receiving yards.
*JAVIOUS BOND, Running back (5-11, 185) Jones County HS, Gray, GA
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 32 athlete nationally, No. 48 in Georgia.
(Rivals.com) 3 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 48 athlete nationally, No. 52 in Georgia.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 37 running back nationally, No. 86 in Georgia.
Other FBS offers: Boston College, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Houston, Kansas State, Kent State, Massachusetts, Memphis, Miami Ohio, Middle Tennessee State, Minnesota, Mississippi, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Temple, Tulane, UAB, Utah, Virginia.
Recruiting tale: An August 17 commitment to Memphis didn’t keep East Carolina from pusuing Bond. He was offered by the Pirates last spring and took an official visit to Greenville to watch the Pirates play Central Florida in October. Bond even made an official visit to Western Kentucky on Dec. 9 before backing off his pledge to the Tigers and joining the ECU recruiting class during the early signing period.
Career notes: A two-way standout for Jones County. … He played in 44 career games for the Greyhounds. … Amassed 1,904 career rushing yards and scored 23 touchdowns on 281 carries. … Also caught 72 passes for 758 yards and 10 more scores. … Additionally had 263 yards on kickoff returns and 107 on punt returns. … On defense, Bond had 244 career tackles and five interceptions. … Missed five games as a senior due to injury, but still managed 446 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 82 carries. … Was named Region 4-4A Athlete of the Year as a junior when he rushed for 950 yards, had 555 yards receiving and made 69 tackles on defense.
Fun fact: Bond has played four sports during his Jones County career (baseball, basketball, football and track). He’s been one of Georgia’s top prep sprinters, finishing six in the regional 100-meter dash as a junior. Bond has been timed at 10.79 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 22.52 in the 200.
From the film room: The speed jumps out at you immediately when watching Bond’s highlight reel. But he’s not just fast. Bond has elusive moves, great vision and can break tackles. He’s an all-purpose guy who is just as effective catching the ball as he is running with it.
NATE BRANCH, Receiver (5-10, 172) Lower Richland HS, Hopkins, SC
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 66 receiver nationally, No. 6 in South Carolina.
(Rivals.com) 3 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 67 receiver nationally, No. 9 in South Carolina.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 57 receiver nationally, No. 6 in South Carolina.
Other FBS offers: Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Kentucky, Liberty, Marshall, Massachusetts, Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech.
Recruiting tale: Branch initially gave a verbal commitment to Coastal Carolina in early May. But ECU running backs coach Chris Foster witnessed Branch turn a 4.3-second 40-yard dash during an in-state combine that summer, which led the Pirates to offer a scholarship on June 14. The Pirates continued to pursue Branch, despite his pledge to Coastal Carolina. Their persistence paid off when Branch backed off his commitment to the Chanticleers on August 22 and re-opened his recruitment. ECU was there waiting and landed Branch’s firm verbal on Sept. 18.
Career notes: Branch spent four seasons on the Lower Richland football varsity, where he was a triple threat receiving, returning kicks and playing in the secondary. … A three-time AAA Region 5 pick at receiver and twice named to the South Carolina Football Coaches Association All-State team. … Named the SCFCA’s 3-A Lower State Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. … Caught 26 passes for 551 yards and four touchdowns, rushed for 22 yards and a score, and contributed 87 yards in kickoff returns. … Produced six catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns in one game against Rock Hill. … Also contributed 23 tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception on defense. … Returned pick for 49-yard TD in first round of state playoffs against Philip Simmons.
Fun fact: Branch placed sixth in the state 3A 100-meter finals as a junior and was fourth as a sophomore. He holds the fourth-best times in the 100 (10.70) and 200 (22.11) dashes in Lower Richland school history, is part of the top 4×200 relay squad and has the 10th-best long jump (21-0.25).
JAVION CLARK, Safety (6-2, 175) Jones County HS, Macon, GA
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) Unranked.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) Unranked.
(On3.com) 3 stars, unranked.
Other FBS offers: Akron, Boston College, Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Kent State, Middle Tennessee State, Temple, UAB.
