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ECU Football Recruiting Class of 2016

THUMBNAIL SKETCHES

Thumbnails compiled by Al Myatt.
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Text in BOLD BLUE CAPS denotes
link to full-length feature profile
by recruiting analyst Sammy Batten.

SEAN BAILEY (6-6, 315) OT, Lambert High School, Suwanee, GA ... Bailey changed his commitment from Cincinnati to East Carolina as East Carolina offensive line coach Geep Wade was involved in a late push by the Pirates. ... Bailey cast his lost with the Pirates, according to Scout.com, on Feb. 1. ... He had initially given the Bearcats the nod in June. ... Purdue also made an offer to Bailey. ... Programs showing interest included Appalachian State, Auburn, Duke, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Penn State, South Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech. ... The Lambert Longhorns, coached by Louis Daniel, went 8-3 in 2015. ... Bailey had a team-high 80 pancake blocks. [Listed 02.01.16]

KEYSHAWN CANADY (6-0, 180) RB/CB, Wallace-Rose Hill ... Canady was a playmaker on three sides of the ball for the NCHSAA 1-AA champions in 2014. ... He had 108 carries for 1,238 yards with 20 rushing touchdowns and also made three catches for 80 yards. ... He scored five TDs in a 53-7 win over East Duplin on Sept. 5. ... Defensively, Canady made 57 solo tackles and assisted on 15 stops. ... He had four interceptions and recovered one fumble. ... Canady returned seven kickoffs for a total of 149 yards and had one punt return for six yards. ... The Bulldogs are coached by Joey Price. ... Canady had offers from Charlotte, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest and West Virginia before committing to the Pirates on July 13. ... Duane Price and Rick Smith of the ECU staff were instrumental in his recruiting. ... Canady liked the family atmosphere and honesty of the Pirate program. ... Florida State and N.C. State also showed recruiting interest. ... Canady reportedly is planning to enroll at ECU in January. [Listed 07.14.15]

JUSTIN CHASE (6-6, 265) OT, Chesapeake (VA) Great Bridge High School ... Pirates offensive line coach Brad Davis was instrumental in getting a commitment from Chase on Saturday, June 6. ... Associate head coach John Wiley also was closely involved. ... Davis had offered Chase a scholarship while the former Oklahoma Sooner was on staff at James Madison. ... Chase also had offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, Marshall, Old Dominion, N.C. State and Temple. ... Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest had shown interest. ... Chase was impressed with ECU's facilities during an unofficial visit on June 6. ... He attended the Pirates' Junior Day earlier in 2015. ... Chase becomes the second offensive lineman to commit for the February, 2016 signing class. ... The Great Bridge Wildcats, coached by Pete Gale, were 6-5 in 2014. ... The Pirates offered Chase on April 18. [Listed 06.07.15] — Chase has withdrawn his commitment to ECU and pledged to N.C. State.

JEFFREY COPRICH (5-8, 175) RB, California ... Coprich comes to the Pirates as a graduate transfer and will be able to play in 2016 with two years of eligibility. ... In two seasons at Cal-Berkely, Coprich had 54 carries for 205 yards with two touchdowns. ... He caught nine passes for 74 yards for the Bears. ... Played in the same backfield as quarterback Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL draft. ... Coprich redshirted during the 2012 season at Cal and sat out 2014 with a broken bone in his foot. ... He also worked at defensive back and receiver during his time with the Bears. ... Accounted for 55 yards rushing against the USC Trojans. ... Gained 51 yards against Oregon. ... Selected to the 2014 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, an honor that recognizes dedication to community service. ... He worked on behalf of the Essence K. Coprich Book Club in honor of his late sister who was killed in a 1996 car accident at the age of seven in which he survived. ... 2012 graduate of West Ranch High School in Santa Clarita, CA. ... He signed with ECU on March 30. [Listed 05.05.16]

TAHJ DEANS (6-2, 180) WR, Southern Nash High School ... Deans had offers from Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest but chose ECU after he and his mother, Shavonnie, visited Pirates coach Ruffin McNeill in Greenville. ... Deans had 21 catches for 348 yards and three touchdowns as a junior in a run-oriented offense coached by Brian Foster. ... He had 19 receptions for 308 yards and three TDs as a sophomore. ... Deans averaged 9.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in basketball last season. ... Projected as a wide receiver at ECU although named to the Rocky Mount Telegram's All-Area team as a defender after making 63 tackles and three interceptions for a 9-4 team in 2014. ... His cousin is NFL standout Julius Peppers. [Listed 05.06.15; thumbnail posted 05.11.15]

