“Starting Over” might be an adequate theme for East Carolina’s offense as it begins preparations for the 2026 campaign.

New job opportunities, transfer portal departures, graduations and early declarations for the NFL Draft at the end of the 2025 season left gaping holes in an offense that was one of the best in the American Conference and played a major role in ECU’s 9-4 overall finish. In the aftermath of their thrilling 23-17 Military Bowl victory against Pittsburgh, the Pirates found themselves missing their top three quarterbacks, three of their top four rushers, top two receivers, two best tight ends and five offensive line starters. Compounding those personnel losses were the exits of four of five offensive coaches, including the architect of the unit, coordinator JOHN DAVID BAKER.

Finding so many staff replacements while also filling the depth chart holes created an interesting offseason challenge for head coach BLAKE HARRELL. But in spite of the obstacles, Harrell managed to make some impressive hires and sign 40 newcomers, as of Feb. 4, to plug the holes left by departing players. More additions could be coming in the days ahead from the transfer portal.

Until then, as spring practice nears, here’s our annual position-by-position grades for the offensive signees in the recruiting Class of 2026. We’ll also project the best organizational profile we can and look ahead to the recruiting needs as the coaching staff pursues the recruiting Class of 2027. These projections are based on the final depth chart from last season and other information gathered by press time, but may be altered by position changes during spring practice, program defections or additions.

We’ll follow up with our analysis of how the comings and goings of personnel have impacted ECU’s defensive unit in coming days.

QUARTERBACK A-

WHAT THEY NEEDED: The Pirates’ quarterback room seemed well stocked for the near future when the 2025 season began. The roster featured three quarterbacks who were sophomores or freshmen, and returning starter KATIN HOUSER had two years left to play. So signing one quarterback was the original objective. But over a span of 26 days in December and early January, ECU lost Houser, Military Bowl hero CHASTON DITTA and reserve RAHEIM JETER to the transfer portal. Backup quarterback MIKE WRIGHT was already exiting because of graduation, so that left the Pirates with a single scholarship quarterback on the roster. Adding at least three new quarterbacks, especially some with collegiate experience, became the goal in lieu of those departures.

Harrell also found himself seeking a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach when Baker left ECU on Dec. 9 after two seasons for a similar position at Mississippi. Baker had become a hot commodity after sparking an offensive revival at ECU. In his first season on the job, the Pirates went from near the bottom in most every national offensive statistic to 24th overall in total offense. The offense continued that trend this season. In addition, Baker helped develop Houser into one of top quarterbacks in the American Conference.

WHO SIGNED: Before the mass defections, ECU added TREY BURKE (6-3, 205) from Spartanburg, SC, High School during the early signing period. A three-star prospect ranked the nation’s No. 187 quarterback by 247Sports.com, Burke completed 242 passes in 433 attempts for 3,242 yards and 32 touchdowns over 27 games during his prep career. Despite those impressive stats he was an under-the-radar prospect, drawing only a single scholarship offer other than ECU’s (East Tennessee State).

The Pirates filled out the quarterback roster in January by adding two players with FBS experience in MITCH GRIFFIS (6-0, 195) and EMORY WILLIAMS (6-5, 225).

Griffis, from Ashburn, VA, spent four seasons at Wake Forest (2020-23) where he appeared in 19 games and completed 157 of 263 passes for 1,957 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was the Demon Deacons’ starter in 2023 before being benched, which led to his first entry into the transfer portal. Griffis opted to move to Marshall, but never played a down for the Herd. Instead, he decided to take a break from football. Ready to return to the field in 2024, he transferred to Texas Tech. Griffis played in seven games last year at Tech, completing 26 of 36 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns. He jumped in the transfer portal for a third time Jan. 2 and committed to the Pirates on Jan. 8 with one year of eligibility left.

It was Williams, however, who grabbed the headlines with his choice of ECU on Jan. 21. That was just two days removed from Williams being on the sidelines with Miami at the College Football Playoff championship game. A former four-star prospect from Milton, FL, Williams spent three seasons as a backup for the Hurricanes, first behind NFL first-round pick CAM WARD and this year behind CARSON BECK. During three seasons at Miami, Williams played in 12 games and made three starts. One of the latter was a double-overtime victory against Clemson during his freshman year. He wound up with 73 completions in 116 attempts for 813 yards and four touchdowns during his time at Miami. Williams will have two years of eligibility left.

To take over direction of the offense, Harrell turned to one of the brightest, young offensive minds in college football. Former Texas Tech receiver JORDAN DAVIS comes to ECU from North Texas, where he directed one of the nation’s best offenses in 2025. Under Davis, the Mean Green led the nation in first-down offense, scoring offense (44.8 points) and total offense (504.3 yards a game).

HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: ECU found itself a veteran quarterback to replace Houser, which was critical considering its other options were to line up an untested player under center when the season opens next Sept. 5 at Alabama. The question is will that quarterback be Griffis or Williams?

Griffis is a battle-tested FBS athlete who has great mobility in addition to quality passing skills. Williams is a tall, live-armed, pocket passer who is closer in style to Houser. With two years to play, Williams presents a bigger upside in the long run than Griffis. But whose talents will play better in the offense designed by new coordinator JORDAN DAVIS? We’ll start to find out during spring practice as both players are already enrolled at ECU.

Burke will also get a head start on learning the new offense during spring practice. He received high praise from his prep coaches for leadership and game management. Those attributes could pay dividends for ECU down the road while Burke learns the ropes at the FBS level.

Davis will have his quarterbacks working in an up-tempo style of offense similar to the “Air Raid” first brought to ECU during LINCOLN RILEY’s tenure as offensive coordinator (2010-14). Baker also utilized elements of the Air Raid so the ECU offense shouldn’t look that much different under Davis. But it still figures to be potent and exciting to watch.

BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: Instead of the usual name of a prospect here, the biggest recruiting loss at quarterback for ECU was not being able to hang onto Houser. Houser was on the verge of becoming one of the all-time Pirate greats. According to reports, he declined an offer from ECU between $1-$1.4 million to complete his college career in Greenville. Apparently believing he could generate a better offer, Houser hit the portal and ended up signing to play at Illinois. There have been no published reports about the kind of money Houser is receiving with the Illini.

WHO’S BACK: The lone holdover quarterback on ECU’s roster is redshirt freshman COLE HODGE (6-0, 198). Hodge was a record-setting quarterback at Christian Academy of Louisville, which he led to consecutive state 3-A titles. Hodge was originally part of the 2024 recruiting class, but opted to reclassify to 2025 after undergoing hip surgery following his senior year at Christian Academy. He didn’t see any action last season, but is an excellent athlete (high school basketball star) and, in time, could give the Pirates another dual-threat option under center.

WHO’S GONE: Houser, who had shown flashes at Michigan State before transferring to ECU in 2024, flourished in year two as a starter. His 3,300 passing yards was sixth-best in ECU history, and in just 19 starts produced the ninth-most career passing yards (5,306) and touchdown passes (37). He stunned Pirate fans on Dec. 15 when he opted out of playing in the Military Bowl and entered the transfer portal. Houser subsequently signed to play in the Big Ten Conference for Illinois in his final college season.

It surprised few when Jeter, a redshirt sophomore, joined Houser in the portal on Dec. 31. A talented athlete, Jeter never really got the chance to prove himself on the field in three seasons at ECU. He moved no higher than third team on the depth chart during that span and appeared in just nine games overall. He had yet to find a new playing home as of Feb. 4.

Ditta’s entry into the transfer portal Jan. 9 may have been the biggest surprise of all. He was promoted to the starting job for the Military Bowl in Houser’s absence, and responded with an impressive performance in leading the Pirates to the win against Pitt. The showing seemed to put Ditta in the driver’s seat to become ECU’s starter in 2025. Instead, he’s headed back to his home state of Texas to play at North Texas.

One of ECU’s most popular players on the 2025 roster was Wright, who came to ECU as a graduate student last fall from Northwestern. He evolved into a team leader and ECU’s Swiss Army knife, seeing action at quarterback, running back, receiver, cornerback, return specialist and even punter.

NEEDS FOR 2027: If all four current quarterbacks stick with the program beyond 2026, signing one from prep ranks or through the portal would be adequate. But pursuing at least two as insurance against injuries or transfers might be a better idea.

A pair of in-state high school passers are already on ECU’s recruiting radar for the Class of 2027. ETHAN ROYAL (6-2, 195) from Hough High in Cornelius is a pure athlete who can do it all on the football field. He passed for 2,272 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior, while rushing for 721 yards and 14 more scores in leading Hough to the state 8A championship. Royal got an offer from ECU back in 2023 following his sophomore season and has since added Arkansas, Appalachian State, Campbell, Gardner-Webb, Kent State and UAB to his list.

JARED STREET (6-0, 170) from Charlotte’s Independence High earned All-MECK Power 6 Conference honors as a junior when he passed for 2,317 yards and rushed for another 511. ECU extended an offer in June 2024. Appalachian State, Austin Peay, Coastal Carolina, Campbell, Catawba, Gardner-Webb, Samford and Wake Forest are others interested in Street’s services.

PROJECTED ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH CHART FOR SPRING

Mitch Griffis (6-0, 195) Redshirt Senior, Ashburn, VA or
Emory Williams (6-5, 225) Redshirt Junior, Milton, FL
Cole Hodge (6-0, 198) Redshirt Freshman, Louisville, KY
Trey Burke (6-3, 205) Freshman, Spartanburg, SC

RUNNING BACK A-

WHAT THEY NEEDED: A similar situation to what occurred at quarterback impacted the running back position. One or two running backs seemed like the objective when the recruiting cycle began because graduation was scheduled to claim just one off the roster at the end of the 2025. But when highly regarded freshman EDDIE LOVE JR. got booted off the team in September after his arrest for breaking into multiple vehicles the number increased. The need changed again in December when leading rusher LONDON MONTGOMERY and PARKER the starter to open 2025, PARKER JENKINS, both hit the transfer portal. Those situations required the Pirates to sign at least three backs, including some with college experience.

The Pirates also found themselves in need of a new running backs coach after RODNEY FREEMAN II accepted a similar position at Duke. Freeman spent two years at ECU, mentoring 1,000-yard rusher RAHJAI HARRIS in 2024, and the combo of Montgomery and MARLON GUNN JR. (combined 1,324 yards rushing) this season.

WHO SIGNED: The Pirates made big news on Jan. 8 when they brought MICHAEL ALLEN (5-11, 206) back home to Greenville for his final season of college football. Allen was a four-star prospect in the Class of 2022 at Greenville’s Rose High School and received his first scholarship offer from the Pirates. But he wound up signing with N.C. State, where he impressed as a true freshman by rushing for 208 yards and catching passes for 97 more. He actually started three games as a sophomore for the Wolfpack in 2023 (251 rushing yards). But injuries late in the year allowed younger backs to pass him on the depth chart, so Allen entered the transfer portal. He played at UNLV and Marshall over the next two seasons, rushing for a combined 493 yards.

New offensive coordinator JORDAN DAVIS no doubt influenced ASHTON GRAY (6-0, 208) to make ECU his new home after starting his career at North Texas. Gray was a high school quarterback in Marion, AR, before transitioning to running back for the Mean Green. After running with the third team most of the 2025 season, Gray delivered a career-high 152 yard, two-touchdown performance to lead North Texas to a 49-47 win against San Diego State in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl. Just hours after the bowl game, Gray announced he was entering the transfer portal. On Jan. 6, he committed to ECU after also taking an unofficial visit to Oklahoma State. Gray will be a redshirt sophomore this season.

