From legendary Carlester Crumpler to record-setting Junior Smith to elusive athletes such as Chris Johnson and Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina has established a tradition of producing stellar running backs. Mitchell, who ranks third on the ECU career rushing list with 3,027 yards, is the latest back to achieve stardom with the Pirates and take his talents to the NFL. The … [Read more...]
Glimpse at the Recruiting Horizon
Glimpse at the Recruiting Horizon
2025 QBs on ECU radar
East Carolina's quarterback room seems to be fully stocked for the next couple of seasons, thanks to the additions made during the Class of 2024 recruiting cycle. But that hasn't stopped the Pirates' pursuit of quarterback talent as they turn their attention to the Class of 2025. At least 11 high school quarterbacks have acknowledged scholarship offers from ECU via posts on … [Read more...]
Defensive Class Report Card
ECU’s seasoned defensive unit gets reinforcements
While the focus was on East Carolina's deficiencies on offense during the 2023 season, the Pirates' defense quietly became one of the best units in the American Athletic Conference. ECU allowed 341.3 yards per game to rank second among AAC teams in total defense, was third in rushing defense (122.2), fourth in passing defense (219.2) and fourth in scoring defense (219.2). … [Read more...]
ABSOLUTE EMPOWERMENT
Jeff Connors with ECU coach Cliff Godwin
Watch this special “Absolute Empowerment” episode of the The Sports Objective‘s series of YouTube clips. East Carolina coach Cliff Godwin joins Strength and Conditioning Coaches Hall of Famer and former ECU strength coach Jeff Connors. Godwin opens up with Connors about the intersection of faith with various stages of his life and the role faith has played in his 10 years of … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EAST
Pirates preparing for spring football
Since a 2-10 season in 2023, East Carolina coach Mike Houston has focused forward with changes designed to improve areas where the Pirates struggled last year, specifically on offense. "It's good to have a little bit of cool weather here the last couple of days," Houston said at a news conference on Wednesday that addressed the state of the program. "The kids appreciated … [Read more...]