Skip Holtz doesn't see
stars when seeking talent for the East Carolina Pirates.
For many, the star has
become a symbol for potential in the world of college recruiting. The
more stars a prospect is awarded by the many Internet recruiting
networks, the better his chances of becoming a success at the next
level.
Or so the theory goes.
But don't tell that to
guys like Davon Drew, C.J. Wilson, Van Eskridge, Jay Ross, Chris Johnson
or Aundrae Allison. They are players who helped Holtz build the ECU
program to a point that it won the Conference USA championship in 2008.
None of them earned more
than two stars (five stars are given to top prospects) in the ratings
produced by the two major networks, Rivals.com and Scout.com. Yet all
enjoyed stellar college careers, and Allison and Johnson became NFL
draft picks.
“We don't recruit off
computers or off stars,'' Holtz said Feb. 4 as he announced
his 20-man recruiting class for
2009. “I will recruit somebody who is not even on a Web site if he is in
our (summer) camp and we can see him personally and see what he can do.
If we think he can help us as a football team, then we're going to
recruit him.''
Staying true to that
philosophy, the Pirates didn't sign a player that either Rivals or Scout
deemed worthy of more than three stars. Yet Holtz calls his latest
signees “one of the most talented classes we've brought in here.''
We'll take the coach's
word for it.
But like the gurus, we
have opinions of our own here at Bonesville. So we hope the coaching
staff will pardon any views that aren't complimentary. At least we're
using grades instead of stars.
QUARTERBACK (B-)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: The
Pirates have only three scholarship quarterbacks in the program
presently, so signing one was a necessity and getting two would have
been perfect.
WHO SIGNED:
Rio Johnson (Atlanta, GA)
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Holtz himself made the comparison at the signing-day press conference.
Rio Johnson plays the quarterback position in a style very similar to
Patrick Pinkney. He's an accurate passer (61.5 completion percentage as
a prep senior) and has the ability to make big plays by moving around in
the pocket or tucking the ball and running with it.
Johnson's signing, in
combination the addition of
Josh Jordan last year, will give
ECU a quarterback combo-of-the-future that's strikingly similar to
Pinkney and Rob Kass.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: The
only other known scholarship offer the Pirates made to a quarterback
besides Johnson was to Danny O'Brien from East Forsyth High in
Kernersville. ECU was the second to offer O'Brien, but he wound up
committing to Maryland instead in June.
WHO'S BACK: The NCAA did
the right thing for once and granted Patrick Pinkney a sixth year of
eligibility. Pinkney should be the starter with senior Rob Kass waiting
in the wings to take over should he falter. Redshirt freshman Josh
Jordan is a player of great promise who will need to get some snaps this
year as an investment in the future.
WHO'S GONE: Nobody.
NEEDS FOR 2010: With both
Pinkney and Kass set to complete their eligibility at the end of 2009,
ECU will have just two scholarship quarterbacks in the program. Signing
two is essential to maintain proper program depth at the position.
RUNNING BACK (B+)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Signing
two was the goal, but the pre-season injury to Dominique Lindsay pushed
that number up by one.
WHO SIGNED:
Michael Dobson (Mount Airy),
Giavanni Ruffin (Virginia Beach,
VA),
DaMonte Terry (Laurinburg).
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: The
Pirates secured some immediate help in Ruffin, who was one of the best
rushing prospects in the junior-college ranks in 2008. Ruffin is capable
of making game-breaking plays or he can pound the ball between the
tackles. Terry is a big back in the mold of last year's starter, Brandon
Simmons. The brightest future, however, may be in store for Dobson, a
dynamic touchdown-maker who scored 68 times over his final two prep
seasons.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: ECU
essentially got all the guys at running back who made official visits.
But the Pirates would have loved to have gotten a visit from 5-foot-11,
220-pound Shawne Alston from Phoebus High in Hampton, VA. They were
among the first schools to offer, but Alston committed in June to West
Virginia.
WHO'S BACK: You could say
Norman Whitley had a breakout year for the Pirates in 2008. After
struggling with a shoulder injury as a true freshman in 2006 and getting
just six carries watching Chris Johnson run wild in 2007, Whitley
finally began showing why he was such a heralded recruit. He led ECU
with 698 yards rushing and is an emerging breakaway threat.
The man who was supposed
to run with the first-team offense in '08 is also expected back. But how
much of a contribution senior Dominique Lindsay can make after missing
all of last season recovering from knee surgery is still uncertain.