Recruiting tale: Georgia Tech received the first verbal commitment from Clark back in August 2021. But after a knee injury wiped out his junior season the interest from the Yellow Jackets subsided, causing him to decommit on Jan. 11, 2022. Offers began to come in again for Clark, who eventually decided to choose Toledo on Nov. 4. But after seeing his senior tape, East Carolina’s coaching staff extended an offer on Dec. 11. Clark came for an official visit to Greenville on Dec. 16 and produced one of the few signing day surprises by casting his lot with the Pirates along with Jones County teammate Javious Bond.
Career notes: A strong sophomore campaign in which Clark made 85 tackles, had eigh pass breakups and one interception put him on the recruiting map. … But Clark’s entire junior season was wiped out when he suffered an ACL injury in the offseason. … He bounced back to produce a solid senior season for a 6-5 Jones County club. … Clark made 38 tackles, two interceptions and blocked a punt as a senior.
Fun fact: Clark’s nickname is “Pinball,” due to his ability to bounce off blockers.
From the film room: Clark is a big-play safety with excellent coverage skills. But don’t be misled. He will come up on running plays and lay the lumber to a ball carrier. Clark, who was once a Georgia Tech commit, had some schools back off after suffering an ACL injury that wiped out his junior year. But their loss is ECU’s gain. He could be a real steal in this class.
JULIEN DAVIS, Linebacker (6-2, 220) Union Grove HS, McDonough, GA
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 190 linebacker nationally, No. 174 in Georgia.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 62 inside linebacker nationally, No. 155 in Georgia.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 177 linebacker nationally, No. 174 in Georgia.
Other FBS offers: Charlotte, Connecticut, Georgia State, Indiana, Memphis, Tennessee, South Florida, Western Kentucky.
Recruiting tale: East Carolina had Davis on its recruiting radar, but it wasn’t until running backs coach Chris Foster came to Union Grove for a visit last spring that the interest became serious. Foster and defensive coordinator Blake Harrell joined forces to pursue Davis, who received an offer from ECU on June 8. Davis took a trip to campus on June 23 and two days later issued his verbal commitment to the Pirates.
Career notes: Davis made an auspicious varsity debut at Union Grove when he made nine tackles as a freshman against Strong Rock Christian. … He split time between the JV and varsity that season before assuming a starting role at middle linebacker as a sophomore. … As a junior began a dual role at running back and middle linebacker. … Was named to the Georgia High School Association’s All-Region 4-5A first-team at linebacker as a junior. … Repeated all-region status and named “Iron Man Player of the Year” for Region 2-5A as a senior.
Fun fact: A video of Davis executing a power clean of 330 pounds in July went viral and has garnered more than 50,000 views to date.
From the film room: Big-bodied athlete who has the speed of a running back, which he was for most of his prep career. Quick in pursuit and brutal at the point of attack, Davis has the versatility to play inside or outside at linebacker for the Pirates. His prep coach also praised Davis for his leadership qualities, which should also serve him well at ECU.
KIEREN DAVIS, Linebacker (6-2, 240) Blessed Trinity Catholic HS, Roswell, GA
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 121 edge rusher nationally, No. 140 in Georgia.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) Unranked.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 108 edge rusher nationally, No. 51 in Louisiana.
Other FBS offers: Air Force, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Miami Ohio, Navy, Tulane.
Recruiting tale: East Carolina was one of the first schools to offer Davis a scholarship and built a strong relationship through a number of visits to campus. He took official visits to both Coastal Carolina and ECU in June before finally choosing to become a Pirate on June 28.
Career notes: Davis began his prep career at St. Edmund High in Eunice, LA, where he earned all-state honorable mention as a freshman at running back (781 yards, 8 TDs). … Rushed for 394 yards and scored four times on 58 carries as a sophomore at St. Edmund. … Also had 13 tackles and a sack on defense. … Transferred to Blessed Trinity Catholic as a junior where he made 77 tackles, nine sacks and forced six fumbles in 2021. … Earned second-team All-Region 7-5A honors for the performance. … Rushed 156 times for 1,039 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior in 10 games. … Added 22 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and a sack playing defense. … Named to All-Region 7-5A first team on offense.
Fun fact: Davis is the son of former Georgia and NFL defensive lineman Charles Grant. Grant was a Parade All-American in high school, a three-year starter at Georgia and a first-round NFL Draft pick. He was part of the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl champion team in 2009.
