By Sammy Batten
©2011 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
Ruffin McNeill's first
season as head coach at East Carolina was all about an offense that
propelled the Pirates to six wins and a bowl bid.
But after watching ECU
give up more points (572) and more yard (6,224) than anybody in the
Football Bowl Subdivision during the 2010 season, McNeill's recruiting
focus was clearly on upgrading the defense. Improving the talent and
depth of the defensive front seven was an even more specific priority.
So it came as no surprise
last week when McNeill unveiled
ECU's Recruiting Class of 2011
that 15 of the prospects signed will play defense for the Pirates, or
that 12 of those are linemen or linebackers.
“In this league, the two
best front sevens play for the Conference USA championship,'' McNeill
noted on signing day, referring to Central Florida and Southern
Methodist. “I think about the East Carolina Pirates. They won
back-to-back championships with the best front sevens in C-USA.''
Three junior college
transfers and one prep school signee should make an immediate impact at
those critical positions in 2011. But how did the Pirates do recruiting
in other areas?
Well, even we recruiting
geniuses don't know for sure. But here's my best position-by-position
analysis of the class and an early look at ECU's focus as it turns its
attention to recruiting the Class of 2012.
Please note that all
references to a player's class are in line with their 2011 status.
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK (B-)
WHAT THEY NEEDED:
Dominique Davis is back for an encore and people around the ECU program
think redshirt freshman Shane Carden has a promising future. Behind
those two are a pair of quick, athletic, young signal callers in
sophomore Rio Johnson and redshirt freshman Desi Brown. And don't forget
junior Brad Wornick, a junior who worked his way from walk-on status to
the No. 2 position behind Davis last season. The need here was minimal,
as in one.
WHO SIGNED: Cody Keith
(6-3, 195) Cheshire (MA) Academy, Charlotte, NC.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Keith generated a lot of publicity throughout his prep career and was
well hyped by some big-name people in the recruiting world, like guru
Tom Lemming. But there was relatively little major-college interest in
the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder when Keith committed to the Pirates last
summer before enrolling at Cheshire Academy for a post-graduate season.
He put up impressive numbers at Cheshire — 3,840 yards passing and 39
touchdowns. Those included a record-setting 637-yard, eight-touchdown
performance in one game. So there is something here, but most are still
wondering if Keith is the real deal or a future back-up. In coach speak,
I'm cautiously optimistic he's the real deal.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: At
one point last summer it looked like the Pirates might have a shot at
landing two-sport star Brian Taylor from Angier, NC. Taylor led Harnett
Central High to the state 4-A football finals as a junior quarterback
and hit over .400 in baseball. But close family connections to the N.C.
State program led Taylor to Raleigh instead of Greenville.
WHO'S BACK: Davis will be
back for what could be a record-shattering senior season. Wornick and
Carden will battle for backup honors. Johnson and Brown need experience,
but it's going to be hard to find opportunity behind that first trio.
WHO'S GONE: Nobody, unless
you count quarterback-turned-wide receiver Josh Jordan, who decided to
transfer to McNeese State so he could return to the position he'd been
recruited to play at ECU.
NEEDS FOR 2012: With four
players in the program that are either sophomores or freshmen,
quarterback doesn't look like it would be a major priority. But with
several impressive passers among the in-state prospects for 2012, the
Pirates may take one anyway.
RUNNING BACK B+
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Only one
running back who has logged a carry in a college game and just three
scholarship backs overall are scheduled to return. Signing at least
three backs was essential and at least one needed to be ready to play
next fall.
WHO SIGNED: Chevelle Buie
(5-9, 170) Cocoa, FL; Reggie Bullock (5-9, 175) Las Vegas, NV (Arizona
Western CC); Chris Hairston (6-0, 200) Greensboro, NC.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: The
Pirates landed their impact back in junior college sensation Reggie
Bullock. Bullock led the JUCO ranks in rushing as a sophomore with 1,830
yards and 20 touchdowns. Many of the big-name schools out West didn't
recruit Bullock because they thought he was too short. But he'll fit
nicely into ECU's backfield where his speed, shiftiness and ability to
make big plays catching the ball should pay big dividends. Buie is a
younger all-purpose back of similar size and skills to Bullock, while
Hairston brings power and size along with more speed (4.49 40) to the
group.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Romar Morris from Salisbury, NC, is one of the fastest athletes in the
state. He's the two-time defending state champion in the 100- and
200-meter dashes, and would have been a perfect fit for ECU's offensive
backfield. The Pirates made an offer early, but Morris was sold on UNC-Chapel
Hill from the start and committed to the Tar Heels in July.
