East Carolina replenished some significant parts of its football roster Wednesday as 20 newcomers joined the program on the opening day of college football's early signing period. The signing class is highlighted by four prominent wide receiver prospects and a highly decorated quarterback from Kentucky. Cole Hodge just led the Christian Academy of Louisville to a state … [Read more...]
ECU Recruiting NewsECU snatches late addition from Hoosiers
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...]
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...]