From the film room: Extremely strong athlete who simply overpowered blockers at the prep level. Davis is capable of defeating double teams because of his strength, but also has the speed to drop into pass defense to cover a running back or tight end. Because he had to play both ways in high school, Davis may need time to develop at ECU. But with a little experience he’ll be hard to keep off the field.
*KAMERON DURANT, Offensive line (6-4, 315) Cane Bay HS, Summerville, SC
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 143 interior offensive lineman nationally, No. 30 in South Carolina.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) Unranked.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 197 interior offensive lineman nationally, No. 42 in South Carolina.
Other FBS offers: None.
Recruiting tale: Durant basically served as his own recruiting coordinator. He sent out emails last February to 100 college football coaches in hopes of generating interest in him. He received only one response from ECU offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler. Shankweiler attended Cave Bay’s spring game, then Pirate defensive tackles coach Roy Tesh made a return trip during which he invited Durant to ECU’s football camp in early June. Two days after Tesh’s visit, Durant received a phone call from ECU head coach Mike Houston offering him a scholarship. Durant accepted the offer on June 21.
Career notes: After playing for Cane Bay’s junior varsity as a freshman, Durant secured a starting job at tackle the following season. … Moved to offensive guard as a junior where he helped the Cobras produce their first winning record since 2020 (9-3). … Selected to the Charleston Post & Courier’s All-Lowcountry team that season. … Was also named to the 2021 South Carolina All-Academic squad. … Helped Cane Bay to a second straight winning record as a senior (8-3) and a second-round berth in the state 5-A playoffs. … Cobras averaged 150.8 yards rushing per game. … Following the 2022 season, Durant was selected to play in the annual North-South All-Star game.
Fun fact: Durant is also a standout in track and field. He achieved personal bests of 43 feet in the shot put and 110 feet, one inch in the discus.
From the film room: Durant is a project with great potential. He displays solid footwork and a good drive coming out of his stance. But Durant has worked his entire prep career in a run-oriented offense, so he’ll need time to develop his pass-blocking skills. He’ll also be adjusting to a new position since the Pirates have recruited him to play center.
ANTONIO FERGUSON, Tight end (6-4, 235) Apopka HS, Apopka, FL
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 70 tight end nationally, No. 236 in Florida.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) Unranked.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 85 tight end nationally, No. 228 in Florida.
Other FBS offers: Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, Tulane, South Florida.
Recruiting tale: Ferguson received a lot of in-state attention early in the recruiting process and actually made unofficial visits to Florida Atlantic, Central Florida and South Florida before receiving a scholarship offer from ECU on June 7. From that point on, it was all Pirates for Ferguson, who took an official visit to Greenville on June 23 before offering his verbal commitment on July 2.
Career notes: A regular contributor for three seasons for a program that has won three state titles since 2000. … Helped the Blue Darters produce a 23-7 overall record the past two seasons, both of which ended up with berths in the state finals. … Appeared in five games as a sophomore, making two catches for 37 yards. … Played in all 14 games as a junior when he had three catches for 29 yards. … Although injured for part of the 2022 season, Ferguson was still a key blocker for an 11-4 squad that rushed for 2,607 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Fun fact: Although its population is only about 55,000, Apopka has been a major breeding ground for college and professional football talent. The roster of Blue Darter football alums include current Georgia running back Jalen Carter, Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp and former first-round NFL Draft picks in Sammie Smith, Brandon Merriweather and Aaron Jones. The town/school also produced baseball Cy Young Award winner Zach Greinke.
From the film room: Ferguson is still a raw talent, especially when it comes to route running and catching the football. But he is an absolute physical beast when it comes to blocking at the point of attack. Because of his size and potential to add mass, he could conceivably wind up moving to the offensive line down the road. But until then he’ll be very useful to the Pirates as a blocking tight end.
DEMORIS JENKINS, Edge (6-5, 220) North Mecklenburg HS, Huntersville, NC
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 132 edge rusher nationally, No. 39 in North Carolina.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) Unranked.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 60 edge rusher nationally, No. 19 in North Carolina.
Other FBS offers: Appalachian State, Georgia State, Liberty, Middle Tennessee State, Ohio.