WHO'S BACK: Sophomore
Michael Dobson is the only back on the roster who's seen any college
action. Dobson appeared in all 13 games last season, but only rushed
three times for 25 yards. He'll compete with Bullock and one of the
prizes of ECU's recruiting Class of 2010, Alex Owah, for starting
duties. Owah is an explosive athlete with good hands who piled up more
than 5,000 rushing yards in high school. Sophomore Damonte Terry is the
biggest of all the Pirate backs at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds.
WHO'S GONE: The top two
rushers from 2010 have exited in Jonathan Williams (847 yards, 10
touchdowns) and Giavanni Ruffin (384 yards, 2 touchdowns). A third
senior is also gone in Norman Whitley, who saw limited action the last
two seasons.
NEEDS FOR 2012: The
Pirates appear to be well stocked at running back with five of the six
scholarship players residing in the sophomore or freshman classes. JUCO
transfer Bullock is the only junior. Barring injury or defection,
there's no need to sign another running back with so many pressing needs
elsewhere.
WIDE RECEIVER B-
WHAT THEY NEEDED: The
expanded role of receivers under offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley,
plus the graduation of of three seniors made signing two or three
prospects the goal.
WHO SIGNED: Antonio Cannon
(6-2, 175) Central, SC; Donte Sumpter (6-0, 175) Myrtle Beach, SC; Danny
Webster (5-10, 170) Havelock, NC.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Antonio Cannon and Donte Sumpter were two of the most productive
receivers in South Carolina last season. Cannon originally committed to
Kentucky, but had a late change-of-heart to the Pirates. He caught 40
passes for 730 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior. Sumpter benefitted
from being teammates with Notre Dame quarterback signee Everett Golson.
He had 89 receptions for 1,373 yards and 20 touchdowns in helping Myrtle
Beach to the state Class AAA championship. Both Cannon and Sumpter are
big-play makers who are likely to redshirt a year before they break into
a packed receiver rotation. The “sleeper'' signee is Danny Webster, who
spent most of his prep career playing quarterback and safety. Webster
enjoyed an incredible junior year in which threw for 2,722 yards, rushed
for 1,426, accounted for 50 touchdowns, made 68 tackles and six
interceptions. So we know the guy can make plays. But Webster
mysteriously walked away from his Havelock team after one game as a
senior and didn't play another down. We'll get a chance to evaluate him
as a receiver during spring practice because he's already enrolled at
ECU.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
East Carolina extended offers to the top four in-state receiver
prospects — T.J. Thorpe and Sherman Ragland from Durham, Nigel King of
Raleigh and K.J. Brent from Waxhaw. But none gave serious consideration
to the Pirates and their pass-happy offense. Makes you wonder. Thorpe
opted for North Carolina, Ragland is headed to Wake Forest, King is
going to Maryland and Brent to South Carolina.
WHO'S BACK: Ten players
who caught at least one pass in 2010 are back, led by all-star candidate
Lance Lewis. The rising senior enjoyed a breakout '10 season when he
caught 89 passes for 1,116 yards and a team-high 14 touchdowns.
“Breakout'' could also describe the performances by Michael Bowman
(47-434-3), Andrew Bodenheimer (40-370-2) and Justin Jones (21-211-5).
Also seeing significant action last season were Dayon Arrington, Mike
Price, Jeremy Davis and Joe Womack. Ready to challenge those eight for
playing time this spring will be promising underclassmen like Torrance
Hunt, Torian Richardson, Reese Wiggins and former tight ends Zico Pasut
and Michael Byrd.
WHO'S GONE: One of the
greatest in East Carolina history is off to pursue NFL fame and fortune.
Dwayne Harris was without a doubt one of the most exciting performers
ever to wear the purple and gold. Harris departed in style, earning
C-USA most valuable player honors after making 101 catches for 1,123
yards and 10 scores. Heading out the door with Harris were reserve
receivers Javon Brumsey, T.J. Terrell and walk-on Justin Nunery.
NEEDS FOR 2011: Six
members of the receiving corps will complete their eligibility over the
next two seasons, including Lewis, Bowman and Womack after 2011. Signing
at least three will be required to keep the numbers coordinator Lincoln
Riley needs to be comfortable with his depth and rotation.
