Zion Cooley wasn't very familiar with East Carolina football when the Pirates extended a scholarship offer on January 23, 2024. "I really didn't know anything other than their team color is purple,'' said Cooley, who would receive an accelerated course on ECU football over the next four-and-a-half months. The knowledge he gained convinced the 6-foot-4, 225-pound edge rusher … [Read more...]
News & Features
VIEW FROM THE EASTMemphis favored in AAC football
Preseason publications and oddsmakers have established Memphis as the favorite in American Athletic Conference football. In a landmark year in college football with expanded playoffs, there will be a new AAC champion as Southern Methodist has moved to the ACC. A $100 wager on the Tigers will pay $230 if they win the AAC championship on Dec. 6. East Carolina will pay … [Read more...]
CLASS OF 2025 RECRUITING FEATUREPirates deposit “Cash” in the bank
Johnny Williams was playing Pop Warner football when Caleb King first laid eyes on him. King had already coached Williams' older brother, Josh, at Havelock (NC) High School. Josh Williams was a two-way standout for the Rams' 2018 squad, rushing for 826 yards and making 123 tackles for a 13-1 team that reached the state 3-A finals. But one look at Johnny Williams and King … [Read more...]
VIEW FROM THE EASTBlack Knights come marching into AAC
The volume of teams involved in changing membership in the American Athletic Conference is greatly diminished from a year ago, but the newest arrival brings a high degree of tradition and national attention. The AAC expands with the addition of Army for football only. It's a much smaller scale than when Alabama Birmingham, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice … [Read more...]
A GLIMPSE AT THE RECRUITING HORIZON2025 linebackers on ECU’s radar
East Carolina absorbed some significant losses via graduation and the transfer portal at the linebacker positions following the 2023 season, including starter Teylor Jackson and former four-star prospect RaRa Dillworth. The Pirates are also scheduled to see projected 2024 starters Mike Edwards and Kingston McKinstry complete their eligibility next fall. Those combined … [Read more...]