The Pirates made a late run at MELIQ MCGOWAN (6-0, 190) from Stratford High in Goose Creek, SC0 They brought McGowan to campus for an official visit on Jan. 9, then offered him a scholarship the next day. McGowan committed on the spot. A member of South Carolina’s Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star squad, McGowan rushed for almost 1,900 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior. He also entertained offers from Florida A&M, Jackson State, Norfolk State, Presbyterian and Wofford.

JULIAN GRIFFIN joined the coaching staff on Jan. 8 to direct the running backs. Griffin, a former receiver at UL-Monroe, comes to ECU from California where he was running backs coach in 2025. He previously served five seasons as running backs coach at UTSA.

HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: Let’s start with Griffin’s appointment as running backs coach. Griffin is another rising star in the college coaching ranks, who earned that status from his stint at UTSA. While there he helped develop SINCERE MCORMICK into a two-time C-USA Offensive Player of the Year and his backfields re-wrote the program’s rushing record book. Griffin is keen on ball security, which is an area ECU could improve after losing eight fumbles (tied for third nationally) in 2025.

Allen adds experience and game-breaking abilities to ECU’s backfield. He has raw speed (4.48 seconds in 40-yard dash) that make him a threat to go all the way on any play. Allen is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield and is strong enough to break tackles when asked to run up the middle. His college career has fallen shy of expectations so far, but playing for his hometown university may be just the environment and motivation he needs for a breakout season. Expect Allen to make a strong case to be ECU’s starting running back next fall.

Gray is still a bit of an enigma. He’s only been a running back for three years and hadn’t really been much of a factor at North Texas until the New Mexico Bowl. But Gray displayed his breakaway ability with a 51-yard scoring run in the game and was considered one of the breakout stars of the bowl season. He’ll need to play with more consistency to earn playing time at ECU, but the opportunity is there for him to make a big impact.

A North-South runner who excels between the tackles is a good description of McGowan. He’s also a good receiver, which could earn him some playing time on passing downs next fall.

BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: Montgomery is the obvious answer here. Like Houser at quarterback, the Penn State transfer was on the verge of all-star status after his 2025 season. But the lure of playing in the high-profile SEC, and probably more money from NIL-rich Florida, sent him packing after two seasons at ECU.

WHO’S BACK: Only two backs who logged carries for ECU in 2025 remain on the roster for spring practice. Redshirt sophomore T.J. ENGLEMAN JR. (5-9, 189) was the team’s third-leading rusher, while redshirt sophomore DEJUAN LACY (5-8, 203) saw a promising start to his season end after two games because of a knee injury. Engleman impressed with his speed and moves in racking up 313 yards and averaging 5.2 yards per carry last season. Lacy, a shifty runner with tackle-breaking ability, came in as a junior college transfer and earned a spot on the depth chart. He ran 10 times for 44 yards before the injury. His status for spring practice is unknown, but Engleman should compete for playing time and maybe even the starting job.

Walk-on redshirt sophomores MICHAEL BEATTY (5-6, 162) and DEMARI GANTT (5-10, 197) round out the returning backfield players. Neither played a down last season, but Beatty rushed for 1,975 yards as a senior at Middle Creek High in Apex and Gantt was a prominent back and kick returner at Jacksonville, NC, High.

WHO’S GONE: Montgomery blossomed into a reliable primary back in his second season at ECU after transferring from Penn State. He led the Pirates with 742 yards rushing on 156 carries and scored seven touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore. He only topped the 100-yard barrier twice in games, but provided steady, consistent production, especially down the stretch when ECU won five of its final six regular-season games. Montgomery seemed poised to return for 2026 since he practiced with the team in Greenville prior to the Military Bowl. Following the Christmas break, however, didn’t return to campus and entered the transfer portal. Florida, where he’s expected to initially provide depth at running back, signed Montgomery on Jan. 9.

Another back departing via the transfer portal was junior JENKINS. A transfer from Houston, Jenkins began 2025 at No. 1 on ECU’s running back depth chart and made three starts before the emergence of Montgomery, MARLON GUNN JR. and Engleman cut into his playing time. He still finished with 75 carries for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Jenkins entered the portal for a second time on Dec. 30 and signed with FCS Lamar.

The physical-running Gunn is a true “program” player. He spent all five years of his college career at ECU, playing in 47 games and rushing for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns. Gunn provided a solid backup to Montgomery last season and ranked second on the team with 582 rushing yards (5.2 per carry) and scored six touchdowns. The Baton Rouge, LA, native is hoping to get a shot at making an NFL roster next fall.

NEEDS FOR 2027: Allen will complete his eligibility at the end of the 2026 season, opening at least one spot at running back on the ECU roster. But to replace him, and for depth purposes, signing at least two running backs seems like a rational number. Of course, that assumes no backs enter the portal after the ’26 campaign.

The Pirates are already in pursuit of more than a dozen prep rushers to help fill those voids. KAMARI HOLLOWAY (5-11, 195) is a two-way standout at Southern Durham, NC, High where he ran for 1,420 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. ECU offered Holloway a scholarship last April and is currently battling Appalachian State, Troy and Old Dominion for his services. The Pirates have been recruiting TAYSHAWN BRANCHE (5-11, 185) from Maury High in Norfolk, VA, for almost a year. They offered him on Jan. 21, 2025, and followed him through a junior season in which he rushed for 2,012 yards and 24 touchdowns to earn all-state honors. Appalachian State, Charlotte, Delaware, Liberty, Temple and Toledo are others that have offered Branche to date.

PROJECTED ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH CHART FOR SPRING

T.J. Engleman (5-9, 189) Redshirt Sophomore, Atlanta, Ga.
Michael Allen (5-11, 206) Redshirt Senior, Greenville, N.C.
Ashton Gray (6-0, 208) Redshirt Sophomore, Marion, Ark.
DeJuan Lacy (5-8, 203) Redshirt Sophomore, Fort Worth, Tx.
Damari Gantt (5-10, 197) Redshirt Sophomore, Jacksonville, N.C.
Michael Beatty (5-6, 162) Redshirt Sophomore, Apex, N.C.
Meliq McGowan (6-0, 190) Freshman, Goose Creek, S.C.

