After Chris Rusiewicz was named head football coach at Northwest Guilford High in Greensboro, NC, last January, he naturally began watching game film from the 2022 season to evaluate the Vikings' returning personnel. One particular highlight confirmed the former college head coach had made the right decision to pursue the Northwest Guilford job. The game in early October … [Read more...]
ECU Recruiting NewsLate pitch lures lineman with pedigree
The surname McCrimon is synonymous with athleticism and winning in Florida's Osceola County. Located just south of Orlando and serving as a "gateway'' to some of Florida's major tourist attractions such as Disney World, the county seat is the city of Kissimmee. And Kissimmee is home to one of the state's oldest high schools, Osceola High, which was established in … [Read more...]
Recruiting Evaluation Part 2: DefenseReport card: Quality talent fills big holes
East Carolina has lost at least 13 defensive players to the transfer portal or due to the expiration of eligibility to date. The group combined to make 210 starts during their careers with the Pirates, and included multi-year stalwarts such as Gerard Stringer, Xavier Smith, Myles Berry and Malik Fleming. Finding immediate or future replacements for so many veterans required … [Read more...]
Recruiting Evaluation Part 1: OffenseReport card: Pirates reload at skill spots
East Carolina's football roster will have experienced a significant turnover by the time the 2023 season kicks off next September 2nd at Michigan. Because of expired eligibility, exits via the NCAA Transfer Portal and others departing for a shot at the NFL, the Pirates will be missing 29 players who were part of an 8-5 finish highlighted by a big victory against Coastal … [Read more...]
ECU Recruiting NewsTowering lineman Neolian still honing skills (updated)
Editor's note: Story updated to indicate that four offensive linemen are signed or have committed to be a part of ECU's recruiting class of 2023. Marleo Neolien is a classic example of the "late bloomer'' when it comes to football. Raised on the South Shore of Long Island in the village of Freeport, and just outside of New York City where basketball is king, Neolien's … [Read more...]