Recruiting tale: Appalachian State was the early leader for Jenkins after becoming the first major school to offer a scholarship last April. Jenkins made several unofficial visits to Boone, including one in late June. But ECU, which had established connections with the North Meck staff at a state coaches’ clinic during the winter, learned about Jenkins during a spring visit to the school and offered a scholarship. An official visit to Greenville on June 23rd sealed the deal for the Pirates.
Career notes: A three-year varsity regular, whose career really took off after the third game of his junior season. … Jenkins delivered six tackles, a quarterback sack and defended four passes in a 27-14 win against a Harding team that featured his brother, A.J. Jenkins, at running back. … He would finish with 16 tackles and two sacks that season. … As a senior, Jenkins made 55 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and six sacks. … The performance earned him All-Queen City 3-A/4-A Conference and honorable mention all-state as selected by a collection of the state’s sportswriters. … Chosen for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star game.
Fun fact: Jenkins also competes for one of the state’s top basketball programs at North Meck. He’s been a varsity member since his sophomore year and has played alongside future collegians such as Georgia Tech guard Tristan Maxwell (son of former NBA guard Vernon Maxwell), Robert Morris guard Trayden Williams, Davidson/Robert Morris forward Chris Ford and East Tennessee State forward Jeremy Gregory.
From the film room: Because he’s spent so much time on the basketball court, Jenkins has great potential for physical growth. But he’s already developed great agility due to his roundball experience, and his intensity seems to improve every snap. Once he gets into ECU’s strength and conditioning program and his body begins to mature, the sky is going to be the limit.
*RAHEIM JETER, Quarterback (6-3, 230) Spartanburg HS, Spartanburg, SC
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 48 quarterback nationally, No. 17 in South Carolina.
(Rivals.com) 3 stars, unranked nationally, No. 8 in S.C.
(ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 33 pocket passer nationally, No. 15 in South Carolina.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 68 quarterback nationally, No. 19 in South Carolina.
Other FBS offers: Auburn, Charlotte, Georgia, Kentucky, Memphis, Missouri, Rutgers, Temple, Virgina Tech, West Virginia.
Recruiting tale: Following a breakout junior season, Jeter collected some impressive scholarship offers from the likes of Auburn and Georgia. But he first turned those down to give a verbal commitment to West Virginia in December 2021. But when the offensive coordinator Jeter committed to play for was replaced, he began to have second thoughts about joining the Mountaineers. Jeter remained committed to the Mountaineers through last summer, but ECU jumped in with an offer anyway in early June. Already friends with current Pirates Rahjai Harris and Mason Garcia, decided to take a trip to Greenville. Three days later he backed off his pledge to West Virginia and started a serious courtship with the Pirates. Jeter took an official visit to campus on Oct. 14 for ECU’s 47-45 four-overtime win against Memphis. He offered his commitment to the Pirates in the locker room after the game.
Career notes: A four-year varsity starter, who began his career at Greer High School. … Completed 69 of 152 passes for 734 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman. … Moved to Spartanburg as a sophomore and eventually earned the starting job. … Completed 80 of 135 passes for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing 50 times for 341 yards and six scores. … As a junior, led Spartanburg to the state 5-A Upper State title game by passing for 2,979 yards and 27 touchdowns. … Named 5-A Upper State Offensive Player of the Year as a senior when he completed 165 of 252 passes for 2,344 yards and 20 touchdowns. … Jeter also rushed 82 times for 378 yards and 3 TDs. … S.C. Football Coaches Association first-team all-state pick and helped the South Carolina squad win the annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star game against North Carolina in December. … One of seven finalists for Mr. Football award given to the state’s top player.
Fun fact: Jeter finished his prep career with more than 7,000 passing yards, 58 passing touchdowns and 81 total TDs.
From the film room: Put the ball in his hands and good things seem to happen. Jeter is a pocket passer who can make all the throws, short or deep. But he’s also mobile enough to move the pocket or escape the rush when the need arises. Physically, Jeter already looks like a college QB and he’s developed into a strong personality and leader.
DWIGHT JOHNSON JR., Linebacker (6-1, 220) Dutchtown HS, Hampton, GA
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 163 linebacker nationally, No. 83 in Georgia.
(Rivals.com) 3 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 38 inside linebacker nationally, No. 116 in Georgia.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 211 linebacker nationally, No. 116 in Georgia.
