Thumbnail Sketches by Al Myatt
Click on LINKED NAMES for full-length feature profiles by Sammy Batten
Number of signees or commitments to date: Pending
Note: Thumbnail sketches displayed in red font are for previously committed players whose recruiting statuses have changed.
SAMMY BATTEN’S CLASS OF 2024 REPORT CARDS
• ECU’s seasoned defensive unit gets reinforcements
• Pirates load up offensive talent at key positions
DARIUS BELL (6-4, 315) OL, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Maine … Bell transferred to East Carolina after playing at Maine, which competes in the Football Championship Subdivision . … He signed with the Black Bears on Aug. 1, 2021, after finishing up on the high school level at Clearwater Academy International in Florida. … Before going to Clearwater, Bell played at St. Thomas More and earned All-Canadian honors. … Bell entered the transfer portal on Dec. 6 and committed to the Pirates on Dec. 20. ,,, He redshirted in 2021. Bell saw action in nine games in 2022 with seven starts. … Bell played offensive left tackle and right guard at Maine … His career stats include 979 snaps and 17 starts at Maine. … Allowed just 14 pressures over his last eight games at Maine in 2023. … Bell will be expected to contend for playing time on an offensive front that will have a new coach, Matt Mattox. … Bell will have two years of eligibility at ECU. (Image source: 247sports.com)
O’MEGA BLAKE (6-2, 180) WR, Rock Hill, SC, University of South Carolina … Blake played on the high school level at South Pointe. … He signed with the Gamecocks Dec. 10, 2020. … Blake received the co-Most Improved award for his efforts in spring practice at South Carolina in 2023. … Also played quarterback and cornerback in high school. … Made the South Carolina Football Coaches Association 4-A All-State team as a wide receiver his senior season. … Won the region high jump championship at South Pointe and helped the basketball team to a state championship. … Was majoring in services management at South Carolina. … Had 19 catches for 250 yards with two touchdowns for the Gamecocks in 2023. … Blake entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4 and committed to the Pirates on Dec. 19. … Blake will look to contribute in an offensive attack directed by new coordinator John David Baker. (Image source: 247sports.com)
ZACK BOEHLY (6-5, 278) Plantation, FL, Cardinal Gibbons High School … Boehly committed to East Carolina on Nob. 11 after receiving offers from Appalachian State, Boston College, Coastal Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia State, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pittsburgh, South Florida, Syracuse, Toledo, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan. … Defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach Jules Montinar was the primary recruiter for Boehly with former offensive line coach Allen Mogridge serving in a secondary role. … Boehly signed with ECU on Dec. 20. … Played left and right tackle for Gibbons during a 9-4 season as a senior. … Member of the 4-A state championship team in 2021. … Chiefs went 31-8 under coach Matt DeBuc over the last three seasons. … Rated a 3-star prospect. … First team All Broward County as a junior. … Rated No. 125 nationally among offensive linemen by ESPN.com. (Image source: 247sports.com)
TORIN BRAZELL (6-2, 250) DE, Bradford High School, Starke, FL … Brazell was offered by East Carolina on Jan. 22 and made an official visit on Jan. 26. … Brazell committed on Jan. 28 and signed with the Pirates on Feb. 7. … Helped Bradford to a 36-15 record over four seasons. … Played tight end on offense but is projected as an edge rusher at ECU. … His numbers for 46 games included 254 tackles, including 180 solo stops, 71 tackles for losses and 26.5 sacks. … Had 10 pass breakups and forced 12 fumbles. … Had two interceptions for touchdowns against Eastside. … Member of the basketball team that won the state 1-A championship when Brazell was a freshman. … Brazell had offers from Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Arkansas State, Bethune-Cookman, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, North Alabama, Ohio, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan. (Image source: 247sports.com)