OFFENSIVE LINE C-
WHAT THEY NEEDED: The
Pirates were shooting for four or five linemen just to replace
graduation losses. The center position appeared especially thin on
paper, but several blockers on the roster can play multiple positions.
WHO SIGNED: Isaac Harris
(6-7, 270) Irmo, SC; Stewart Hinson (6-7, 270) Monroe, NC; Chaz Lowery
(6-5, 268) Virginia Beach, VA.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: All
three signees have long arms and frames, which are two of the
characteristics coaches look for in their blockers, especially those
needed in a pass-heavy offense. But the trio will require some
significant time to mature physically before they're ready to make an
impact. Fortunately, ECU has the depth to get through without their help
for at least a season. Hinson, who didn't allow a sack as a senior, can
double as a long snapper. Harris comes from a football family — his
father, Isaac, Sr., played football at South Carolina and was taken in
the 1991 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
East Carolina was one of the first three schools to get involved with
Dylan Intemann from Wake Forest, NC, along with N.C. State and Wake
Forest. But by March 2010, Intemann indicated the Pirates had cooled on
him while the Deacons and Wolfpack had stepped up their efforts. Wake
Forest won his commitment a month later, and by the time the season
ended it was pretty clear the Deacs had landed the second-best blocking
prospect in the state behind Pikeville's Jarrod James.
WHO'S BACK: Just three
players who made starts in 2010. Junior Dalton Faulds logged 10 starts
at center, sophomore Grant Harner made 12 starts at tackle and senior
Doug Polochak appeared in seven games at guard, making three starts. The
often-injured Polochak was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the
NCAA so he could return for 2011. Plenty of others saw extensive playing
time in reserve roles like sophomore guard-tackle Jordan Davis (13
games), senior tackle Steven Baker (13) and sophomore guard Will Simmons
(4). Juniors Josh Clark (tackle) and Anthony Garrett (guard), plus
redshirt freshmen Drew Gentry (guard), Taylor Hudson (guard) and Mack
Helms (center) round out the returnees.
WHO'S GONE: The Pirates
lost a heavy dose of experience to graduation. D.J. Scott started at
either guard or tackle all four seasons, while Cory Dowless was a
three-year regular at guard. Willie Smith protected the blindside of ECU
quarterbacks for two straight years at left tackle.
NEEDS FOR 2012: ECU loses
only tackle Steven Baker and guard Doug Polochak after 2011, but it will
need to make up for missing the mark from a numbers standpoint this
year. Expect the Pirates to be looking for three to five more linemen in
2012.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE END B+
WHAT THEY NEEDED: H-E-L-P!
First graduation, then injuries forced the Pirates into a maddening
shuffle to fill the end positions all season. They shifted linebackers
Marke Powell and Justin Dixon to bolster the depth, only to see them go
down with injuries. So bringing two or three newcomers into the program
was essential, but it was also crucial that one or two them be ready to
play immediately.
WHO SIGNED: Chris Baker
(6-3, 230) Greenville, MS; Jeton Beavers (6-5, 260) Virginia Beach, VA;
Dontrill Hyman (6-6, 250) Warsaw, NC; John Lattimore (6-4, 265)
Lexington, NC.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Baker and Lattimore are JUCO transfers who should immediately upgrade
ECU's pass rush. Lattimore recorded 10 sacks and Baker 8.5 last season
at the JUCO level. In Beavers, the Pirates have a superb, big athlete
whom they can groom into something special in time. The same could be
true of Hyman, a virtual unknown in in-state recruiting circles despite
making 151 tackles as a senior.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
There weren't really any that ECU had a real shot at that went
elsewhere. About the closest was 6-5, 215-pound Charlotte end Kyler
Brown. The Pirates were one of the first two to offer, but Brown kept
things in the family by signing with Duke, where his brother plays
linebacker.
WHO'S BACK: Because of the
constant shuffling at end, plenty of players got on-the-job training in
2010. So now there's a stable of returning candidates to contend for
playing time at positions where only one person was lost to graduation.
The two starters at the end of last season were sophomores Derrell
Johnson (11 starts; 40 tackles) and Matt Milner (11 starts; 47 tackles,
7.0 tackles for loss). But the year began with converted linebacker
Marke Powell at one end and another ex-linebacker, Justin Dixon, seeing
lots of action. Dixon, in particular, was off to a great start with 5.5
tackles for loss and three sacks in the first four games. But both Dixon
and Powell suffered injuries that sent them to the sidelines. Sophomore
Dixon and junior Powell should be ready to go in 2011 along with other
veterans in sophomore Lee Pegues (5 games in 2010) and senior Maurice
Mercer (4). Of course, this mixture could change if Dixon or Powell, or
both, are moved back to linebacker.