Nobody really knows yet
what's going to happen with Jonathan Williams, who was the team's
leading rusher until being suspended in October after multiple run-ins
with law enforcement. Senior speedster J.R. Rogers, plus fullbacks Kevin
Gidrey and Ben Herlocker also return.
WHO'S GONE: One-time
walk-on Brandon Simmons will be missed for his production – he led the
Pirates with eight rushing touchdowns – and his leadership.
NEEDS FOR 2010: Signing
three this time around will keep ECU well stocked for at least a year,
as long as all three remain at running back.
WIDE RECEIVER (B+)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Nothing
really. The Pirates had a bevy of receivers returning in 2008, and only
three will be graduating after the '09 season.
WHO SIGNED:
Torrance Hunt (Durham),
Mike Price (New Bern),
Reese Wiggins (Durham).
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Torrance Hunt is one of those exciting athletes who creates a buzz every
time he touches the football. He's a threat to score running, catching
and returning kicks. The latter could make Hunt a candidate for playing
time next fall. Wiggins is a bigger version of Hunt, who also includes
the ability to pass on his resume. Price is a project, but with time and
some pounds he could be a good one down the road.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Quan Rucker was a teammate of ECU defensive lineman Antonio Allison's at
West Iredell High School in Statesville. Rucker is an underrated
playmaker who the Pirates extended an early offer to, but he committed
to Wake Forest in July.
WHO'S BACK: Eight players
who saw action in at least five games (some of it on special teams) are
scheduled to return in 2009. Four of those registered 17 or more
catches. Leading receiver Dwayne Harris is poised to challenge for
all-star honors as a junior, while senior Alex Taylor and sophomore Joe
Womack came on strong at the end of 2008 to earn starting assignments.
Redshirt freshman Jacobi
Jenkins, sophomores Michael Bowman, Darryl Freeney and D.J. McFadden,
junior Javon Brumsey, senior Reyn Willis and junior walk-on T.J. Terrell
will also be in the large mix vying for playing time. Dayon Arrington, a
February 2008 signee, has been enrolled and ECU since August and will
hopefully be eligible to join the football team this spring.
Of course, the big
question is whether or not Jamar Bryant will be allowed back on the
team. Bryant was expected to be the leader of the receiving corps last
season before being suspended indefinitely. It'll be a tremendous shot
in the arm for the Pirates if they get Bryant back for his senior year.
WHO'S NOT: T.J. Lee could
stretch a defense with his super speed, but he never really got
untracked at ECU. Lee did grab nine passes for 136 yards as a senior.
NEEDS FOR 2010: The
Pirates have an abundance of young receivers in the program, but they
use a lot at times. Sign one up for good measure.
TIGHT END (A+)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: The
young tight ends in the program hadn't distinguished themselves yet when
recruiting began for this class. That, and the fact that starter Davon
Drew was graduating after the '08 season, meant this was priority No. 1
in recruiting. Signing at least two prospects who could immediately
challenge for playing time was essential.
WHO SIGNED:
Justin Jones (Conyers, GA),
Zico Pasut (Charlotte), Korey
Reynolds (Hoover, AL).
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: All
three incoming tight ends will get a shot to earn playing time next
fall. Reynolds probably has the best chance of competing for the
starting job based on experience. He has a year of Division I experience
under his belt at Hawaii and another in the junior college ranks. But
Pasut, who the Pirates reeled in over West Virginia, and the 6-foot-8
Jones bring interesting talents to the table as well. This trio ensures
the immediate future is secure at tight end at ECU for at least the next
two years.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: New
Jersey wasn't kind to the Pirates in 2009. ECU had verbal commitments
from Mike Naples of Somerville and Dante Burton of Paterson at various
points of the recruiting process. But Naples backed off his pledge and
signed with Boston College, while Burton hasn't signed with anyone to
date.
WHO'S BACK: Sophomore
Michael Byrd saw action in '08, but most of
it came on special teams. He didn't catch a pass. Sophomore Will Towery
also returns, but didn't play in a single game last season.
WHO'S GONE: Davon Drew was
ECU's second-leading receiver last year and its starting tight end for
three seasons. Drew is expected to be one of the top tight ends taken in
the NFL Draft in April. His backup, J.R. Kraemer, also graduated.
NEEDS FOR 2010: The three
signees this year give ECU six at the position in the program. That
should hold the Pirates for a couple of years. But if a good tight end
prospect is available, they should still sign him.