WIDE RECEIVER B+

WHAT THEY NEEDED: Graduation losses were scheduled to cost ECU at least three players in the receiver rotation after the 2025 season. But four other scholarship receivers would enter the transfer portal in December, prompting a scramble by the Pirates to bring in five to six players to maintain depth and plug holes in the rotation.

A new receivers coach was also needed after DYRELL ROBERTS accepted a similar position at Wake Forest in December. Roberts spent three seasons with the Pirates and was considered one of their best recruiters.

WHO SIGNED: ECU tapped into the transfer portal to add four college veterans to its receiver corps, including one from College Football Playoff finalist Miami.

RAY RAY JOSEPH (5-10, 180) was a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports.com, coming out of Edison High in Miami with the recruiting Class of 2023. He signed with the hometown Hurricanes over offers that included Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi and Oregon. Joseph played in 27 games over three seasons as a reserve at Miami and made 14 catches for 135 yards. Joseph also made a significant contribution his first two seasons as a return specialist. But with his time limited to four games in 2025, Joseph hopped the portal on Dec. 10. He’ll reunite with Miami teammate, quarterback EMORY WILLIAMS, at ECU where he’ll be a redshirt junior next fall.

Another reunion at ECU will involve LANDON SIDES (5-11, 190), from Denton, TX. Sides joins the Pirates from North Texas where he played for both ECU’s new offensive coordinator JORDAN DAVIS and new receivers coach JUAN SOTO. Sides, a senior, had 83 career catches for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns in 35 career games for the Mean Green (17 starts). He caught 25 passes for 400 yards and a touchdown during the 2025 season.

Redshirt junior JA’KEITH HAMILTON (6-2, 206), from Shelby, NC, and redshirt sophomore JEREMIAH MELVIN (6-4, 195) are two interesting portal finds for ECU. Hamilton had a breakout 2025 season at FCS Furman, collecting 40 catches for 545 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games. Former ECU receiver coach DREW DUDZIK directed Hamilton at Furman and current Pirate Director of Player Personnel LANCE WARE coached him at Shelby High. Melvin was rated a four-star prospect by both 247Sports.com and On3.com as a senior at Cape Fear High School before signing with Wake Forest. In two seasons with the Deacons, he played in 13 games and caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.

The lone prep addition to the receiver class is DAWSON QUARTERMAN (6-2, 200) from Loganville, GA. Quarterman attracted more than 20 scholarship offers but made an early verbal commitment to ECU in June and stuck with it. He attended three different high schools, producing 52 catches for 845 yards and eight touchdowns in his final stop at Grayson High. Grayson chose ECU over Florida International.

You could say ECU hit a home run in hiring its new receivers coach, pun intended. Although he shares a name with the New York Mets superstar outfielder, this JUAN SOTO is an up-and-comer college football coach. ECU’s Soto worked the last two years at North Texas as an assistant receivers coach under the Pirates’ new offensive coordinator JORDAN DAVIS. When Roberts left for Wake Forest, Davis decided to give Soto his first shot as a head position coach at the FBS level.

HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: All four of the transfer portal additions have a chance to start or be part of the receiver rotation in 2026. Hamilton is a sure-handed receiver who usually comes down with any ball thrown in his direction, while Melvin is physically similar to the departed YANNICK SMITH. Both have the potential to be dangerous in red-zone situations.

Joseph and Sides are slot receivers with big-play qualities. Sides has been timed at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and is already familiar with new OC JORDAN DAVIS’ style of play. Joseph is first an elite return man who is anxious to prove himself a top-line receiver after being lost in a deep position room at Miami.

And don’t underestimate Quarterman, whose deep-ball talents and knack for acrobatic catches could prove valuable to ECU next fall.

In Soto, Harrell hired a coach who is already familiar with Davis’ schemes and philosophies. That knowledge will be valuable as the new offense is installed this spring. Soto should also be an asset with prospects as a young, energetic coach with a name they can’t forget.

BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: East Carolina landed a verbal commitment from one of the top prep in-state receivers last June in RAI’SHAWN ELMORE (6-2, 185) of Porter Ridge High in Indian Trail, NC. The all-state pick backed off that pledge on Nov. 16 to sign with Michigan State. He had taken an official visit to Michigan State before initially choosing to join the Pirates.

WHO’S BACK: Five receivers who played in games last season, and four who recorded catches are set to return in 2026.

Headlining that group is redshirt senior BROCK SPALDING (5-11, 193), who established himself as a starter rotating between the slot and outside spots. Spalding, from Lorton, VA, finished third in team receiving with 42 catches for 554 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games (9 starts) last season. He has some of the surest hands on the roster and looms as an all-star candidate in 2026.

Slot receiver JAQUAIZE PETTAWAY (5-10, 194) played in 13 games and made one start in his ECU debut after transferring from Oklahoma last year. His stats weren’t that impressive — 13 catches for 32 yards — but Pettaway has explosive potential that could result in those numbers increasing significantly in his senior year. Another slot receiver back in the fold is grad student walk-on KYLER PEARSON (5-8, 168). Pearson didn’t catch a pass in 2025, but was a valuable return specialist (10 punt returns for 83 yards led the team).

Outside receivers TYLER JOHNSON (6-0, 186) and DILLON LORICK (6-0, 200) also saw playing time in reserve roles. Johnson, a redshirt senior, caught seven passes for 72 yards in 11 games, while Lorick had two catches for 23 yards in five appearances.

The rest of the returning scholarship receivers feature athletic underclassmen in redshirt freshmen JOHNNY WILLIAMS (5-9, 180) and CONNOR HODGE (6-1, 183). Williams has elite speed and agility that could make him a factor on the depth chart at the slot receiver or as a kick returner. Hodge, the brother of ECU quarterback COLE HODGE, was known for his clutch play in high school.

