Bonesville Presents East Carolina Football Recruting News

East Carolina made some intriguing additions to its recruiting class recently in landing verbal commitments from two junior college stars and a regional prep player.

The Pirates picked up immediate impact players in tight end Willie Metcalf and free safety Zack Baker from Pima Community College in Tucson, Az. They also added an unheralded, but extremely athletic player in running back-defensive back Pierre Bell from West Craven High in Vanceboro, N.C.

Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 255 pounds, Metcalf may be the largest target to ever line up at the tight end position for ECU. But he isn’t just a big body. Metcalf has 4.7-second speed in the 40-yard dash and the hands of a wide out.

Yet, because of the unusual path Wright’s college career has taken, he’ll only be able to play one season — 2004 — at East Carolina.

“He’s had some ups and downs, but there’s no question, with some work, Willie can be a great football player,’’ Pima coach Jeff Scurran said. “He hasn’t even begun to the scratch the surface of his football potential.’’

Wright’s journey started at Belmont High School in Dayton, Ohio, where he was rated one of the nation’s top tight end prospects as a senior in 1999. Offered scholarships by many Division I-A schools, Metcalf chose instead to join the Ohio State program as a recruited walk-on.

But two weeks into the Buckeyes pre-season practice that fall, the NCAA Clearinghouse ruled Metcalf academically ineligible. He left the school in disgust and sat out the 1999-2000 school year.
Eastern Arizona College lured Metcalf to Thatcher, Ariz.., to play football and basketball in the fall of 2000. But one week into pre-season football practice, Metcalf suffered a knee injury that sidelined him until basketball season. He enjoyed a successful year on the basketball court, but would not return to Eastern Arizona for the 2001-2002 season.

Instead, Metcalf got married during the summer and transferred to Spoon River College in Canton, Ill., to be closer to his wife. Metcalf averaged 11 points and 6.4 rebounds for a 22-9 Spoon River team that was nationally ranked among junior colleges.

Thanks to a former football teammate at Eastern Arizona, Metcalf resumed his football career at the fledgling Pima program. Pima fielded a football team for just the third year in 2003.

“Blake Kinert, our quarterback, played for me in high school,’’ Scurran said. “He spent a red-shirt year at Eastern Arizona and he became friends with Willie there.

“We don’t actively recruit kids outside of our state, but Blake told us Willie had a lot of raw talent and that he liked him as a person. So we brought Willie in.

“He’d been playing basketball, so his overall athletic skills are excellent,’’ he said. “But he is still developing as a football player. He really needs to get coached up to reach his full potential and that’s what I told the East Carolina coaches.’’

Metcalf performed well enough for Pima this season to earn second-team All-Western States Football League honors. He caught 18 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns.

Schools like Iowa, Miami, Mississippi State, N.C. State, Rutgers, South Carolina and Washington had inquired about Metcalf. But the Pirates, who have immediate needs at tight end, won out.

Baker also played for Scurran at Tucson’s Sabino High School. He spent one season at New Mexico Military Academy before transferring to Pima this season.

The 6-2, 205-pounder had four interceptions and earned all-league honors for Pima.

“Zack is an extremely hard-working, cooperative player who has done a great job for us,’’ Scurran said. “He works like a bear in the weight room and he just loves to play the game. That’s evident when you watch him play. He’s very active, very fast and he hits people. He’s just a good all-around player.’’

Davis could fit into the Pirates’ plans quickly as they lose their top two free safeties to graduation in Richard Moton and Travis Heath.

Despite two stellar years playing running back at West Craven, Bell wasn’t regarded highly as a college prospect entering his senior year.

But when West Craven coach Clay Jordan began playing Bell both ways this season, the interest in the 6-2, 205-pounder increased dramatically.

“He made five interceptions for us and came up with some big plays in the secondary,’’ Jordan said. “He opened up some eyes with the way he played over there. He’s a 6-2, 205-pound kid who can roam back there. I think a lot of colleges are trying to get bigger athletes at safety.

“About midway through our conference schedule the attention really intensified.’’

North Carolina and N.C. State also recruited Bell, but the Pirates were the first to offer a scholarship.