TRENTON CLOUD (6-1, 170) WR, Northwest Guilford High School, Greensboro … Cloud committed to East Carolina on March 13 after receiving offers from Appalachian State, Boston College, Charlotte, Duke, Eastern Michigan, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, South Alabama, Wake Forest and West Virginia. … Rated a 3-star prospect. … ECU defensive tackles coach Roy Tesh was the primary recruiter for Cloud with running backs coach Re’quan Boyette working in a secondary role. … The Pirates offered Cloud on Sept. 22, 2022. … Cloud helped Northwest Guilford to a 10-3 overall record in 2022. The 4-A Vikings were 6-1 in conference play. … Northwest reached the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs before falling, 35-14, at Weddington. … Cloud had 71 catches for 1,003 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. (Image source: 247sports.com)
RYHEEM CRAIG (6-3, 235) DE, Taylorsville (NC) via Louisville … Craig played on the high school level at Alexander Central. … Craig signed with Louiville on Dec. 16, 2020. … He entered the transfer portal on Dec. 5, 2023 and committed to East Carolina on Dec. 16, 2023. … Craig will have two years of eligibility remaining. … Played for Butch Carter at Alexander Centrall, where he was rated a 3-star prospect and No. 59 overall in North Carolina. … Chose Louisville over Boston College, Appalachian State, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, N.C. State, Syracuse, Tennessee and Western Kentucky. … Was in on three tackles in 2023 with one solo stop for the Cardinals. … Craig was in on five stops in 2022. … Had a sack against Boston College during a redshirt year in 2021. (Image source: 247sports.com)
TRANEL ‘T.J.’ ENGLEMAN (5-9, 180) RB, Hughes High School, Cincinnati … Engleman committed to East Carolina on June 25 after an official visit on June 22. … His primary recruiter is ECU running backs coach Re’quan Boyette with special teams coordinator/defensive ends/linebackers coach Tim Daoust serving in a secondary role. … Engleman received offers from Akron, Army, Austin Peay, Boston College, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cornell, Dartmouth, Eastern Michigan, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Kentucky, Miami of Ohio, South Florida, Toledo and Western Kentucky. … Rated a 3-star prospect. … Engleman helped the Hughes Big Red to a 6-4 record in 2022. … Was committed as a sophomore to Georgia Tech. (Image source: 247sports.com)
ERIC FLETCHER (6-1, 188) CB, Dunbar High School, Fort Myers, FL … Fletcher visited East Carolina on June 22 and committed to the Pirates on June 28. … Jules Molinar, ECU defensive passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach, is the primary recruiter for Fletcher, who received offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Bethune-Cookman, Indiana, Liberty, Marshall, Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina A&T, Purdue, South Florida, Temple and Toledo. … Fletcher helped Dunbar to a 10-2 record in 2022 with 30 receptions for 431 yards and seven touchdowns. … He had one carry for 15 yards as a junior for coach Sam Brown, whose team was 4-0 in district play. … Pirates like Fletcher’s future as a defender. … The Tigers reached the semifinals of the Florida 3 S playoffs before losing 30-23 to Daytona Beach Mainland. … Fletcher has run 100 yards in 10.68 seconds in track. (Image source: 247sports.com)
GAVIN GIBSON (5-11, 182) CB, Maryland … Gibson had 36 tackles in two seasons at Maryland. … He was a teammate of current East Carolina defensive back Isaiah Brown-Murray at Hough High School in Charlotte. … Gibson was a 3-star prospect coming out of Hough. … He initially committed to Navy. … Gibson took visits to Boston College and Tulane before choosing the Terrapins. … Also had an offer from Virginia. … He has two years of eligibility remaining. … Played 197 snaps for Maryland in 2022 and 118 snaps in 2023. … His playing time was reduced in the latter stages last season. … Had a pass break-up in a bowl win over N.C. State in 2022. … Credited with four tackles, including three solos, against Illinois in 2023. … Rated a top 25 recruit in North Carolina as a high school senior. … Currently enrolled at ECU. (Image source: 247sports.com)