Rounding out the returning receiver corps are walk-ons JASON DICKERSON (5-10, 189), TY JOHNSON (6-0, 180) and MASON SCOTT (6-0, 181), all red-shirt sophomores. Dickerson was named Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year at ECU’s annual year-end banquet. Scott is a former member of East Carolina’s track and field team.

WHO’S GONE: The Pirates were hit hard by graduation and portal losses that claimed two starters and six receivers who played in 10 or more games.

ANTHONY SMITH (6-3, 189) earned first-team All-American Conference honors after finishing second in league receiving yards (1,053) along with 64 catches and seven touchdowns in his final year of eligibility. Behind Smith was third-team All-American Conference pick YANNICK SMITH. The sophomore grabbed 44 passes for 583 yards and five touchdowns before opting out of the Military Bowl and entering the portal on Dec. 15. YANNICK SMITH is taking his talents to SMU next fall.

Seniors PAYTON MANGRUM and KELAN ROBINSON lettered in reserve roles, Mangrum catching 10 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown in 13 games and Robinson making one reception for seven yards, also in 13 games. Redshirt freshman JYRON WAITERS actually made one start in his 10 appearances, recording six catches for 69 yards on the season. MALIK LEVERETT, a redshirt sophomore, played in 13 games while making one catch for eight yards. Waiters is transferring to FCS Campbell and Leverett to FCS West Georgia.

We’ll mention Roberts here one last time because of the close relationships he built with his players and his value as a recruiter. He played a pivotal role in bringing top receivers such as ANTHONY SMITH, YANNICK SMITH, WINSTON WRIGHT JR. and CHASE SOWELL to Greenville, so Soto will have some big shoes to fill as his replacement.

NEEDS FOR 2027: At least four receivers are on schedule to graduate after the 2026 season, so that would appear to be the initial need here. But anticipating at least one or more exits due to the transfer portal ECU should probably be seeking to sign five or more receivers.

A major receiver target who already has ties to the ECU program is CHAIN HARRIS (6-1, 175) from Byrnes High in Duncan, SC. CHAIN is the younger brother of former Pirate running back RAHJAI HARRIS and received his first FBS scholarship offer from ECU in April 2024. A four-star prospect rated the nation’s No. 29 receiver, CHAIN was an All-Region 11 5A pick as a junior when he caught 44 passes for 649 yards and seven touchdowns. He currently holds offers from Boston College, Charlotte, Gardner-Webb, Georgia Southern, Howard, Miami of Ohio, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech.

Another four-star prospect (No. 35 receiver) being pursued by ECU is KHRISTIAN JACKSON (6-0, 180) from Ridge View High in Columbia, SC. Jackson has used his 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash to make 86 receptions for 1,286 yards and 16 touchdowns over a 25-game career at Ridge View. The Pirates offered Jackson back on Sept. 20, 2025, joining Boston College, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Michigan State, Rutgers, South Carolina, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Wisconsin as suitors.

Recent ECU offers in Jan. 2026 have gone out to JAMARION MINGO (6-2, 180) from Valdosta, GA, High and KADIN “NIP” VASSELL (5-11, 160) from South Pointe High in Rock Hill, SC. Mingo caught 28 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 and has other offers from Florida State, Georgia Tech, Massachusetts, Mercer, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. Vassell missed eight games due to injury last season, but still managed to make 13 receptions for 244 yards and three touchdowns. He’s drawn offers from Georgia Tech, Marshall and Kennesaw State.

PROJECTED ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH CHART FOR SPRING
*Note: Outside receiver positions are interchangeable, and those players may work at both X and Z positions.

Outside Receiver (X)

Ja’Keith Hamilton (6-2, 206) Redshirt Junior, Shelby, NC
Dillon Lorick (6-0, 200) Redshirt Sophomore, Thompson’s Station, TN
Jeremiah Melvin (6-4, 195) Redshirt Sophomore, Fayetteville, NC
Dawson Quarterman (6-2, 200) Freshman, Loganville, GA
Mason Scott (6-0, 181) Redshirt Sophomore, Royersford, PA

Outside Receiver (Z)

Brock Spalding (5-11, 193) Redshirt Senior, Lorton, VA
Tyler Johnson (6-0, 186) Redshirt Senior, Martinville, VA
Connor Hodge (6-1, 183) Redshirt Freshman, Louisville, KY
Ty Johnson (6-0, 180) Redshirt Sophomore, Asheville, NC

Inside Receiver (H)

Jaquaize Pettaway (5-10, 194) Senior, Houston, TX
Landon Sides (5-11, 190) Senior, Denton, TX
Ray Ray Joseph (5-10, 180) Redshirt Junior, Miami, FL
Johnny Williams (5-9, 180) Redshirt Freshman, Havelock, NC
Kyler Pearson (5-8, 168) Redshirt Senior, Tulsa, OK
Jason Dickerson (5-10, 189) Redshirt Sophomore, Knightdale, NC

TIGHT END C+

WHAT THEY NEEDED: Heading into the season ECU boasted a pair of quality tight ends with multiple years of eligibility remaining, and another three underclassmen with excellent potential from the recruiting Class of 2025. Their presence made tight end less of a priority in the Class of 2026. But the only two tight ends with college playing experience took their leave after the season through the transfer portal, forcing the Pirates scrambling to find some veteran replacements in January.

WHO SIGNED: ISMAEL FLORES (6-5, 255) and KANEN HAMLETT (6-4, 235) come to ECU with much needed playing experience. Flores, from Crowley, TX, first signed with Nebraska out of high school as a linebacker. But after playing in just two games in two seasons there, he moved to tight end at FCS UT-Rio Grand Valley. Flores caught 20 passes for 244 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games at UTRGV before hitting the transfer portal. ECU’s new offensive coordinator JORDAN DAVIS, who had recruited Flores out of high school for North Texas, played a role in attracting Flores to Greenville. He’ll be a redshirt junior at ECU.