OFFENSIVE LINE (C+)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: The
Pirates needed to sign another center prospect with two scheduled to
graduate after the '09 season as well as a tackle or two.
WHO SIGNED: Jordan Davis
(Fort Walton Beach, FL),
Will Simmons (Ahoskie).
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: In
Simmons, the Pirates signed a future star. The guy has an intense work
ethic and a real desire to excel. He's versatile enough to play either
guard or tackle, but we think he winds up at tackle because that's an
area where ECU is short on bodies at present. Davis is a player who
prefers defense, but will likely wind up playing offensive line for the
Pirates.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Offensive tackle Travis Bond from Bertie High in Windsor really liked
East Carolina because of its proximity to home. Bond even took his
next-to-the-last official visit to Greenville in January. But in the end
he settled on North Carolina.
WHO'S BACK: Four
letterwinners return at the tackle positions, including starters in
junior D.J. Scott and senior Terence Campbell. The same is true at the
guards where senior Doug Palmer should be an all-star candidate in '09
along with junior Cory Dowless. Senior Sean Allen will again hold down
the center spot.
The Pirates also return
experienced backups at all those spots in tackles Willie Smith (junior)
and Travis Melvin (junior), guard T.J. Harper (senior) and center
Stephen Heis (senior). Also expected to join the offensive tackle
brigade this spring are “greyshirts''
C.J. Brown and Grant Harner,
both of whom signed in February 2008 and are in the 6-6, 300-pound
range.
WHO'S GONE: The Pirates
lost just two players off the depth chart in tackle Stanley Bryant, who
made five starts in 2008, and center Fred Hicks, who started twice.
NEEDS FOR 2010: Sean Allen
and Stephen Heis graduate from the center position after the 2009
season, which makes signing at least two players there critical. The
Pirates could also use two or three tackles and a guard. Offensive line
should be a big priority all around in 2010.
DEFENSIVE END (C-)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Five of
the seven ends returning in 2009 will be juniors or seniors, so signing
at least two here was important.
WHO SIGNED: Matt Milner
(Raleigh).
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Milner produced more than 200 tackles as a defensive lineman his final
two years in high school, so you know he's a mobile, active defender.
He'll have time to develop more physically because of ECU's depth at
defensive end, but he should be ready to contribute by 2010.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: The
nation's top-rated defensive end, Donte Moss from Jacksonville, was
virtually in ECU's backyard. But the Pirates and most other suitors
never really had a shot at Moss because North Carolina wrapped him up
early.
WHO'S BACK: First-team
All-Conference USA pick C.J. Wilson is back for his fourth season as a
starter. Senior Scotty Robinson, juniors Josh Smith and A.J. Johnson,
and sophomores Andrew Farr and Maurice Mercer are all experienced
players who will battle for the other starting job. Redshirt freshman
Allen Crowder should be ready to compete as well.
WHO'S GONE: Zack Slate was
a two-year starter and a team captain last year as a senior. Marcus
Hands appeared in 31 career games at ECU, but injuries kept him from
reaching his full potential.
NEEDS FOR 2010: Two
seniors are scheduled to graduate following the 2009 season and there
should be a pressing need to replace them.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE/NOSE
GUARD (B-)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: This
didn't appear to be a major priority because of the young talent already
in the program at these spots. Signing one would have been significant
to replace the graduation loss.
WHO SIGNED:
Jimmy Booth (Greenville),
Michael Brooks (Yanceyville).
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Brooks is a tough, physical, hard-nosed type that makes the middle of a
defensive front. Holtz was already touting him for potential playing
time on signing day, so his signing was significant. Booth plays with a
similar style to Brooks, but may be a year away from contributing.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Honestly, the Pirates got the players they wanted at tackle and nose
guard. But they did pursue 6-2, 295-pound Eric McDaniel from Calhoun,
GA, before he picked Purdue over ECU and N.C. State.
WHO'S BACK: Senior Jay
Ross has started 24 straight games in the middle of ECU's defensive
front. He'll be rejoined by massive junior Linval Joseph, who started
nine of 14 games last year. Sophomores Antonio Allison and Robert Jones
also saw significant playing time and will provide excellent depth.
WHO'S GONE: Khalif
Mitchell was a superb athlete who would have started most of the last
two years if not for injury issues. He made four starts last season
before back problems sidelined him. The Pirates have also apparently
lost redshirt freshman Anthony Garner, who has decided to transfer.