“They’ve (Pirates) have been watching me since last year,’’ Bell said. “When I went there for my official visit I just felt at home with the players and the coaching staff. I was at ease and really comfortable.’’

Bell performed so well on defense this season that he’s been selected to participate in the annual Shrine Bowl All-Star Game on Dec. 20 in Rock Hill, S.C.

A three-sport athlete at West Craven, Bell also excels in basketball and track. He’s been a varsity starter on the West Craven basketball team since the ninth grade.

“My first love was basketball,’’ Bell said. “I started playing football in about the seventh grade because my friends were doing it. Then, in my 10th-grade year we lost in the third round of the football playoffs and something just clicked with me. I just fell in love with football after that.’’

“He’s got great athletic ability,’’ Jordan said. “He has a 32-inch vertical and he’s not slow — he runs a 4.65 40. But he’s just got a lot of natural instincts in the secondary.’’

New names continue to appear on ECU’s football recruiting radar. Here’s a brief look at some new additions to the recruiting board.

AUGUSTUS ASHLEY, DB (6-1, 185, 4.49) FIRST COAST HS, JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — The Pirates have been coming on strong recently for this swift cornerback prospect. They haven’t offered yet, but could in the near future. Iowa State is Ashley’s lone offer and he’ll visit there on 1/16.

T.J. COVINGTON, DB (6-0, 195, 4.4) COFFEYVILLE, KAN., COMMUNITY COLLEGE — Covington is an excellent cover corner who has scheduled an official trip to Greenville on 1/23. He’s also taking a visit to North Texas on 1/9 and may make an official to Temple.

VLADIMIR FAUSTIN, DE (6-2, 235) PACE HS, MIAMI, FLA. — Faustin is tremendously quick off the line and has excellent potential as a pass rusher. He lists Central Florida (1/2 official visit), ECU (1/9) and Rutgers (1/30) as his favorite schools. Faustin will also make official visits to Tulane (1/16) and Western Michigan (1/23).

BRENT HECHT, DL (6-4, 250, 4.6) BUTLER, KAN., COMMUNIYT COLLEGE — Hecht, originally from Bern, Kan., helped Butler to the national junior college championship. He took an official visit to ECU on Dec. 12 after dropping in on Texas Christian two days earlier. Both schools have offered.

LUCIUS MAPP, DL (6-3, 245, 4.84) NORCROSS HS, NORCROSS, GA. — Mapp had a stellar senior year, making 68 tackles and intercepting a pass. Louisville (1/16 visit) has offered and so has Duke, but ECU has been coming on strong of late. The Pirates are in his top five along with Clemson, Duke, Louisville and Middle Tennessee.

DARRELL STRONG, DL (6-4, 238, 4.7) PLANTATION HS, PLANTATION, FLA. — Strong has given a verbal commitment to Pittsburgh, but is now scheduling official visits to ECU (1/16) and South Florida in January. Boston College and Mississippi State have extended offers, too.

The updated sketch chart below recaps the status of East Carolina's known recruiting targets:

JUMP TO: QB • RB • WR • TE • OL • DL • LB • CB • SA

QUARTERBACKS

DAVON DREW (6-4, 215, 4.65 40-yard dash) NEW BERN, N.C. — Drew is mobile, has a strong arm and is a winner — he’s taken New Bern to back-to-back state title games. Offers have been made by Clemson, East Carolina and Maryland, but he’s probably won’t get serious about recruiting until after the state championship on Dec. 6.

BLAKE FIELD (6-3, 195, 4.68) NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN HS, TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Field is a consummate field general who committed to Auburn on Oct. 20 over East Carolina, which was his only other Division I-A offer.

OMAR HAUGABOOK (6-0, 205, 4.43) CENTRAL HS, BELLE GLADE, FLA. — Haugabook quarterbacks one of the best programs in Florida, but most colleges envision him playing wide receiver or cornerback in college. Still, Haugabook wants to give quarterback a try. He’s got one visit scheduled with South Florida (1/9), but also has offers on the table from ECU and Mississippi State. The Pirates are expected to get an official visit.