WHO'S GONE: A.J. Johnson
wound up working as a backup to Derrell Johnson at one end. Johnson made
seven tackles in 11 games.
NEEDS FOR 2012: Outside of
senior Mercer, the Pirates are fairly young at the end positions. But
taking two at minimum will be the smart move, especially with three more
ends on schedule to graduate after the 2012 season.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE C+
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Because
ECU didn't sign any tackles in 2010, getting three or more was the
target number this time around.
WHO SIGNED: Will Foxx
(6-2, 280) Greensboro, NC; Terrell Stanley (6-2, 260) Southport, NC;
Leroy Vick (6-6, 270) Wilson, NC; Jonathan White (6-4, 275) High Point,
NC.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: The
Pirates improved their depth, added size and length and got some
immediate help with this class. Leroy Vick is a JUCO transfer already
enrolled at ECU, so he'll get the chance to compete for a starting job
right away. Foxx missed most of his senior season at Oak Ridge Military
Academy with an injury and will likely spend the next year making up for
lost time. The coaching staff is very high on White and believe he's
been vastly underrated by the recruiting services. Stanley is a project
who will need time to develop.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Four-star tackle Devonte Brown from Fayetteville, NC, took a serious
look at East Carolina just before his senior year began because he
wanted to play football close to home. But Clemson and North Carolina
eventually emerged as his leaders and the Tar Heels won him over in the
end.
WHO'S BACK: Junior Robert
Jones ended 2010 as the starter at one tackle, and he's scheduled to
return along with both No. 2 guys on the depth chart. Senior Antonio
Allison made three starts and played in 12 games, while sophomore Jimmy
Booth appeared in 11 games. Two potential key contributors coming back
from injuries are junior Michael Brooks, who made six starts in 2010,
and junior Diavalo Simpson. Simpson missed all of last season after
transferring in from the JUCO ranks. Last, but not least, redshirt
freshman Crishon Rose will join the competition this spring.
WHO'S GONE: Josh Smith is
one of my all-time favorite Pirates. The guy came to ECU as a walk-on
after transferring from Western Carolina. He spent two years as a key
reserve, then became the Pirates main man up front last year with 69
tackles and a team-leading 11 tackles for loss.
NEEDS FOR 2012: Five
tackles on the roster will be in the junior or senior class next fall.
Replacing at least half of those in recruiting will be an essential
focus for 2012.
LINEBACKER B+
WHAT THEY NEEDED: It
wasn't a high priority at first because of the youth on ECU's roster.
But it became more of one as recruiting for 2011 unfolded, so signing
three or four became the target number.
WHO SIGNED: Zeek Bigger
(6-2, 210) Gastonia, NC; Joseph Blanks (6-2, 230) Pembroke, NC; Trehsawn
Council (6-1, 210) Durham, NC; Montese Overton (6-3, 200) Greenville,
NC.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Potentially this quartet is the best signed at any one position by the
Pirates. All four have the talent to become starters some day. Blanks, a
JUCO transfer, is a ferocious hitter with excellent football savvy who
is almost a sure bet to start at middle linebacker next fall. Bigger,
Council and Overton are fast and athletic with plenty of room to grow
physically. Bigger originally committed to Duke before switching late to
ECU. Council was the defensive star of an unbeaten state 4-A
championship team at Durham Hillside as a senior, while Overton was
named Greenville area defensive player of the year after making 200
tackles. Overton is also the son of former ECU cager Darrell Overton
(1988-91).
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Brandon Pittman from Raleigh, NC, had the Pirates on his early list of
favorites along with Wake Forest and N.C. State. Pittman had only played
one season of varsity football at the time, so he was considered a raw,
but excellent talent. The Wolfpack won out in the end and kept Pittman
at home.
WHO'S BACK: One starter
from 2010 will return in junior Lamar McLendon at an outside spot.
Senior Cliff Perryman (10 games), senior Matt Thompson (7 games, 2
starts) and sophomore Kyle Tudor (4 games) also contributed on the
outside. Sophomore Ty Holmes made one start inside and appeared in eight
games. Senior Steve Spence, who held key roles in 2008 and 2009, played
only one game last year and his future is uncertain. Redshirt freshmen
Jacob Geary and Terry Williams will likely back up transfer Blanks and
Holmes inside and play on special teams. Junior walk-ons James Craig and
Daniel Drake also played in 13 games, but mostly on special teams.