NEEDS FOR 2010: Signing
one to replace Jay Ross would be a good move.
LINEBACKER (B-)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Grabbing
two or three linebackers every year is a good practice because they are
valuable special teams athletes even when not in the starting lineup.
WHO SIGNED:
Ty Holmes (Lexington),
Lamar McLendon (Fayetteville),
Mark Powell (Troy),
Kyle Tudor (Atlanta, GA).
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
These guys all look and run like safeties, which is what Holtz and his
staff were looking for. They'll eventually morph into linebacker size,
while maintaining their excellent speed. Tudor has already enrolled at
ECU, so he could compete for playing time very quickly.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Hibriten High School's Quin Smith received an early offer from East
Carolina, but opted out to South Carolina last June.
WHO'S BACK: Senior Nick
Johnson held down the middle linebacker spot for ECU last season, making
10 starts in 14 games. Senior Jeremy Chambliss made the same number of
starts at an outside position. A host of others with starting experience
are also scheduled to return, including junior Dustin Lineback, junior
Matt Pick and sophomore Cliff Perryman.
Senior Chris Mattocks,
junior Melvin Patterson and sophomores Steve Spence, Matt Thompson and
Austin Haynes are other vets who make this one of the deepest areas on
the team.
WHO'S GONE: The Pirates
suffered a major graduation loss with three-year starter Pierre Bell's
departure. They also lost Quentin Cotton, who was a starter before a
knee injury cut short a promising senior season.
NEEDS FOR 2010: ECU
doesn't necessarily need linebackers next time around, but signing one
or two is always a good practice.
CORNERBACK (No grade)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Nothing,
and that's just what they got. Five players played in at least 10 games
at cornerback last season and four of them had at least two starts.
WHO SIGNED: Nobody.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: By
using scholarships at other positions where the need was greater.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: ECU
received a commitment from
Perry James from Davie County
High in Mocksville, but he didn't sign a letter-of-intent. Keep an eye
out for James, who could spend next year at prep school, or he might
enroll as a partial qualifier at ECU and be ready for the 2010 season.
WHO'S BACK: Junior Travis
Simmons started every game last season for the Pirates, while junior
Dekota Marshall made 12 starts in 14 games. They should form one of
C-USA's best corner combos in 2009. We can't leave out Emanuel Davis,
who earned a boatload of honors as a redshirt freshman last season.
Davis has the potential to be an all-star candidate in the very near
future. Sophomore Derek Blacknall also appeared in 13 games last season
as a reserve and on special teams.
WHO'S GONE: Nobody.
NEEDS FOR 2010: Nobody
graduates from the cornerback corps until after the 2010 season, and
there are a couple of more talented players who sat out last season that
may join the group next fall. So signing anyone at corner isn't a big
priority.
SAFETY (No grade)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Just
like cornerback, the Pirates are well stocked at the safety positions
and didn't really need help this time around.
WHO SIGNED: Nobody.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: It
didn't need help, unless Dobson, Holmes or McLendon wind up playing
here.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
None.
WHO'S BACK: Senior Van
Eskridge made 13 starts at free safety last season, while senior Jeremy
Bullock, sophomore Julian Carter and sophomore Devon Wallace also logged
playing time.
WHO'S GONE: Strong safety
starter Leon Best and his backup, J.J. Milbrook, both graduated.
NEEDS FOR 2010: Sign at
least two unless the Pirates switch Dobson, Holmes or McLendon to
safety.
KICKER (B)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: The
starting punter and placekicker for ECU will be seniors in 2009, so
adding a kicker was important.
WHO SIGNED: Technically,
he didn't sign. But Matt Millisor from Page High in Greensboro will be a
walk-on member of the class.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Millisor has the ability to help immediately with kickoffs. But he's
also a capable placement kicker and punter.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
None.
WHO'S BACK: Senior Ben
Hartman is back to handle placements and senior Matt Dodge will again be
the punter. Sophomore Ben Ryan stepped in last year for three games as
the placekicker when Hartman was injured.
WHO'S GONE: Nobody.
NEEDS FOR 2010: Probably
none, unless Ryan or Millisor disappoint.
Class Grade
When you look at how East
Carolina fulfilled its needs, the talent it brought in, and the kind of
immediate impact many of these players may have, it's clear this class
was underrated by the experts. We give it a strong B grade, which is
well above average.