DEMARIUS HINES (6-0, 180) S, Westlake High School, Atlanta … Hines received offers from Akron, Alabama-Birmingham, Appalachian State, Army, Austin Peay, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, Delaware, Eastern Michigan, Georgia State, Kent State, Massachesetts, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Mississippi Valley State, Northern Arizona, Old Dominion, Toledo and Tulane. … East Carolina safeties coach Tripp Weaver was the primary recruiter for Hines, who committed to the Pirates on June 24. … ECU defensive coordinator Blake Harrell assisted in the recruiting of Hines, who visited campus on June 22 after an offer from the Pirates on May 16. … Hines had 50 solo tackles with 35 assists, five tackles for loss and an interception in 2022 for a 9-4 Westlake team coached by Maurico Zackery. (Image source: 247sports.com)
COLE HODGE (6-2, 193) QB, Christian Academy of Louisville … Hodge is a 3-star prospect who was primarily recruited by East Carolina offensive coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick. … He received an offer from ECU in February, made a second campus visit on June 8 and announced his commitment on June 13 after considering offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Army, Ball State, Central Michigan, Charlotte, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia Southern, Liberty, Marshall, Memphis, Miami of Ohio and Western Michigan. … Hodge visited Central Michigan on June 2. … Hodge threw 48 touchdown passes with only four interceptions in leading the Centurions to a 15-0 record and a 3-A state championship with a 38-0 win over Bardstown in the final. … Chris Redman is Hodge’s quarterback coach at Christian Academy-Louisville.
KATIN HOUSER (6-3, 215) QB, Bellflower, CA, Michigan State … Played on the high school level at the prominent St. John Bosco program, where he was a consensus 4-star prospect. … Helped the Braves to a 10-2 record and a No. 7 national ranking by MaxPreps. … Was a member of a state championship team at Liberty High in Nevada as a sophomore. … Houser was majoring in Kinesiology at Michigan State. … Saw action in 11 games for the Spartans in 2023, completing 112 of 191 passes for 1,130 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. … Had 49 keepers for a net of 12 yards with two TDs. … Entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4 and committed to East Carolina on Dec. 16. … Enrolled at MSU in January, 2022 and took part in spring practice. … Played six snaps against Akron as a true freshman with a 13-yard run for a first down. (Image source: 247sports.com)
JAKE GARCIA (6-3, 203) QB, Missouri … Garcia did not see action for Missouri last season after transferring from Miami. … He was rated a 4-star prospect when he came out of Grayson High School in Loganville, GA. … His offers included Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Southern California, Tennessee and Texas. … He chose Miami of Florida. … In his redshirt freshman season with the Hurricanes in 2022, Garcia played in eight games, completing 68 of 115 passes for 803 yards with five touchdowns. … He made his first collegiate start at Virginia in 2022 and helped Miamito a 14-12, winb in four overtimes as Garcia completed 15 of 31 for 125 yards. … Garcia is a native of Whittier, CA, where Richard Nixon spent much of his youth. … Played on a state 7-A championship team at Loganville-Grayson in Georgia. (Image source: 247sports.com)
CASEY KELLY (6-3, 245) TE, Oregon … Kelly began his college career at Ole Miss where current East Carolina offensive coordinator John David Baker was coaching. … Helped Oregon to a 12-2 record in 2023. … Kelly had five catches for 43 yards with two touchdowns for the Ducks. … Kelly also received an offer from Texas A&M after entering the transfer portal. … Played 268 snaps at Oregon … Entered the portal for the second time on Jan. 5 and committed to East Carolina on Jan. 16. … Played 368 snaps at Ole Miss in 2022. … Played at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, throwing for 2,155 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. … Nephew of former Buffalo quarterback Jim Kelly. … Also played basketball and was a lacrosse standout in high school. … Hometown is listed as Niagara Falls. … Younger brother of former Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly, who helped Toronto to the Grey Cup in the Canadian Football League in 2022. (Image source: 247sports.com)