JARRED DORTON (6-7, 320) OT, Bakersfield (CA) College ... Committed while on an official visit to East Carolina on Jan. 30. ... Played on the prep level at North High School in Bakersfield. ... Jeff Chudy is head coach of the Bakersfield College Renegades. ... The team went 2-8 in 2015 but won homecoming, 31-15, over Moorpark and took its final home game in convincing fashion, 51-7, Over Pasadena. ... Dorton will be looked to for immediate help on the Pirates offensive front. [Listed 02.01.16]

JACK DOYLE (255, OT, Heritage High School, Wake Forest, NC ... Committed to the Pirates on Oct. 28 after receiving an offer on Oct. 23. ... East Carolina offensive coordinator Dave Nichol was the primary recruiter for Doyle with offensive line coach Brad Davis lending assistance. ... Doyle started as a sophomore and did not allow a sack. ... He ran 40 yards in 4.94 seconds after the 2013 season and had a clocking of 4.24 seconds in the pro shuttle. ... His lifting numbers included a 285-pound bench press, 275 power clean, 365 squat and 405 deadlift. ... Doyle has a 32-inch vertical jump. ... The Huskies were 5-6 going into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4-AA playoffs against Jack Britt, coached by former ECU and NFL offensive lineman Brian Rimpf. ... Heritage is coached by former N.C. State and NFL defensive back Dewayne Washington, who played on the high school level at Northern Durham. [Listed 11.13.15]

JAMIL DUKES (6-4, 290) DT, Mooresville High School, Mooresville, NC ... Dukes committed to ECU on Nov. 12 after receiving offers from Ball State, Charlotte, Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Miami of Ohio and West Virginia. ... Programs showing interest included Boston College, Georgia, Kentucky, Marshall, Michigan, North Carolina, N.C. State and Tennessee. ... Garrett Riley was the primary recruiter for Dukes and Marc Yellock provided support. ... Had 45 tackles and two sacks as a sophomore. ... Numbers increased to 68 tackles and nine sacks as a junior. ... Mooresville's Blue Devils, coached by Hal Capps, took an 8-3 record into the 4-A playoffs. ... Dukes was credited with 49 tackles and 10 sacks in six games in 2015. ... Dukes has a 37-yard reception and a 41-yard interception return to his credit as a senior. ... Dukes has been selected to the Shrine Bowl. ... He also plays basketball and competes in track and field. [Listed 11.13.15] — Dukes has withdrawn his commitment to ECU, but has yet to choose another school.

KENDALL FUTRELL (6-2, 220) DE, South Central High School, Greenville ... Futrell committed to the Pirates on Sept. 3 after receiving recruiting interest from Clemson, N.C. State, North Carolina, Old Dominion and Purdue. ... ECU associate head coach John Wiley was credited as primary recruiter with outside linebackers coach Duane Price in a secondary role. ... The Falcons are coached by Andy Tew. ... South Central got off to an 0-3 start in 2015 with losses to Greene Central, West Craven and SouthWest Edgecombe. ... Futrell also plays basketball, averaging 5.5 points and 4.7 rebounds last season for a 23-3 team at South Central. ... Hoops coach for the Falcons is Chris Cherry, who coached former ECU star Akeem Richmond at Southern Lee. ... Futrell has a 4.6-second time for 40 yards. ... Running back Shawn Furlow signed with ECU and is a true freshman for the Pirates after an outstanding career at South Central. [Listed 09.07.15]

JOHNNIE GLASPIE (5-11, 180) RB, Wallace-Rose Hill ... Glaspie and fellow ECU commit Keyshawn Canady were instrumental in a run to the NCHSAA 1-AA state championship for Wallace-Rose Hill in 2014. ... The Bulldogs, coached by Joey Price, defeated Starmount 34-21 in the state final at Carter-Finley Stadium. ... Glaspie officially committed on July 20 after making a decision more than two months earlier. ... Glaspie had offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, North Carolina, Wake Forest and West Virginia. ... Made 76 tackles at safety as a sophomore in 2013 with 8.5 tackles for loss and seven interceptions. ... He ran 31 times for 306 yards with six touchdowns as a soph. ... Glaspie used his 4.4-second speed for 40 yards to rush for 1,040 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior. ... He ran for 231 yards in a 34-31 state semifinal win over James Kenan with four touchdowns. ... He had 113 yards rushing in the state final with two scores and also returned a kickoff 73 yards for a TD. ... Glaspie made 69 tackles including eight for losses as a junior. ... [Listed 07.28.15]