WHO'S GONE: ECU lost its
top two tacklers to graduation in Dustin Lineback (119 tackles) and
Melvin Patterson (94 tackles). Special teams starter and reserve walk-on
Wes Pittman also departed.
NEEDS FOR 2012: With five
linebackers in either the junior or senior classes on next year's
roster, including the three probable starters, ECU will need to bring
two or three aboard next February to start filling those holes.
SAFETY C-
WHAT THEY NEEDED:
Attracting two or three safeties was the goal with three players
scheduled to exit after the 2011 season.
WHO SIGNED: Domonique
Lennon (6-2, 190) Suffolk, VA; Rocco Scarfone (5-11, 165) Greensboro,
NC.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF:
Scarfone is a scrappy, do-it-all type who starred at quarterback and
cornerback for a state championship high school program at Northern
Guilford. ECU recruited him to play free safety, so some transitioning
is in order. Lennon is a physical safety who could make a quick
contribution on special teams.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
None really, which is surprising since this seemed to be an area of
need. The Pirates did offer four-star Tennessee safety Pat Martin, but
were never a factor as the Volunteers kept him at home.
WHO'S BACK: The tandem of
seniors Bradley Jacobs and Derek Blacknall handled the starting safety
spots against Maryland in the Military Bowl, but sophomore Damon Magazu
also impressed during some significant playing time as a rookie. Magazu
played all 13 games, including a start against N.C. State in which his
interception in overtime sealed ECU's win. Two other safeties with game
experience will be junior Justin Venable and senior Devon Wallace.
WHO'S GONE: The NCAA
denied a request by Dekota Marshall for a sixth year of eligibility in
late January, but he plans to appeal. Marshall missed nearly a
season-and-a-half with a broken leg.
NEEDS FOR 2012: Blacknall,
Jacobs and Wallace will complete their eligibility after the 2011 season
and Venable is just one class behind. That will leave the promising
Damon Magazu and this year's safety recruits to get the job done. It
won't be enough. Two or three needed, with possibly a JUCO who can help
immediately.
CORNERBACK C
WHAT THEY NEEDED: One
required, two needed to replace graduates and other departed.
WHO SIGNED: Glen Hilliard
(5-10, 170) Anderson, SC.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: The
Pirates added a big-play corner in Glen Hilliard. He made 13
interceptions during his final two prep seasons and scored two defensive
touchdowns.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY: The
Pirates had what would wind up being the nation’s No. 5 cornerback in
their summer camp back in 2009. They would wind up being one of more
than 20 schools to offer scholarships to Demetrious Nicholson from
Virginia Beach, VA. But the talented cover man decided to stay home and
attend Virginia.
WHO’S BACK: Four
cornerbacks who played in 11 or more games last season are set to
return, led by all-star candidate Emanuel Davis. The senior was a
second-team All-Conference USA pick in 2010. Junior Jacobi Jenkins made
three starts alongside Davis, while juniors Rahkeem Morgan and Leonard
Paulk played in 11 and 13 games, respectively. Two of the more exciting
athletes on ECU’s roster will also make their debut in 2011 when
redshirt freshmen Detric Allen and Lamar Ivey join the mix.
WHO’S GONE: Travis Simmons
departs after starting three straight seasons and lettering for four.
NEEDS FOR 2012: This may
be the biggest area of need in 2012 with Davis departing after the 2011
season and three others heading off the following year. Signing two to
four players here will be a priority.
KICKER (No grade)
WHAT THEY NEEDED: Nothing
really with both placekicker and punter returning.
WHO SIGNED: Nobody.
HOW ECU HELPED ITSELF: It
didn’t.
BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
None. No offers were extended to kickers.
WHO’S BACK: Placekicker
Michael Barbour and punter Ben Ryan, both seniors, will return. Backup
punter Trent Tignor and placekicker/punter Matt Millisor are also back.
WHO’S GONE: Nobody.
NEEDS FOR 2012: Millisor,
a recruited walk on, looks like the heir apparent to Barbour. But the
Pirates may need to sign a punter in the next class.
OVERALL B-
When it’s all said and
done, the Pirates deserve high marks for filling pressing needs with
this class. I’d say a B- minus would be a fair grade for a class that
will ultimately be much better than most experts expect.
