Desirrio Riles was five years old the first time David Penland III saw him play football. "He was always the bigger guy on the field,'' Penland said. "I just knew later in his career that he was going to be a really good football player.'' That early assessment has come true as Riles played in his first varsity game as an eighth grader at University Christian, where he'd … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]