Other FBS offers: Army, Buffalo, Charlotte, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Kansas State, Kent State, Liberty, Miami Ohio, South Florida, Tulane and Vanderbilt.
Recruiting tale: The recruiting battle for Johnson came down to ECU and Tulane. Johnson took official visits to both, visiting Tulane first on June 17 and Greenville next on June 23. The latter visit impressed Johnson so much that he gave the Pirates his pledge five days later.
Career notes: A four-year varsity player at Dutchtown. … Emerged as a star performer as a junior when he was named Region 4-5A Defensive Player of the Year honors. … Earned that accolade after recording 132 tackles, six sacks, four pass breakups and an interception. … Helped Dutchtown to a 12-2 mark and state 5A semifinals as a senior. … Had 15 tackles and two tackles for loss and semifinal playoff loss against Ware County. … Made 20 tackles in third-round victory against Mays. … Chosen first-team All-Region 2-5A by Georgia High School Football Daily.
Fun fact: Johnson’s father is ex-Baylor and NFL defensive lineman Dwight Johnson Sr. Unce Derrick Johnson played at Texas and went on to become an All-Pro linebacker in the NFL.
From the film room: This guy is a game changer on defense. Johnson is an active, physical player who can fill the gap or drop back in pass coverage. He literally took over games on defense in high school. A future starter at inside linebacker for the Pirates.
MALIK LEAVERETT, Receiver (6-3, 200) Greenbriar HS, Evans, GA
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 99 receiver nationally, No. 71 in Georgia.
(Rivals.com) 3 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 117 receiver nationally, No. 87 in Georgia.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 81 receiver nationally, No. 57 in Georgia.
Other FBS offers: Akron, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Colorado, Georgia Southern, Indiana, Kansas State, Maryland, Miami Ohio, Middle Tennessee State, Minnesota, Troy, Wake Forest.
Recruiting tale: Eleven FBS programs had already offered scholarships to Leverett by the time ECU joined the competition in mid-May of this year. A month later Leverett came to Greenville for an official recruiting visit. The proximity to his home and the friendly environment Leverett experienced on the visit led to his verbal commitment on June 26.
Career notes: Leverett became a varsity starter at Greenbriar as soon as he stepped foot on campus as a freshman. … He finished second in team receiving as a freshman with 23 catches for 302 yards and three touchdowns, while also completing two passes for 47 yards and another score. … Improved to 63 catches for 683 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore. … Also went 2-for-2 passing for 74 yards and a TD. … Became one of Georgia’s most productive receivers as a junior, making 77 catches for 1,326 yards and eight touchdowns in just 10 games. … Added 136 yards rushing and six TDs, and was 4-4 passing for 94 yards and two scores. … Earned all-state 5-A honorable mention honors from Recruit Georgia as a junior. … Injury slowed Leverett as a senior, but he still caught 32 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown in 7 games. … Added 204 yards on kickoff returns (29.1 average) and 39 on punt returns. … Selected for Border Bowl X, an all-star game pitting top players from Georgia and South Carolina.
Fun fact: Leverett first became known in the local football community as a dominating player at the middle school level. As an eighth grader in 2018, he racked up almost 1,000 yards rushing and scored 24 touchdowns, despite sitting out the fourth quarter in most games as Greenbriar piled up big leads. Greenbriar finished 7-0 and won the middle school championship behind Leverett’s efforts.
From the film room: Leverett’s combination of size, speed and agility make him difficult to defend. He overpowers smaller cornerbacks and he’s too fast for most linebackers to match up successfully against. Leverett’s prep coach compares him to former Georgia and current NFL receiver A.J. Green. Making Leverett even more valuable is his ability to pass and run with the ball and his potential as a kick returner.
KAMAURRI MCKINLEY, Safety (6-2, 185) Lakeland HS, Lakeland, FL
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 135 safety nationally, No. 235 in Florida.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) Unranked.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 142 safety nationally, No. 203 in Florida.
Other FBS offers: Eastern Michigan, Florida International, Illinois, Toledo, Troy, Tulane, South Florida.
Recruiting tale: One of several prospects who received offers late in the recruiting cycle in early December. McKinley originally committed to Toledo back in September before backing off that pledge on November 17. That was the opening ECU needed to get involved with an offer on Dec. 7. Two days later McKinley was on campus for an official visit, which resulted in his commitment to the Pirates on Dec. 19.