CHAR’QUEZ LEE (6-1, 200) LB, Palmetto High School, Miami, FL … A 3-star prospect, Lee received offers from Akron, Alabama-Birmingham, Appalachian State, Bowling Green, Central Florida, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia State, Illinois, Indiana, Liberty, Marshall, South Alabama, Syracuse, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan before committing to East Carolina on July 3. … Visited ECU on June 22. … Pirates made an offer on May 9. … Rated No. 102 among linebackers nationally. … Played last two seasons at LaSalle before transferring to Palmetto. … Led a 4-6 Lions team in tackles in 2022 with 60 solos and 40 assists. … Also had one interception and one fumble recovery. … Joins a Palmetto program that was 6-6 and reached the second round of the playoffs last year. (Image source: 247sports.com)
OMARION LEWIS (6-2, 190) S, Tarboro … Lewis had five interceptions in 2022 for a 13-2 Tarboro team that finished with a 20-7 loss to Mount Airy in the NCHSAA 1-A championship at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. … Lewis had 46 solo tackles and 17 assists as a junior as well as six pass deflections and a fumble recovery. … Lewis made an impression at a prospect camp at ECU on June 11 and received an offer from the Pirates at that time. … He visited campus officially on June 22 and committed to ECU on June 25. … Lewis also received offers from North Carolina Central, Old Dominion and The Citadel. … Pirates safeties coach Tripp Weaver was the primary recruiter with offensive coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick serving in a secondary capacity. … The Vikings open the 2023 season at Rocky Mount on Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. … Tarboro downed the Gryphons, 35-7, last year. (Image source: 247sports.com)
DILLON LORICK (6-1, 180) WR, Lipscomb Academy, Nashville, TN … Lorick visited East Carolina on June 22 and committed to the Pirates on June 25. … ECU had made an offer on April 10. … Primary recruiter for Lorick was Pirates outside receivers coach Dyrell Roberts. … Lorick selected ECU over offers that included Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Charlotte, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Furman, Georgia Southern, Howard, Kent State. Marshall, Miami of Ohio, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee Martin, Tennessee State, Troy, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan. … Lorick helped Lipscomb to the Division II 2-A state championship with a 42-0 win over Christ Presbyterian in the final as the Mustangs finished 13-0. … Lorick averaged 12.4 minutes, 2.8 points and 2.2 rebounds for a 15-14 team in basketball. (Image source: 247sports.com)
ELIJAH McDOWELL (6-3, 180) CB, South Gwinnett High School, Snellville, GA … Boarded the Pirate ship with a commitment on June 26. … McDowell was offered by East Carolina during a campus visit on June 22. … Defensive pass game coordinator Jules Montinar was the primary recruiter with tight ends/inside receivers coach Aaron Auer working in a supporting role. … McDowell also received offers from Akron, Arkansas State, Colorado State, Connecticut, Elon, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Miami of Ohio and Middle Tennesee State. … South Gwinnett will be looking to improve on a 4-6 record from 2022. … McDowell had 19 receptions for 269 yards with three touchdowns as a junior for the Comets. (Image source: 247sports.com)
JADEN McKENZIE (6-2, 286) DT, Ohio State … Earned a Shrine Bowl invitation after a stellar career on the high school level at Wake Forest, helping the Cougars to 45 consecutive wins and three straight North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4-AA championships from 2016 to 2018. … Had 20 career tackles for national power Ohio State in 22 games with 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. …. Entered the transfer portal on Dec. 30 and committed to East Carolina on Jan. 14. … Programs that offered McKenzie out of high school included Central Florida, Clemson, Duke, East Carolina (March 15, 2018), Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Memphis, West Virginia and Wisconsin. … McKenzie is expected to add depth and talent to a defensive front that is already considered a team strength. (Image source: 247sports.com)