ANTONIO MILLER (6-1, 190, 4.5) OLYMPIC HS, CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This dual-threat quarterback is already bound for ECU. He committed to the Pirates in July over offers from Kansas State, Maryland, Marshall, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

PATRICK PINKNEY (6-1, 190, 4.5) PINE FOREST HS, FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The son of former ECU defensive back Reggie Pinkney is adept at running and throwing the football. He’s also an excellent field general. Surprisingly, ECU remains his only firm Division I-A offer, but Duke’s interest is picking up.

WILLIAM RICHARDSON (6-5, 210, 4.8) SUMTER, S.C. — Richardson is the younger brother of former Penn State and NFL quarterback Wally Richardson. He also happens to be the best quarterback prospect in the Palmetto State this season. Clemson, ECU and South Carolina State are his offers, but Richardson’s early top three are Clemson, Maryland and N.C. State.

RUNNING BACKS

ANTHONY CAMPBELL (5-9, 175, 4.4) HIALEAH, FLA. — Versatility is Campbell’s game. He’s played quarterback, running back, wide receiver and cornerback in high school. The Pirates like him as a running back. Auburn, Michigan State, Mississippi, N.C. State and Pittsburgh are others who have offered.

CHRIS JOHNSON (6-0, 175, 4.4) OLYMPIA HS, ORLANDO, FLA. — Johnson is one of the fastest athletes in Florida. His senior year was shortened due to a broken leg, but he returned to gain 400 yards and score seven touchdowns in the final three games of the season. Johnson said he will make an official visit to ECU in January. His only other offers to date are from Eastern Kentucky and Georgia Southern.

NORRIS SMITH (5-10, 190, 4.46) ELY HS, POMPANO BEACH, FLA. — Smith is a big-time, blue-chip rushing star who is calling ECU one of his favorites along with Kentucky and Tennessee. His offer list is more expansive than that, however, and includes Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas State, Mississippi, N.C. State and Pittsburgh. The interest in Smith is amazing considering he spent last year as a backup to current Miami freshman Tyrone Moss. The all-purpose back rushed for 1,002 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.

WIDE RECEIVERS

YAMON FIGURS (6-0, 180, 4.4) GARDEN CITY, KAN., CC, FORT PIERCE, FLA. — An explosive receiver and kick-return man, Figurs cast his lot with Kansas State on Nov. 25 over offers from ECU, Texas A&M and Utah.

LARRY FREEMAN (6-3, 185, 4.5) FORT MEADE, FLA. — Freeman is a prep quarterback who projects as a wide receiver or safety in college. His offer lists includes Central Florida, Connecticut, ECU, Iowa State, LSU, Louisville and Michigan State.

BRIAN HARE (6-3, 200, 4.45) PIMA, AZ., CC, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL. — Hare is a rangy, big-play threat who turned down offers from Arizona State, ECU, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas State, Marshall and Pittsburgh to commit to Purdue on Nov. 7.

KEAVETT MICKLE (6-3, 175, 4.57) BOONE HS, ORLANDO, FLA. — Mickle has excellent hands and doesn’t mind catching the ball in a crowd. But his real forte is getting upfield and in position to haul in the deep ball. ECU is his only offer, but Georgia Tech and others are lurking around.

JEROME SIMPSON (6-2, 180, 4.4) REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Simpson has been one of the state’s most prolific receivers for the last two seasons, piling up almost 3,000 yards receiving. ECU is his only offer, but no date has been set for an official visit.

JOMAR WRIGHT (6-2, 185, 4.5) J.F. BYRNES HS, DUNCAN, S.C. — The Pirates offered Wright, but have been eliminated from the process along with Duke and Memphis. The list is down to Georgia, Kentucky and Wake Forest. Wright will make an official visit to see the Deacons on Dec. 16.