COLBY GORE (5-11, 170) DB, Little River (SC) North Myrtle Beach High School ... Officially enrolled early at ECU in January of 2016 and will join the Pirates for spring drills … Re-signed with head coach Scottie Montgomery’s program after initially inking a national letter-of-intent with East Carolina in February, 2015. High School: A two-way player, special teams stalwart and team captain for head coach Blair Hardin at North Myrtle Beach … Produced 1,499 all-purpose yards as a receiver on the offensive side of the ball and as a prolific punt and kickoff return specialists … Defensively, netted 79 tackles with four interceptions and six pass break-ups from his safety position as a senior … Totaled 48 stops, eight interceptions (three returned for touchdowns) and two forced fumbles during junior season … Logged 350 yards on 25 catches as a wide-out in 2013 … Turned in a 98-yard kickoff return for a score and a 76-yard interception return for another touchdown during a contest against Wilson as a junior … Also added a punt return for a TD during the course of the season … Rated as the No. 24 overall prospect in the state of South Carolina and the No. 4 defensive back by Scout.com … Selected to play in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives North vs South All-Star Bowl Game. Personal: Born May 6, 1997 at Myrtle Beach, S.C. … Full name is Colby Deion Gore … Son of Carlton and Rose Gore … Older brothers all earned honors as football lettermen at North Myrtle Beach High School … Brother P.J. Gore starred at Mars Hill and later signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons … Another brother, Stephon Gore, serves as an assistant football (defense) coach at Monroe (N.C.) High School … Has 11 uncles on father’s side of the family, including Milton Gore who helped Georgia Southern capture NCAA Division I-AA National Championships in 1985 and 1986 … Active in his church and member of the youth choir … In addition to singing, other hobbies include cooking, basketball, running, fishing and hunting. Thumbnail source: ECU Media Relations. [View Sammy Batten's feature profile on Gore published after he committed to join last year's ECU recruiting class.] [Listed 02.03.16]

CORTEZ HERRIN (6-4, 315) OG, Saluda (S.C.) High School ... Herrin committed to the Pirates on May 20. ... Recruiting coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick and offensive line coach Brad Davis of the ECU staff have sought to bring Herrin aboard the Pirate ship. ... North Carolina Central and South Carolina State also made offers to Herrin. ... Schools showing interest included Appalachian State, Clemson, Furman, Georgia Southern, Louisville and North Carolina. ... Herrin visited the ECU campus on April 17 and received an offer from the Pirates on May 7. ... Stewart Young is football coach of the Saluda Tigers. ... The program was 2-8 in 2014 with five losses by eight or fewer points. ... Herrin also played basketball, averaging 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in limited time for a 12-11 team. ... Fourth commitment to ECU puts class at No. 66 among Football Bowl Subdivision schools in ratings by 24/7 Sports. [Listed 05.27.15]

REID HERRING (6-3, 175) QB, Millbrook High School, Raleigh ... Herring has led Millbrook to the third round of the 4-AA playoffs the last two seasons. ... As a sophomore he passed for 2,149 yards as the Wildcats went 10-4. ... Millbrook went 11-3 in 2014 as Herring threw for 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns. ... Herring is a multi-sport athlete, also playing basketball and baseball for the Wildcats. ... Millbrook is coached by Clarence Inscore in football. ... Herring committed to the Pirates on Saturday, April 18. ... ECU offensive coordinator Dave Nichol was the primary recruiter for Herring. ... Boston College and Miami also made offers to the rising senior. ... Duke had shown interest in the Millbrook quarterback. ... Rivals gives Herring a three-star rating. ... Herring is described as a pro-style quarterback. ... Herring is the first known commitment to the Pirates' 2016 signing class. ... Millbrook was 6-1 in the Cap-8 4-A Conference in 2014, finishing second to Wake Forest (7-0), the eventual Eastern 4-AA champions the last two seasons. ... The Cougars have knocked Millbrook out of the playoffs in close games the last two years. ... Georgia Tech signee Marcus Marshall led the Wildcats on the ground last season with 2,198 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns. [Listed 04.19.15]