Hamlett, a redshirt senior, earned three letters, played in 38 games and made three starts in four seasons at Appalachian State. The Madison, AL, product was coached for three seasons there by current ECU Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting LANCE WARE. Hamlett caught a career-high 13 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns as a junior in 2025.

HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: Experience. With no returning tight end seen any significant playing time yet, ECU needed veterans to hold the line until younger players can develop. They got that, especially in Hamlett, a tough, clutch receiver who is also a strong blocker. Flores is still developing his skills as a tight end, but has the potential to be a seam stretcher and mismatch for defenders at ECU. Both will compete for the starting position along with the three younger returning tight ends.

BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: You could say two big ones in this case. Starting tight end DESIRRIO RILES and his backup, JAVONTAY CONNER, impressed with their blocking and pass catching in 2025. But Connor decided to enter the portal before the Military Bowl and Riles afterward. Both landed at SEC schools, Riles signing up with Florida and Connor with Vanderbilt.

WHO’S BACK: The Pirates return six players listed as tight ends on the current 2026 roster, including three scholarship players in STEPHEN COLLIER (6-2, 242), KALEB MORROW (6-5, 259) and CAYMAN REYNOLDS (6-4, 234). Collier is a multi-tool tight end whose skills I’ve compared to former ECU player RYAN JONES. He may be the closest of the young tight ends to challenging for playing time. Morrow has raw athleticism, due in part to his days as a basketball player, and presents a big target for ECU quarterbacks, especially in the red zone. Reynolds is a pure pass-catching tight end who has the speed to line up as an outside receiver as well.

Walk-on MASON BROWN (6-4, 261) is a hustler who earned himself playing time in 10 games last year on special teams. But he’s also developed into a strong blocker who could be used in short-yardage situations in 2026.

Two other walk-ons, GAGE REALE (6-1, 238) and MILES PARKER (6-4, 255), round out the returning tight ends. Reale was a star at Charlotte Christian High before spending a season at Louisville. Parker is a converted defensive lineman who could compete for playing time on special teams next fall.

WHO’S GONE: The aforementioned Riles and Connor proved to be a stellar combination at tight end for the Pirates last season. They combined to make 51 receptions for 695 yards and five touchdowns, while also delivering strong performances on their blocking assignments. Losing one was tough, but having both hit the portal was a major blow to ECU’s offensive plans for 2026.

NEEDS FOR 2027: Hamlett graduates after the 2026 season, and Flores and Brown are juniors. Finding at lest two tight ends in the Class of 2027 would seem like a reasonable objective for the Pirates.

Two prep tight ends already on ECU’s radar are JAXON DOLLAR (6-5, 222) and SAM FANIEL (6-5, 215). Dollar plays for East Lincoln High in Denver, NC, where he’s considered a four-star prospect and the nation’s No. 3 tight end by 247Sports.com. He’s accumulated more than 30 scholarship offers, including one from ECU on July 10, 2025. Faniel, the nation’s No. 22 tight end prospect according to 247Sports.com, stars at Benedictine College Prep in Richmond, VA. He, too, has an array of major offers after earning first-team all-state honors as a junior (26 catches, 347 yards, 7 touchdowns).

PROJECTED ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH CHART FOR SPRING

TIGHT END

Kanen Hamlett (6-4, 235) Redshirt Senior, Madison, AL
Ismael Flores (6-5, 255) Redshirt Junior, Crowley, TX
Stephen Collier (6-2, 242) Redshirt Freshman, Lexington, SC
Mason Brown (6-4, 261) Redshirt Junior, Wilmington, NC
Cayman Reynolds (6-4, 234) Redshirt Freshman, Calhoun, GA
Kaleb Morrow (6-5, 259) Redshirt Freshman, Apex, NC
Miles Parker (6-4, 255) Redshirt Sophomore, Jacksonville, NC
Gage Reale (6-1, 238) Redshirt Senior, Charlotte, NC

OFFENSIVE LINE B+

WHAT THEY NEEDED: The Pirates were senior-oriented on the offensive line with four players in that class on schedule to complete their eligibility after the 2025 season. Replacing that quartet was the original need. But the portal would claim four other prominent blockers at season’s end, pushing the need up significantly to five to seven with college experience a big requirement.

As with almost every other offensive position, ECU also needed a new offensive line coach after MATT MATTOX left for a similar job at North Texas.

WHO SIGNED: On the offensive tackle side, ECU picked up five newcomers, two from the prep ranks, two junior college transfers and an FBS transfer. The most significant tackle signee is HAYES CREEL (6-7, 320), a three-year starter between FCS McNeese State and FBS Southern Miss. Creel has started 33 of the last 35 games between those two schools, including all 13 at right tackle last season at Southern Miss.

BRYSON ESSER (6-8, 295) and CHRISTIAN HARRIS (6-7, 305) played the opposite tackles as teammates last season at Garden City Community College. Harris is rated the No. 20 junior college offensive tackle prospect by 247Sports.com, while Esser chose ECU over offers from Arkansas State, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Fresno State, Gardner-Webb, Indiana State, North Texas, Sacramento State, Southern Miss, Texas State, UT-Martin and Western Michigan. Harris had offers from Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, Louisiana, Louisiana-Monroe, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas State, Troy, UTEP, Western Michigan, East Tennessee, Florida A&M, Hampton, Rhode Island, Tennessee State and Texas Southern.

JOSHUA BATTLE (6-5, 285) comes to ECU from state power Woodward Academy in College Park, GA, where he was a four-year letterwinner. JA’VAUGHN HARGETT (6-5, 260) hails from Southern High in Durham, NC. Hargett played in 35 career games for the Spartans, recording 81 pancake blocks. He recorded 27 of those as a senior.

ECU also added four guard-center prospects, two from college programs and two high school recruits.

The college veterans are BRANDON BEST (6-4, 313), formerly of Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State, and ETHAN KRAMER (6-4, 300) from FCS Northern Arizona. Best and Kramer achieved all-star status as their last schools. Best was a first-team All-CUSA performer for league champion Kennesaw State and Kramer was a second-team All-Big Sky Conference selection for Northern Arizona. Both will be seniors at ECU next fall.