TIGHT ENDS

WILLIE METCALF (6-7, 260, 4.7) PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, TUCSON, ARIZ. — Committed to ECU along with teammate FS Zack Baker. Metcalf originally signed with Ohio State but fell short academically and embarked on a journey through three junior colleges, including a stint as a basketball player. Has one year of eligibility remaining but offers enough potential that he also drew recruiting interest from Miami, noted his coach.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

ZACH DAVIS (6-4, 250, 4.9) TRINITY CHRISTIAN HS, JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Davis is a pure center prospect who accepted an offer from ECU last summer over Central Florida, South Florida and Vanderbilt.

KURT FALK (6-7, 320, 5.0) BLINN, TX, CC, BELLVILLE, TX. — Falk spent the 2001 season as a scholarship player at Duke, but left prior to the start of his red-shirt freshman year. He wound up at Blinn and has again been the object of an intense recruiting battle. Baylor, ECU, Houston, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico, Tennessee and Tulsa have all offered. Falke has already visited his two favorites, Central Florida (Nov. 14) and Syracuse (Nov. 21).

JAMES THOMPSON (6-5, 310, 5.2) SUMTER, S.C. — One of the top blocking prospects in South Carolina, Thompson is more athletic than most. He’s drawn offers from Clemson, ECU, Maryland, N.C. State and South Carolina. Thompson has narrowed the possibilities to Clemson, UNC and South Carolina.

PAUL WALSH (6-6, 288, 5.2) NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN HS, TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Walsh, who plays for one of Florida’s premier private-school programs, is expected to head out of state to play, which bodes well for ECU. The Pirates were one of the first to offer and are in the hunt along with Central Florida, Iowa State, North Carolina and N.C. State. Central Florida (1/9) and UNC (1/23) already have visits scheduled.

JUAN WILLIAMS (6-3, 292, 5.1) GARNER, N.C. — Williams is a talented guard-center who plays with better technique than most prep linemen. ECU has extended the only offer to Williams, and he likes the Pirates along with Connecticut, Duke, North Carolina, N.C. State and Wake Forest.

MIKE WILLIAMS (6-3, 285, 5.0) BOONE HS, ORLANDO, FLA. — Williams committed to ECU on June 30 after also considering an offer from Central Florida. He’s a disciplined, hard-nosed blocker with quickness to trap or pull when the need arises.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

C.J. HUNNICUTT (6-2, 215, 4.65) MANATEE HS, BRADENTON, FLA. — A 5-A all-state pick as a junior, Hunnicutt could wind up playing linebacker in college. ECU offered, but it looks like Hunnicutt’s focus is Auburn (11/21 official visit), Ohio State (1/23), South Florida (1/16) and West Virginia (12/5).

CEDRIC KOGER (6-5, 247, 4.6) DODGE CITY, KAN., CC, OKEECHOBEE, FLA. — Koger was a second-team All-Jayhawk Conference pick this year at Dodge City CC after making 31 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He’s already made an official visit to ECU on 11/14. Koger is also considering Clemson, Kentucky, UAB and Troy State.

DENNIS MARSH (6-4, 275, 4.8) NE GUILFORD HS, MCLEANSVILLE, N.C. — Maryland won the recruiting battle for Marsh early, picking up a commitment in June over offers from Clemson, ECU and North Carolina.

HILEE TAYLOR (6-4, 215, 4.4) SCOTLAND HS, LAURINBURG, N.C. — Taylor’s quickness is the best of any lineman in the state. ECU gave Taylor an offer early, but he chose to commit to North Carolina in August.

ANTONIO SEARCY (6-3, 305, 4.9) DODGE CITY, KAN., CC, FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. — Searcy is a big-time defensive tackle prospect who is highly coveted by the Pirates. He took an official visit to ECU on 11/14 and has consequently made trips to Kansas State (11/21) and South Florida (12/5). He also has offers from Illinois and Kansas.

NICK WILLIAMS (6-3, 240, 4.7) PLANTATION, FLA. — Williams is a physical end who has offers from Boston College, ECU, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh and South Florida. He’s already made an official visit to Pitt (11/28).

LINEBACKERS

ALONZO MIDDLETON (6-2, 230, 4.6) WILKINSON HS, ORANGEBURG, S.C. — ECU offensive coordinator Rick Stockstill developed a relationship with Middleton while he was a coach at Clemson. Stockstill’s efforts have put the Pirates at the top of Middleton’s list along with Clemson. He’s also been offered by South Carolina. Middleton is the type of athlete who could be a real difference maker for ECU.