HUSSEIN HOWE (5-9, 175) RB, Jacksonville (FL) University Christian High School ... A four-year starter who was part of two Florida Class 2A state championships on both sides of the ball for coach David Penland III at University Christian High School … Helped the Christians to state titles as a freshman and senior (11-3 record) … Closed prep career with 5,026 rushing yards and 86 touchdowns … Played key role in UC’s 61-16 victory over Tampa Cambridge Christian in the 2015 championship game at the Florida Citrus Bowl, rushing for 191 yards on 22 carries … Eclipsed the 5,000-yard career milestone in the third quarter before breaking away for a 22-yard scoring run which marked his fifth TD of the contest – the second-highest scoring (30 points) total in state finals history – during the dominating triumph that was conducted with a running clock … Key contributor for an offensive unit that scored 711 points during the course of the 2015 campaign, an average of 50.8 per contest … Defensively, starred as a linebacker on a unit that surrendered only 159 points all season (11.4 ppg) … In the title game, was credited with a team-high nine tackles, including four for lost yardage, a sack, forced fumble and a recovered fumble … Guided the Christians to a district-clinching title in mid-October by racking up 148 rushing yards and catching an 87-pass in the first half against Cedar Creek Christian (before finishing with 175 ground yards on 14 attempts during an eventual 61-18 win) … Averaged 6.1 yards per carry as a sophomore (757 yards and 16 TDs on 125 carries) after significantly contributing to UC’s state championship in 2012 … Played as an eighth-grader before earning initial starting assignment as a freshman … Classified as a three-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com … Earned national ratings as a cornerback, standing No. 38 nationally at position according to 247Sports.com (46th by ESPN.com)… Ranked as the 55 overall prospect in the state of Florida by 247Sports.com … Offer list reportedly surpassed 20 schools according to scouting outlets, which included Louisville, Maryland, Utah, Colorado, Mississippi State and Wisconsin … Also lettered in track, establishing personal records (PRs) in the 100 meters (11.90), 200 meters (24.30) and long jump (19-11.75). Personal: Son of Hussein Sr. and Nia Howe. Thumbnail source: ECU Media Relations. [Listed 02.03.16]

EMMANUEL JONES (6-3, 180) WR/CB, Asheboro (NC) ... Recruited primarily by defensive coordinator/secondary coach Rick Smith. ... Committed to ECU after receiving offers from Charlotte, N.C. State, Purdue and West Virginia. ... Had 23 catches for 601 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013 as a sophomore on the varsity for coach Owen George. ... Ran for 46 yards with a TD that season. ... Had 11 tackles and two interceptions defensively as a soph. ... Had 40 receptions for 693 yards and eight scores as a junior. ... A two-time all-conference selection in basketball. ... The Blue Comets compiled a 9-4 record in 2014. ... Pirates must decide which side of the ball Jones will be utilized. ... Teammate Nick Coe, a defensive end, is being recruited by ECU and others. ... Jones committed to the Pirates after a campus visit. [Listed 07.30.15]

RONDRE KNOWLES-TENER (6-1, 285) DT, Liberty Christian Academy, Lynchburg, VA ... Knowles-Tener moved to the United States from the Bahamas when he was 16 years old to develop his football abilities. ... He was recruited by East Carolina defensive line coach Marc Yellock. ... Knowles-Tener also had an offer from Elon. ... Showing interest were James Madison, Liberty, Pitt and Wake Forest. ... Knowles-Tener has started for two seasons for the Bulldogs, who are coached by former Penn State quarterback Frank Rocco. ... Knowles-Tener attended camp at ECU on June 7 and received an offer from the Pirates on June 9. ... He committed to ECU on June 19. ... Liberty Christian was 5-3 in 2014, according to MaxPreps. [Listed 07.02.15] — Knowles-Tener has withdrawn his commitment to ECU and pledged to James Madison.