Prep signees include center-guard PRESTON BROADWAY (6-3, 270) from Metrolina Christian Academy in Indian Trail, NC., and guard XAVIER MASSEY (6-3, 290) from South Sumter High in Bushnell, FL. Broadway was an all-state independent schools pick as a senior after recording 85 pancake blocks and not allowing a sack all season. Massey was a two-year starter at South Sumter, who originally made a verbal commitment to FCS N.C. Central last summer. But ECU brought him in for an official visit on Nov. 7, which led him to back off his pledge to Central. He committed to the Pirates three days later.

To replace Mattox as offensive line coach, the Pirates hired ALEX HUETTEL from Old Dominion. The former Bowling Green blocker worked the last three seasons at ODU where he developed an offensive line that helped the Monarchs rank among the nation’s top rushing teams two out of his three seasons.

HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: So many players to consider here. The Pirates definitely found an immediate starter with Creel, whose experience will be invaluable to a group with so many newcomers. He’s a durable bulldozer who can handle either tackle positions. The same can be said for Best, who’ll be the favorite to take over the starting job at left guard. Again, he’s a battle-tested player who excels at pass blocking.

Harris and Kramer should battle for playing time at tackle and guard respectively. If Creel winds up at left tackle, Harris could take the right tackle gig, which would allow the Pirates to use last year’s right tackle starter, BRYCE WEAVER, at center or guard. Kramer was a three-year FCS starter at left guard, where ECU also has an opening.

Esser, although still developing as a blocker, should provide depth at the tackle spots.

All the high school signees have enrolled already and will be present for spring practice. Battle is a guy with raw power and a great upside at tackle, while Hargett may need some time to grow but is an excellent athlete for his size. Broadway is a relentless, mauler type who loves to flatten blockers. His ability to play guard or center may work him into the depth chart earlier than most would expect. Massey is a guy with a high motor and raw power.

Building quality offensive lines is just what Huettel has quickly earned a reputation for in his brief coaching career. At both ODU and Fordham, he directed blocking corps that resulted in highly productive rushing attacks. He’ll face his biggest coaching challenge yet at ECU, where all five starters must be replaced.

BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: JOSHUA SINGLETON (6-4, 340), a guard from IMG Academy in Florida, committed to the Pirates in July 2025. But the three-star prospect backed off that pledge in November and re-opened his recruitment. Singleton has yet to sign with another school.

The real losses on the offensive line, however, were multi-year starters JIMARION MCCRIMMON and EMMANUEL POKU. McCrimmon was ECU’s starting right tackle in 2024 and left tackle last season when he earned All-American Conference honors. With two years of eligibility left, McCrimmon opted to enter the transfer portal and wound up signing with ECU rival N.C. State. Poku, a redshirt junior, started at both right and left tackles over the last two seasons as well for ECU. The Charlotte, NC, native wound up leaving the Pirates to play in the SEC for South Carolina.

WHO’S BACK: Only five players who saw action on the offensive line last season are scheduled to return — redshirt junior MARLEO NEOLIEN (6-7, 310), redshirt junior BRYCE WEAVER (6-4, 317), redshirt senior TREY HARDISON (6-4, 317), redshirt junior JEREMIAH WILLIAMS (6-4, 322) and redshirt freshman KENDALL WALTON (6-5, 313).

Weaver, who has played all three line positions at ECU, is the most experienced of that group. The Greenville native has played in 19 games over the last two seasons, including 10 last year that included three starts. He started 2025 as the backup center, but by the end of season he was starting at right tackle. The influx of new tackles should allow Weaver to compete for a starting job at center or guard in the spring.

Neolien is a late bloomer who didn’t see any action in his first two seasons at ECU. But he worked in 11 games last season as the backup left tackle and started once. He’ll be in the competition with Creel and Harris for a starting role at tackle. Williams is another two-position lineman who has worked at center and guard for ECU since arriving from Hutchinson Community College. He finished 2025 as the backup center and appeared in seven games. Walton played in four games as a backup at left guard in his rookie season, while walk-on Hardison played in one game as a reserve left tackle.

One other returnee with experience is redshirt junior KARSON JONES (6-4, 282). Jones is a tackle-center who transferred to ECU from Houston in the fall of 2024. He got into three games during his first season with the Pirates, but did not see action in 2025.

Walk-on members of the offensive line include redshirt sophomore IAN HEMILRIGHT (6-4, 280), a transfer from FCS Campbell who can play all five offensive line positions, and redshirt senior tackle ZACH CAULDER (6-1, 251).

WHO’S GONE: The players who took the most snaps at all five offensive line positions last season have either completed their eligibility or entered the transfer portal.

The graduates include backup right tackle JAYSON TARPEH (22 games last two seasons), right tackle COOPER TRNASVSKY (12 games, 10 starts in 2025), left guard KYLE LONG (13-8), left guard PANDA ASKEW (11-5) and center DARIUS BELL (13-13).

Those losses were anticipated. But the Pirates were somewhat surprised after the Military Bowl when their two all-conference blockers entered the portal. Left tackle JIMARION MCCRIMON was a first-team all-league pick after allowing just three sacks in 13 games last season. McCrimon made the situation sting even more when he landed at in-state rival N.C. State. Poku was a second-team all-conference selection and two-year starter at guard. He left the Pirates for SEC member South Carolina.

Other portal losses included redshirt sophomore tackle SAMUEL RIDDY JR. (signed with UAB) and junior guard LEIVI SEMAIA (unsigned). Semaia worked in 11 games last year as the backup to Poku, but Riddy did not play in his two seasons at ECU. Offensive tackle PEYTON REEDER, who was a member of the recruiting Class of 2025, has also left the program.

NEEDS FOR 2027: Best and Kramer have only one year of eligibility left, but you can never have enough offensive linemen. ECU should be looking to sign three to four in the Class of 2027, if everything stays the same.