KEVON MERRELL (6-1, 190) LB, Crisp County High School, Cordele, GA … Merrell received offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Appalachian State, Charlotte, Colorado, Georgia State, Kent State, Kentucky, Liberty, Middle Tennessee State, Navy, South Alabama, South Florida, Southeast Missouri State, Troy, Tulane and Western Kentucky before committing to East Carolina on July 1. … Primary recruiter for ECU was defensive coordinator Blake Harrell with safeties coach Tripp Weaver assisting. … Merrell made a campus visit on June 9. … Rated a 3-star prospect and No. 130 overall in the state of Georgia. … Merrell had 22 solo tackles and 32 assists as Crisp County went 5-6 in 2022. He caused one fumble and had one fumble recovery. (Image source: 247sports.com)
PEYTON REEDER (6-5, 290) OT, Metrolina Christian Academy, Indian Trail … Reeder was recruited by new offensive line coach Allen Mogridge with defensive tackles coach Roy Tesh serving in a secondary capacity. … He committed to East Carolina on June 12 after receiving offers from Army, Brown, Bryant, Campbell, Charlotte, Elon, Furman, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Lehigh, Maine, Marshall, Maryland and Richmond. … Reeder attended Junior Day at ECU on March 25 and received an offer that day. … He made a campus visit on June 8. … Metrolina Christian was 4-6 in Reeder’s junior season. … Reeder was a basketball standout in middle school. … His dad, Thomas Reeder, played first base at Western Carolina. (Image source: 247sports.com)
JA’MARLEY RIDDLE (6-0, 180) S, Camden County High School, Kingsland, GA … Programs that offered Riddle prior to his commitment to East Carolina on Aug. 17 included Army, Charleston Southern, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Mercer, Navy, Northern Iowa, Southeast Missouri State and Tennessee Tech. … ECU safeties coach Tripp Weaver has been the primary recruiter. … Riddle rushed for 568 yards and five touchdowns as a junior in 2022 and had six catches for 98 yards with two TDs. … He had 32 solo tackles, 17 assists, two tackles for loss, one interception and five pass deflections last season as the Wildcats went 8-4 and reached the second round of the Georgia 7-A playoffs. … Also stood out as a special teams performer with 377 yards in kickoff returns and 278 yards in punt returns. … Riddle was an All-Region selection in football and basketball last school year. (Image source: 247sports.com)
SAM RIDDY (6-5, 240) DE, North Charleston (SC) High School … East Carolina made an offer to Riddy on June 20 and he committed to the Pirates on Aug. 8 after receiving offers from Benedict College, Bryant, Charleston Southern, Colgate, Navy, Newberry, North Carolina Central and The Citadel. … Pirates special teams coordinator/defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Tim Daoust was the primary recruiter with assistance from defensive tackles coach Roy Tesh. … Riddy had 17 solo tackles in 2022, with 32 assists, six tackles for loss and three sacks. … On offense, Riddy had seven catches for 49 yards. … Riddy has also competes in track and field with an effort of 40 feet, 10 inches in the shot put in April. He had a 100-meter time of 12.31 seconds in 2022 and also ran a 400-meter in 56.74. … Riddy’s size, speed and athleticism provides considerable potential. … (Image source: 247sports.com)
TIYYAN ROBINSON ((6-4, 230) DE, Durham Hillside High School … Robinson committed to East Carolina on Aug. 19 after receiving offers from Austin Peay, Bowling Green, Charlotte, Eastern Michigan, Florida A&M, Georgia State, Miami of Ohio, North Carolina Central; Ohio, South Florida and Temple. … Robinson made a campus visit on June 22. … Special teams coordinator/defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Tim Daoust was the primary recruiter with running backs coach Re’quan Boyette working in a secondary role. … Robinson had 14 solo tackles, 19 assists, six tackles for loss and two interceptions as the Hornets went 13-1 before losing in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 4-A playoffs. … Robinson had 4.5 tackles for loss as Hillside opened the 2023 season with a 20-12 win at Panther Creek. (Image source: 247sports.com)