DRE MASSEY (last year's profile) (6-0, 185) WR/RB, Holmes Community College, Goodman, MS ... Massey initially committed to ECU on Jan. 20, 2014 but subsequently enrolled at Holmes (MS) Community College after playing at Mauldin (SC) High School. ... He has since reaffirmed his commitment to the Pirates although he reportedly has offers from Cincinnati, Memphis and Middle Tennessee. ... Massey also reportedly has said he would entertain offers from "bigger schools." ... Massey has added about 20 pounds since high school. ... He is rated as a three-star recruit. ... Massey primarily played running back for a Holmes team coached by Jeff Koonz. ... Massey gained 503 yards on 41 carries last season with four touchdowns. ... He also had five catches for 64 yards with one score for the 4-5 Bulldogs. ... Massey's most recent commitment to the Pirates was reported April 24. ... Massey played quarterback and cornerback in helping the Mauldin Mavericks, his high school team, to a 7-5 record and a Big 16 playoff berth in 2013. ... He was projected as a wide receiver for the Pirates and possibly a wildcat quarterback. ... Massey completed 206 of 324 passes for 2,793 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2013. ... His 245 rushes produced 2,043 yards and 34 scores. ... Massey helped the North to a 38-21 win in South Carolina's North-South All Star game with 72 yards rushing. He had a 10-yard scoring run and threw a 74-yard touchdown pass. ... Massey had an offer from Marshall as well as interest from Charlotte, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, N.C. State, Old Dominion, Oregon State, South Carolina and Virginia Tech before heading to junior college. ... Ran 40 yards in 4.34 seconds coming out of high school. ... Massey had over 3,500 total yards as a quarterback and punt returner during his junior season. ... A home visit from inside receivers coach Donnie Kirkpatrick was influential in his college choice initially. ... Koonz noted that no one caught Massey from behind this past season. [Listed 05.03.15] (Image source: holmesathletics.com) — Massey withdrew  his commitment to ECU and signed with Florida.

GARDNER MINSHEW (6-2, 215) QB, Northwest Mississippi Community College ... Minshew played one year on the junior college level, leading Northwest Mississippi to a national championship. ... He announced his commitment after a visit to campus the weekend of April 30. ... Minshew is expected to compete for the starting assignment at quarterback with senior Philip Nelson, a former starter at Minnesota. ... Minshew had an offer from Buffalo and Southern Miss was recruiting him for its 2017 class. ... The Pirates needed a quarterback after Kurt Benkert transferred to Virginia after spring practice in 2016. ... Minshew completed over 60 percent of his passes for the Rangers in 2015, accounting for 3,288 yards through the air with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. ... Minshew expects to enroll at ECU this month. ... He will have four years to play three seasons for the Pirates. ... Northwest is coached by Benjy Parker. ... Stan Hill is offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach of the Rangers. ... As a senior at Brandon (MS) High School in 2014, Minshew completed 243 of 395 passes for 3,541 yards with 32 touchdowns and three interceptions. ... The Bulldogs, coached by Brad Peterson, went 12-2 overall and 7-0 in Region 3, advancing to the state semifinals in the 6-A division before losing to Oak Grove, 36-35. [Listed 05.02.16]

AUBRY PAYNE (6-4, 225) OLB/TE, Locust Grove (GA) High School ... Payne committed to East Carolina on Sept. 7 after an unofficial visit on July 25. ... He received offers from Cincinnati, Georgia State and Presbyterian. ... Florida State showed recruiting interest. ... Offensive coordinator Dave Nichol of the Pirates was listed as Payne's primary recruiter. ... Payne helped the Locust Grove Wildcats to a 2-0 start in 2015. ... He had two catches for 62 yards in a 37-20 season-opening win at Ola on Aug. 28. ... Payne made two catches for 45 yards in a 57-17 win at Union Grove on Sept. 4. ... 40-yard time is 5.13 seconds. ... He caught 15 passes for 209 yards and had five touchdowns for an 8-3 team as a junior in 2014. ... Payne had 21 tackles and one sack at defensive end. ... The Wildcats are coached by Clint Satterfield. [Listed 09.09.15] — Payne was not among ECU's announced list of recruits as he signed with Western Carolina.