Career notes: Starred for one of Florida’s premier programs at Lakeland. … Helped the Dreadnaughts to a 14-0 record and the state 4S championship as a senior. … Contributed 27 tackles, 0.5 sacks, three interceptions and five passes defended in 13 games. … Returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown on the fifth play of Lakeland’s semifinal playoff game against Minneola. … Had five tackles in the championship game win against Osceola. … Produced 51 tackles, 10 passes broken up and three interceptions for a 10-2 team as a junior. … Also blocked four punts.
Fun fact: McKinley is also a stellar basketball player, who averaged 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds as a junior.
From the film room: Here’s your prototypical center fielder on defense. McKinley sits back and diagnoses the play as it’s happening and reacts swiftly. He always seems to be in position to make big plays, which is a testament to his football instincts. McKinley is one of those guys you’ll probably start seeing immediately on special teams before he breaks into the defensive lineup.
GREG TURNER, Safety (6-2, 195) Cedar Grove HS, Ellenwood, GA
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 152 safety nationally, No. 170 in Georgia.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) 3 stars, No. 142 safety nationally, No. 154 in Georgia.
(On3.com) 3 stars, No. 167 safety nationally, No. 199 in Georgia.
Other FBS offers: Akron, Buffalo, Colorado, Eastern Michigan, Florida Atlantic, Indiana, Kent State, Middle Tennessee State, Tulane.
Recruiting tale: Turner was the first member of ECU’s recruiting class of 2023. Running backs coach Chris Foster locked onto Turner after stopping by his previous school, Hapeville Charter, in the spring. Foster then teamed with safeties coach Tripp Weaver to recruit Turner. An offer went out to Turner on May 3rd and led to an official visit on June 16. Turner gave the Pirates his verbal commitment while still on campus.
Career notes: Started his prep career at Hapeville Charter School in Atlanta. … As a junior at Hapeville, made 14 tackles, two tackles for loss and two interceptions in just five games. … Moved to Cedar Grove for his senior year. … Helped the Saints to an 11-3 record and a berth in the state 3A championship game for the first time in school history. … Turner spearheaded a defense that allowed just 17.2 points per game.
Fun fact: Turner played at the same Hapeville Charter that also produced current cornerback Malik Fleming.
From the film room: Like McKinley above, Turner is a big safety who has a nose for the football. He’s built like a linebacker and hits like one, but has the speed to excel in pass coverage. Another prospect who could see early playing time on special teams.
BRYCE WEAVER, Offensive line (6-3, 315) D.H. Conley HS, Greenville, NC
In the ratings:
(247Sports.com) 3 stars, No. 151 interior offensive lineman nationally, No. 41 in North Carolina.
(Rivals.com) 2 stars, unranked.
(ESPN.com) Unranked.
(On3.com) 3 stars, unranked.
Other FBS offers: None.
Recruiting tale: There was never any suspense with Weaver. He grew up in the shadow of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and plays at the same high school that produced ECU quarterback Holton Ahlers and wide receiver C.J. Johnson among others. So when the Pirates offered a scholarship last January it was almost a given that Weaver would accept. He did make ECU wait until June, however, before offering his verbal commitment.
Career notes: A three-year varsity starter on the offensive line at D.H. Conley and a two-year starter on the defensive line. … After playing JV as a freshman, Weaver started seven games at center as a sophomore. … In eight games as a junior, helped the offense pile up 3,647 yards while also making 26 tackles and a tackle for loss on defense. … Conley racked up 3,362 yards of total offense, including 1,344 rushing with Weaver leading the blocking corps in 2022. … Weaver also made 42 tackles, four tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hurries on defense as a senior.
Fun fact: Weaver isn’t the only athlete in his family. Brother D.J. was twice named most valuable player in basketball at NCAA Division III N.C. Wesley, while brother Kam played one season of football at Clemson.
From the film room: A thick, athletic blocker who plays with an aggressive attitude. Weaver never stops blocking until the whistle blows. Because of his quick feet, Weaver excels at pass blocking. He’s able to handle the quick pass rushers coming off the edge or stand his ground against bigger linemen who try to overpower him. And he’s versatile enough to handle center or guard.
Jim Buckman says
Thanks, Sammy
Great report, love your work.