Two tackles in ECU’s crosshairs are JONATHAN TONEY (6-6, 280) from West Laurens High in Dublin, GA, and GAVIN MILTON (6-6, 285) from Grimsley High in Greensboro, NC. Toney, a first-team all-region pick as a junior, has already taken an unofficial visit to ECU on Nov. 15 when he received his offer. He’s also looking at Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina and Liberty. Milton received his ECU offer last October. He also has offers from Appalachian State, Connecticut, Charlotte, Campbell, Gardner-Webb, Liberty, Marshall, Samford and Virginia Tech.

DEONTAE WALKER (6-4, 15) from Dublin, GA, and WESTON HICKS (6-6, 305) from Avon, CT, were both extended offers from ECU in January. Walker, a two-way lineman, also has offers from Maryland, Southern Miss and Western Kentucky. Arkansas State, Connecticut, Florida Atlantic, Liberty, Memphis, Miami Ohio, Tulane, Wake Forest and Western Kentucky have offered Hicks.

PROJECTED ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH CHART FOR SPRING

LEFT TACKLE

Hayes Creel (6-7, 320) Redshirt Senior, Mt. Herman, LA
Marleo Neolien (6-7, 310) Redshirt Junior, Freeport, NY
Joshua Battle (6-5, 285) Freshman, College Park, GA
Zach Caulder (6-1, 251) Redshirt Senior, Cheraw, SC

LEFT GUARD

Brandon Best (6-4, 313) Redshirt Senior, Tucker, GA
Kendall Walton (6-5, 313) Redshirt Freshman, Lamar, SC
Preston Broadway (6-3, 270) Freshman, Indian Trail, NC

CENTER

Bryce Weaver (6-4, 317) Redshirt Junior, Greenville, NC
Jeremiah Williams (6-4, 322) Redshirt Junior, Edgefield, SC
Karson Jones (6-4, 282) Redshirt Junior., Lubbock, TX

RIGHT GUARD

Ethan Kramer (6-4, 300) Redshirt Senior, Colorado Springs, CO
Trey Hardison (6-4, 306) RJunior, Jacksonville, NC
Ian Hemilright (6-4, 280) Redshirt Sophomore, Cary, NC
Xavier Massey (6-3, 290) Freshman, Bushnell, FL

RIGHT TACKLE

Christian Harris (6-7, 305) Redshirt Junior, Richmond, VA
Bryson Esser (6-8, 295) Redshirt Sophomore, Denver, NC
Ja’Vaughn Hargett (6-5, 260) Freshman, Durham, NC

PLACEKICKER/DEEP SNAPPER No grade

WHAT THEY NEEDED: The Pirates lost the starting deep snapper but have two underclassmen waiting in the wings to assume the job. Same with placekickers. The starter in 2025 was a senior, but three experienced placekickers are back and anxious to move into the starting position. Because of the talent and depth on hand, signing a snapper or placekicker wasn’t a priority.

WHO SIGNED: No one, yet.

HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: They didn’t waste a scholarship on positions that are well stocked.

BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: There is no reports of ECU even offering or pursuing a placekicker or deep snapper at this point.

WHO’S BACK: Former starter ANDREW CONRAD (5-10, 184) and Akron transfer NOAH PEREZ (5-7, 161) are back and expected to compete for the placekicker job. Conrad is a four-year letterman who’s played in 33 career games and has booted 36 field goals. He was the starter in 2023 and for most of 2024 before being replaced. Conrad didn’t attempt any field goals last season, but appeared in five games to handle kickoffs. Perez has been the backup placekicker for two seasons. He played in five games during the 2024 season and converted six of seven field goal tries. Perez to limited to two games last season in which he was used to kick off.

A third veteran is junior EVERETT SCOTT (5-10, 180). Scott has handled kickoffs for two straight seasons and is also a capable placekicker.

COLE WALKER (6-4, 236) was the second-team deep snapper last season but didn’t see any game action. He’ll compete with redshirt sophomore TRIPP SMITH (6-1, 229) to handle specialty snaps in 2026.

WHO’S GONE: The Pirates lost starting placekicker NICK MAZZIE and deep snapper TRISTAN O’BRIEN to graduation. Mazzie’s only season with the Pirates after transferring from New Hampshire was excellent. He converted 16 of 19 field goal tries and all 43 of his PATs.

NEEDS FOR 2027: Conrad and Perez finished their eligibility after the 2026 season, and Scott will be a senior in 2027. Those imminent departures should have the Pirates searching for at least one placekicker in the recruiting Class of 2027.

A couple of nationally ranked placekickers are operating at high schools not far from Greenville. MOSES BAKER (6-1, 175) from Willow Springs High in Fuquay-Varina, NC, is rated the nation’s No. 1 placekicking prospect in the 2027 class by Kohl’s Kicking camps. Baker made 24 of 27 field-goal attempts as a junior with a long of 50 yards. BRODY BARNES (6-0, 165) from Cleveland High in Clayton, NC, is No. 22 on Kohl’s list of top 2027 placekickers. Barnes connected on six of eight field-goal attempts in 2025 and converted 66 of 68 PATs.

PROJECTED ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH CHART FOR SPRING

PLACEKICKER

Andrew Conrad (5-10, 184) Redshirt Senior, Kernersville, NC
Noah Perez (5-7, 161) Redshirt Senior, Phoenix, AZ
Everett Scott (5-10, 180) Junior, Matthews, NC

DEEP SNAPPER

Cole Walker (6-4, 236) Redshirt Sophomore, Savannah, GA
Tripp Smith (6-1, 229) Redshirt Sophomore, Simpsonville, SC

OFFENSIVE GRADE A-

There’s a lot to like about this offensive class. The Pirates brought in several former four-star prospects at skill positions and all-star performers on the offensive line. There’s a few too many of the portal transfers who have yet to prove themselves at the FBS level to make give this group a full “A.” But it’s close.