BRANDEN PENA (6-3, 290) OL, Hartnell College, Salinas, CA ... Scout.com reported that Pena committed to East Carolina on March 30, 2016, as a recent addition to the signing class that was brought aboard the Pirate ship in February. ... Pena was a first-team Golden Coast All-Conference selection after helping the Hartnell Panthers, coached by Matt Collins, to a 10-1 record with a 41-28 win over Contra Costa in the Living Breath Foundation Bowl in 2015. ... Hartnell was 9-2 in Pena's freshman season in 2014 with a bowl loss to Contra Costa. ... The Panthers had 531 yards of total offense in the bowl win that completed Pena's junior college career. ... Hartnell has an enrollment of approximately 16,000. ... Pena played on the high school level at North Salinas and made all conference in basketball in the Monterey Bay Pacific league as a junior. ... Pena also received offers from Georgia State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Northern Colorado, Robert Morris and Southeastern Louisiana. [Listed 03.30.16]

JALEN PRICE (6-3, 290) DT, Riverside High School, Williamston ... Price was offered by Elon and North Carolina Central. ... Appalachian State, Charlotte, Old Dominion, N.C. State and Wake Forest had shown interest. ... Knights were 6-7 in 2014. ... Price had 40 solo tackles as a junior and 10 assists. ... Riverside is coached by Asim McGill. ... East Carolina's recruiting effort was spearheaded by associate head coach and inside linebackers coach John Wiley as well as defensive line coach Marc Yellock. ... Price committed to the Pirates on June 20. [Listed 07.02.15]

CHANCE PURVIS (6-3, 225) OLB/DE, Meridian (MS) Lamar School ... Purvis was primarily recruited by East Carolina defensive line coach Deke Adams, a Meridian native. ... Purvis had 107 tackles, including 27 for losses, six sacks and four fumble recoveries for an 8-4 team as a senior in 2015. ... Purvis blocked three kicks, returning one for a touchdown. ... Mac Barnes coaches the Raiders. ... Purvis is rated No. 109 among outside linebackers in the Class of 2016 nationally by 24/7 Sports. ... He is listed as the No. 39 overall prospect in the state of Mississippi. ... Lamar won the MSIA 3-A Division 2 state championship when Purvis was a sophomore. ... Selected to the MAIS All-Star football game as a senior. ... Three two-year programs -- East Central Community College, Southwest Mississippi Community College and Jones County Junior College -- made offers to Purvis. ... He reportedly considered walking on at South Carolina, where Adams coached the defensive line last year, as well as Baylor and Southern Miss. [Listed 01.26.16]

RAEQUAN PURVIS (6-2, 260) ILB, Plymouth (N.C.) High School ... Purvis was instrumental in helping the Vikings to the 2015 NCHSAA 1-A state championship. ... Plymouth topped Robbinsville 28-20 in the state final. ... Purvis had 157 tackles as a senior. ... He had 40 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2015. ... Purvis has a 4.8-second clocking for 40 yards. ... Plymouth is coached by Robert Cody. ... Purvis committed enthusiastically when ECU made an offer to him on Jan. 30. [Listed 02.01.16]

AARON RAMSEUR (6-1, 220) LB, Shelby Crest ... Ramseur became the first commitment for East Carolina since Scottie Montgomery officially became head coach of the Pirates. ... Ramseur also had offers from Campbell and Toledo. ... Ramseur played for a 16-0 Crest Chargers team as a senior. ... Crest defeated Southern Durham 55-21 for the NCHSAA 3-AA championship. ... Ramseur had 55 solo tackles, 105 assists, one interception, five fumble recoveries and caused two fumbles in 2015. ... He was selected to the North Carolina Shrine Bowl team which defeated South Carolina, 54-39. ... The Chargers are coached by Will Clark. [Listed 01.08.16]

D'ANTE SMITH (6-5, 290), OL, Grovetown (GA) High School ... Smith initially committed to Appalachian State and had a dozen offers, including Illinois, Louisiana-Monroe and Tulane, before East Carolina's new staff entered the picture. ... Pirates offensive line coach Geep Wade developed a relationship with Wade and retiring Grovetown coach Rodney Holder. ... Smith was offered by ECU on Jan. 21 and committed during a campus visit the ensuing weekend. ... Smith wrestled for the Warriors after transferring to Grovetown following his freshman football season at Laney High in Georgia. ... Smith won't turn 18 until next June. ... Played on the Georgia squad in the Border III Bowl, which resulted in a 35-21 win over South Carolina. ... Smith was invited to the Georgia Elite Junior Classic as am 11th-grader. ... Started at left tackle as a sophomore. ... Has a 3.2 grade average. ... Grovetown was 5-5 in 2015. ... First-team all-county selection. ... Pirates running backs coach Antonio King also was involved in Smith's recruitment. [Listed 01.26.16]