BARRY WRIGHT (5-11, 215, 4.5) COFFEYVILLE, KAN., CC, PENSACOLA, FLA. — Wright was a first-team All-Jayhawk Conference pick this season after collecting 72 tackles, 9 tackles for losses and 3 sacks. He’s made one official visit to West Virginia (11/14) and has other offers from ECU, LSU and South Carolina.

LAMAR MYLES (6-1, 205, 4.45) LAKE REGION HS, EAGLE LAKE, FLA. — Myles is a speedy outside linebacker who makes plays from sideline to sideline. Auburn is his favorite, but ECU, Louisville and South Florida have also offered scholarships.

TONY RICHARDSON (6-1, 210, 4.5) WASHINGTON COUNTY HS, SANDERSVILLE, GA. — Richardson had an incredible junior season in which he racked up 38 tackles for loss and 21 sacks. His ability to disrupt offenses has drawn offers from Brigham Young, ECU and Louisville, but he’s yet to set up any official visits.

ANTONIO WILSON (6-3, 212, 4.6) PAHOKEE, FLA. — Wilson isn’t just a great football player, but he’s one of Florida’s top scorers on the hardwood as well. ECU is in his top five along with favorite West Virginia, Georgia Tech, Indiana and Wake Forest. All except the Deacons have offered.

CORNERBACKS

KEVIN PATTERSON (6-0, 172, 4.45) CAMDEN COUNTY HS, KINGSLAND, GA. — A swift corner with excellent coverage skills, Patterson says he favors Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets haven’t offered yet. But Delaware, ECU, Tennessee State, Wake Forest and Wofford have, and so has Vanderbilt where he had an official visit scheduled for 12/5.

ALPHONSO SMITH (5-10, 176, 4.55) PAHOKEE, FLA. — A prep quarterback who projects as a secondary player in college, Smith took a long look at ECU before committing to Pittsburgh in May. He also entertained offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

DANNY VERPAELE (5-11, 186, 4.53) MERRITT ISLAND, FLA. — Verpaele is the brother of Central Florida strong safety Kevin Verpaele and favors that school, too. But ECU and Navy are also in the picture for this versatile athlete.

STACY WALLS (5-9, 171, 4.4) WASHINGTON COUNTY HS, SANDERSVILLE, GA. — A speedy jitterbug, Walls excels at returning kicks. He carried five punt returns back for touchdowns as a junior. Walls favors Clemson and Georgia Tech, but his two offers are from Brigham Young and ECU.

SAFETIES

ZACK BAKER (6-2, 205, 4.5/40) PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, TUCSON, ARIZ. — Committed to ECU along with teammate TE Willie Metcalf. With his combination of size and speed, Baker appears to have the tools to help the Pirates shore up what has been a vulnerable secondary.

PIERRE BELL (6-3, 200, 4.45) WEST CRAVEN HS, VANCEBORO, N.C. — Bell emerged as a prospect with a big senior year at West Craven. He has excellent speed and a nose for the football. ECU offered and interest was on the rise from North Carolina and N.C. State when Bell dispensed with the suspense by casting his lot with the Pirates on Dec. 10.

DEMOR BOLDEN (6-0, 200, 4.6) PAHOKEE, FLA. — Physical and fierce are traits that have earned Bolden offers from East Carolina and West Virginia. He doubled as a wide receiver in high school, but projects as a safety in college.

SHAWON GOLIGHTLY (5-10, 200, 4.5) SW DEKALB HS, DECATUR, GA. — Golightly is the type that is always around the football making plays. The Pirates are in a battle with Duke, Middle Tennessee and Wake Forest for his services.

JONATHAN WARREN (6-1, 190, 4.5) MADISON, FLA. — This highly regarded safety prospect will make an official visit to ECU on Jan. 9. The Pirates, who battled Florida (1/16), Florida State (1/23) and Iowa State (1/2) for Warren's services, have obtained his commitment ahead of that visit.