QAE’SHON SAPP (6-4, 325) OL, Florida State … Sapp has three years of eligibility remaining after seeing limited playing time in two seasons at Florida State. … Saw action in 2022 against Louisville and in 2023 against Southern Miss. … Committed to Florida A&M after entering the portal but reopened his recruitment after a coaching change for the Rattlers. … Alabama State, Gramblin State and Louisiana Monroe pursued Sapp. … Projected as an interior offensive lineman for East Carolina. … His offers out of Lee County High School in Georgia included Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Duke, ECU, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Mississippi State, N.C. State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Southern California, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. (Image source: 247sports.com)
NICK SLOGIK (6-4, 235) Edge, Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg, PA … Slogik is a 3-star prospect who initially committed to Pitt to play baseball. … He had offers in football from Akron, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Kent State, Marshall, Maryland, Old Dominion, Pennsylvania, Syracuse, Temple and Toldeo before pledging to East Carolina on June 23. … ECU inside receivers/tight ends coach Aaron Auer was the primary recruiter for Slogik, who made a campus visit on June 5. … The Pirates offered Slogik on April 21. … Bishop McDevitt went 13-1 in 2022, winning the state 4-A championship, 41-18, over Alquippa. … Slogik played tight end with five catches for 64 yards with two touchdowns in nine games. … He was credited with seven solo tackles and nine assists on defense with one sack, one pass deflection and one fumble recovery for the Crusaders. (Image source: 247sports.com)
KENDARIUS “K.D.” SMALL (6-5, 305) OL, Tuscaloosa, AL, Southwest Mississippi Community College … Small was initially attracted to East Carolina after seeing the Pirates’ purple and gold uniforms as a kid. … He took an official visit to ECU on Nov. 24 and committed to the Pirates on Nov. 27. … Small received an offer on Oct. 26 from ECU. … Also offering Small out of junior college were Jackson State and Tulsa. … Programs that offered Small out of high school included Akron, Alabama State, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, Lamar, McNeese State, New Mexico, Southern University, Tennessee Martin and Western Kentucky. … Former offensive line coach Allen Mogridge and current O-line coach Matt Mattox were involved in recruiting Small. … Expected to enroll at ECU in January. … Played on the high school level at Tuscaloosa County. … Rated No. 14 among offensive line prospects in Alabama as a high school senior.. (Image source: 247sports.com)
ANTHONY SMITH (6-2, 190) WR, Huntingtown, MD, N.C. State … Enrolled at N.C. State on Aug. 1, 2020, and entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4, 2023. … Smith committed to East Carolina on Dec. 19. … Saw action in 10 games for the Wolfpack in 2023 with two catches for 19 yards. … A Communication major at State who made the ACC Academic honor roll twice. … Set state records in Maryland in the 55-meter and 300-meter in track and field in high school. … Played in eight games in 2020 with a 30-yard touchdown reception against UNC. … Recovered a fumbled punt return against Miami as a true freshman. … Had a 42-yard scoring reception against Furman in 2021. … Missed the last eight games in 2022 with an injury. … Totaled 243 yards in 13 catches at NCSU. (Image source: 247sports.com)