JAVONTAY SMITH (6-0, 181) S, Carver High School, Columbus, GA ... Rated a three-star prospect. ... Scout.com reported that Smith had offers from Alabama, Central Florida, Indiana, Louisville, LSU, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Florida, UCLA and Virginia Tech before casting his lot with ECU after a visit on Jan. 29. ... Kenwick Thompson and Rick Smith spearheaded Smith's recruitment for ECU. ... He has a 4.62-second clocking for 40 yards. ... The Tigers, coached by Dell McGee, were 9-2 in 2015. [Listed 02.01.16]

KENYON TAYLOR (6-2, 180) CB/WR, Southern Guilford High School ... Taylor has excelled at strong safety and receiver on the high school level and also has the tools to be a rangy cornerback at the next level. ... Taylor had previously committed to Old Dominion. ... Taylor also had an offer from Army. ... UNC-Chapel Hill showed recruiting interest after Taylor had an impressive performance at a Tar Heels camp in mid-June. ... Taylor was at Southern Guilford as a freshman and sophomore. ... He reportedly was at Hopewell High in Huntersville in 2014 and has transferred back to Southern Guilford for his senior season. ... The Southern Guilford Storm, coached by Darryl Brown, compiled a 13-1 record in 2014. ... Taylor cast his lot with the Pirates on June 24. ... He has run 40 yards in 4.79 seconds. [Listed 07.02.15; updated 07.06.15]

ALEX TURNER (6-3, 280) DT, Houston (TX) Jersey Village High School ... Turner is the second commitment secured by the Pirates since Scottie Montgomery became coach. ... He chose East Carolina over Lamar, Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee State after a campus visit the weekend of Jan. 16. ... Turner earned first-team all-district recognition as a junior and was a second-team selection in 2015. ... The Falcons were 3-8 under coach David Snokhous last season. ... Jersey Village was 6-4 in 2014. ... The Falcons' colors are purple and gold. ... Kenwick Thompson and Deke Adams were involved in recruiting Turner. ... He has a 5.47-second clocking for 40 yards and a 22-inch vertical jump. ... He has bench pressed 400 pounds and squat-lifted 600. [Listed 01.20.16]

JAKE VERITY (6-2, 170) K/P. Bremen High School, Bremen, GA ... Verity accepted a scholarship offer from East Carolina on Feb. 7 after a campus visit on Feb. 5. ... Alabama-Birmingham also offered and Marshall reportedly showed recruiting interest. ... Pirates special teams coach Shannon Moore was instrumental in Verity's recruitment. ... Verity visited Marshall on Jan. 29. ... ECU will have Verity on full scholarship. ... Verity made a 63-yard free kick field goal in a 17-14 win over Rockmart in September, the second longest in Georgia history and the 11th longest ever nationally. ... The Bremen Blue Devils, coached by Scott Hodges, were 4-7 in 2015. [Listed 02.08.16]

ANTHONY WATLEY (6-3, 225) TE, University Christian, Jacksonville, FL ... Committed to East Carolina on Feb. 1. ... ECU special teams coordinator Shannon Moore is listed as the primary recruiter for Watley. ... Pirates offensive coordinator Tony Petersen also was influential. ... Watley received offers from Marshall, Alcorn State, Appalachian State, Charlotte, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee Martin, Troy, Central Florida and Valdosta State. ... Miami of Florida reportedly showed interest. ... Watley visited ECU on Jan. 29. ... The Christians, coached by David Penland, were 11-3 in 2015. [Listed 02.01.16]

ERIC WEBER (6-3, 215) TW, Blythewood (SC) High School ... Weber committed to the Pirates on Jan. 31. ... Defensive line coach Deke Adams was ECU's primary recruiter. ... Weber also had an offer from South Carolina State. ... Weber received an offer from the Pirates on Jan. 22. ... Weber made an official visit to East Carolina on Jan. 29. ... Dan Morgan coached Weber and the Blythewood Bengals to a 9-4 record in 2015. ... Weber was part of a late recruiting flurry by first-year head coach of the Pirates, Scottie Montgomery. ... Weber was one of six commitments over the weekend of Jan. 29. [Listed 02.01.16]

PAGE UPDATED 05/09/16 12:15 AM.