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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

East Carolina produced the lowest amount of passing yards in 30 years during the 2023 season, and the fewest passing touchdowns in almost four decades. ALEX FLINN, MASON GARCIA and RAHEIM JETER combined for 1,967 passing yards, or 163.9 yards per game to rank 120th out of 130 Football Bowl Subdivision programs last season. Their combined seven touchdown throws tied for last … [Read more...]