East Carolina’s spring football practice concluded without an apparent starter at quarterback as the competition between transfers Jake Garcia and Katin Houser will continue.
The Pirates played two quarterbacks extensively during a 2-10 season in 2023, but the guys taking snaps Saturday and the skill personnel surrounding them showed on a sunny, windy afternoon at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium that they have the ability to take the program upward.
Steve Shankweiler, who still works in the football office after coaching the offensive lineman in a career that spanned decades at ECU, witnessed a basis for optimism.
“Quarterbacks and receivers,” Shankweiler said. “That’s what this program has had who could make a difference.”
His inference is that those positions have been upgraded through transfers, new coaches and player development.
Houser helped the Purple team to a 23-14 win over the Gold, guided by Garcia. Both signal callers recorded scoring passes and Garcia added one on the ground.
Reserves, including Raheim Jeter, who saw action for both units, played in the fourth quarter under the running clock format. Purple earned a steak and shrimp meal. Gold will get beans and franks.
The two units combined for 554 yards of offense, including 401 yards through the air. The defense put its stamp on the contest by not allowing a touchdown over the last three quarters.
The fireworks went off quickly in new offensive coordinator John David Baker’s up-tempo attack. Garcia had a 26-yard scoring pass to Brock Spalding. Houser answered with a 27-yard touchdown toss to Anthony Smith, an import from N.C. State.
A 4-yard keeper by Garcia gave the Gold a 14-7 lead in the first quarter,
Andrew Conrad kicked field goals of 30, 51 and 27 yards in Purple’s comeback. Jeter was the victim of a pick six by Kamauri McKinley for the final TD in the fourth quarter.
Both quarterbacks liked the atmosphere and Coach Mike Houston said it was the largest crowd for a spring game at ECU since he arrived before the 2019 season.
Both quarterbacks got their play calls via a helmet communication system.
“I was covering my ear hole because of the wind like I’ve seen guys do in the NFL,” Garcia said.
Just when a starter will be determined remains to be seen or maybe Baker will figure out situational playing time for both.
“I haven’t really talked about that yet,” Houser said in regard to a timetable to name a starter. “I just have kind of been going day by day, just trying to get better. I’m sure we’ll talk about it here in a little bit. I probably won’t worry about it until the fall camp.”
Houston noted that the next time the Pirates perform before fans will be the season opener against Norfolk State on Aug. 31.
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