YANNICK SMITH (6-3, 190) WR, Summerville (SC) High School … Smith committed to East Carolina on July 28 after receiving offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Charleston Southern, Charlotte, Chattanooga, East Tennessee State, Elon, Florida A&M, Georgia State, James Madison, Liberty, Miami of Ohio, North Carolina Central, The Citadel and Wofford. … Outside receivers coach Dyrell Roberts was the primary recruiter for the Pirates. … Summerville is coming off an 11-3 season in 2022, reaching the semifinals of the 5-A state playoffs. … Smith had 50 catches for over 700 yards with six touchdowns as a junior for the Green Wave. … Smith averaged 18.5 points in basketball as a sophomore. … ECU made an offer to Smith on May 16. … He made unofficial visits on April 8 and July 27. … Summerville opens the 2023 season at Carolina Forest, the alma mater of Pirates quarterback Mason Garcia, on Aug. 25. (Image source: 247sports.com)
JAYSON TARPEH (6-6, 315) OL, Woodbridge, VA, Lackawanna College … Offensive line coach Matt Mattox was the primary recruiter for Tarpey, who also received offers from Appalachian State and Monmouth. … Tarpey committed to East Carolina on Dec. 19 and signed on Dec. 20. … He had received an offer from the Pirates on Nov. 16 and made an official visit on Nov. 24. … Tarpeh played on the high school level at Freedom and Hylton in Woodbridge, VA, and was in the program at Virginia Military Institute for two seasons before transferring to Lackawanna. … Averaged 15 points in basketball in high school. … Tarpeh visited Appalachian State on Dec. 8 and the Mountaineers made an offer on Dec. 9. … Majored in General Studies at Lackawanna. … Helped the Falcons to a 7-3 record in 2023. … Rated No. 15 nationally among junior college offensive line prospects. … Expected to be on hand for spring drills at ECU after enrolling in January. (Image source: 247sports.com)
SHAIKH THOMPSON (6-4, 235) DL, Hilton Head Island, SC, Hilton Head Island High School … Programs that offered Thompson included Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Elon, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Liberty, Miami of Ohio, Middle Tennessee State, Old Dominion, Rutgers, South Florida, Temple, The Citadel, Troy and West Virginia. … East Carolina special teams coordinator/defensive ends and outside linebackers coach Tim Daoust was the primary recruiter for Thompson with defensive tackles coach Roy Tesh in a secondary role.. … Planning to enroll at ECU in January. … Shrine Bowl selection from South Carolina, which won the 2023 all-star game, 24-0. … Thompson had 116 tackles, with 90 solos and 40 tackles for loss during his junior and senior seasons. … Rated a 3-star prospect and the No. 30 prospect un the state. … Thompson is the No. 97 defensive end nationally in ratings by ESPN.com.. (Image source: 247sports.com by Alan Ivins)
JYRON WAITERS (5-11, 180) WR, Wilson High School, Florence, SC … Programs that offered Waiters included Appalachian State, Central Michigan, Charlotte, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Howard, James Madison, Liberty, Navy, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Old Dominion and The Citadel. … Waiters committed to East Carolina on June 26. … Inside receivers/tight ends coach Aaron Auer was the primary recruiter for Waiters with running backs coach Re’quan Boyette serving in a secondary capacity. … The Pirates offered Waiters on June 19 and he made a campus visit on June 22. … Waiters had 40 catches for 652 yards with 10 touchdowns for a 5-6 team in 2022. He had six carries for 42 yards. … Waiters saw action in 24 games for a Tigers basketball team that went 22-7. (Image source: 247sports.com)
KENNY WALZ (6-5, 300) OT, Manchester High School, Midlothian, VA … Manchester went 11-2 in 2022, reaching the second round of the Class 6 playoffs after going 9-0 in region play. … Walz is rated a 3-star prospect. … He comitted to East Carolina on June 24 after receiving offers from Army, Buffalo, Lehigh, Maine, Marshall, Morgan State, New Hampshire, Norfolk State, Old Dominion and Richmond. … Walz visited ECU on June 8. … He received an offer from the Pirates on May 17. … Offensive line coach Allen Mogridge was the primary recruiter with outside receivers coach Dyrell Roberts serving in a secondary role. … Walz helped a balanced Manchester attack that produced 1,404 yards rushing and 1,397 yards passing in 2022. (Image source: 247sports.com)
