Struggles dealing with COVID-19 and other issues led Jonathan Stokes to consider giving up football after his freshman year at Randleman (NC) High School. "My freshman year, it was like a big change from middle school speed to high school,'' Stokes said. "That was also when COVID was big and it kind of set me back a little bit. So, I was thinking about quitting. "Coach … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTWilson Raynor’s unique view
No one has looked at East Carolina athletics like Wilson Raynor has. In his role as long snapper for the Pirates in football from 2005 to 2008, he saw things upside down before initiating punts and field goals. In his present avocation as a baseball umpire, he has seen pitches through a mask when calling behind the plate, including the Keith LeClair Classic earlier this … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EAST‘Mags’ returns with memories, aspirations
In a sense, Damon Magazu never left East Carolina. After an outstanding playing career for the Pirates from 2010 to 2013, he spent some time in the work world as a corporate head hunter, applying his degree from ECU in business administration. But he realized that football was still his passion and he got into coaching as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 2016 and … [Read more...]
Glimpse at the Recruiting Horizon2025 RBs on ECU’s radar
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 Horizon2025 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...]