DA’MARE WILLIAMS (6-2, 180) ATH, Smoky Mountain High School, Sylva … Williams received offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, Connecticut, Marshall, Miami of Ohio, Virginia Tech and Western Carolina before committing to East Carolina on June 24. … Tripp Weaver, ECU safeties coach, was the primary recruiter with defensive coordinator Blake Harrell contributing in a secondary role. … The Pirates offered Williams on Feb. 9 and he took a campus visit on June 22. … Smoky Mountain went 7-5 in 2022 with a 4-2 record in conference play. … The Mustangs reached the second round of the 3-A playoffs. … Williams had 61 catches for 1,024 yards with 13 touchdowns as a junior. … He ran the ball 26 times for 172 yards and a score. … He had three interceptions on defense, caused three fumbles and had two fumble recoveries. (Image source: 247sports.com)
JAVON WILLIAMS (6-2, 290) DL, Pinellas Park High School, Largo, FL … Williams received offers from Arkansas State, Bethune-Cookman, Central Florida, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, Lafayette, Louisville, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Florida, Temple, Tennessee Tech, Toledo and West Virginia. … Pinellas Park was 6-5 in 2022. … Williams had 17 solo tackles and 43 assists with seven sacks as a junior. … East Carolina defensive tackles coach Roy Tesh was the primary recruiter with offensive line coach Allen Mogridge working in a secondary role. … Williams visited ECU on June 22 and committed to the Pirates on June 24. … Williams is rated a 3-star recruit. … He gained recruiting attention with 62 tackles and six sacks as a sophomore. (Image source: 247sports.com)
ANDREW WILSON-LAMP (6-2, 176) CB, West Virginia … Committed to East Carolina on Jan. 4 after entering the transfer portal on Dec. 7. … Programs that offered Wilson-Lamp out of high school in Massillon, OH, included Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Michigan State, Penn State, Vanderbilt and Wisconsin. … Former starter for the Mountaineers will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Pirates. … Saw action in 25 games for West Virginia with 14 tackles and three pass break-ups. … Wilson-Lamp will contend to fill the void created by the exit of Antione Jackson to Central Florida after his freshman season at ECU. … Wilson-Lamp played primarily on special teams at the close of his career at West Virginia. … Played 116 snaps in kicking situations in 11 games for WVU in 2023. (Image source: 247sports.com)
WINSTON WRIGHT JR. (5-10, 183) WR, Savannah, GA, Florida State … Wright was an All-Big 12 slot receiver at West Virginia in 2021 before transferring to Florida State. … In a storied career at Memorial Day School in Savannah, Wright accumulated almost 3,000 all-purpose yards over four seasons and was a 3-time all-state selection. He helped the Blue Thunder to a pair of state championships. He also played basketball and ran track, winning state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes as a senior. His 200 time of 22.22 seconds set a state record. … Wright missed the 2022 season at Florida State after sustaining a broken leg in a car accident. … He had four catches for 36 yards for the Seminoles and three kickoff returns for 76 yards in four games in 2023 before leaving the team. … Wright signed with East Carolina on Dec. 22. (Image source: Florida State Athletics via 247sports.com)
DAMEON WILSON (6-0, 223) LB, Kings Mountain (NC) via Missouri … Has two years of eligibility remaining. … Made three starts at Missouri. … Visited Connecticut after entering the transfer portal on Dec. 4. … Other programs that showed interest included Boston College, Virginia, Wake Forest and Wisconsin. … Wilson was recruited by Appalachian State, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, Missouri, Michigan, N.C. State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Syracuse, Virginia, Wake Forest, and West Virginia when he was in high school at Kings Mountain. … Wilson was a multi-time academic honor roll selection in the Southeastern Conference. … Played 228 defensive snaps in his career for the Tigers. … Rated a 4-star recruit in high school although COVID caused his senior season to be canceled in 2020. (Image source: 247sports.com)
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