35-6-1 ECU plays (includes basketball with only 2 losses coming in football).
I will post weekly (sometimes daily) updates of spring practice reports out of ECU as Ruffin McNeil brings basically the entire Texas Tech coaching staff (sans Leach) to Greenville. Ruff takes over for the departed Skip Holtz and vows to have the Air Raid running wild on the grass at Dowdy-Ficklen.
The youngest OC in the country, Lincoln Riley (age 26) is a decade long offensive protege reporting directly to Mike Leach. Riley will guide the Pirates on offense this season.
It's going to be fun. New coaches, new philosophy, new season. Folks, this is where big money is made in gambling. We will be a fine tuned ECU football capping community by the time the first snap takes place against Tulsa.
ECU opens its brand new, bowled in endzone to start the season at home against the Golden Hurricane on September 5th.
Let's get the money.
Lu
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To remove first post, remove entire topic.
35-6-1 ECU plays (includes basketball with only 2 losses coming in football).
I will post weekly (sometimes daily) updates of spring practice reports out of ECU as Ruffin McNeil brings basically the entire Texas Tech coaching staff (sans Leach) to Greenville. Ruff takes over for the departed Skip Holtz and vows to have the Air Raid running wild on the grass at Dowdy-Ficklen.
The youngest OC in the country, Lincoln Riley (age 26) is a decade long offensive protege reporting directly to Mike Leach. Riley will guide the Pirates on offense this season.
It's going to be fun. New coaches, new philosophy, new season. Folks, this is where big money is made in gambling. We will be a fine tuned ECU football capping community by the time the first snap takes place against Tulsa.
ECU opens its brand new, bowled in endzone to start the season at home against the Golden Hurricane on September 5th.
Opening day statements from head coach Ruffin McNeil:
On His Biggest Concern Heading Into Spring Practice "No concerns really. There was some adjustment as far as what we wanted in terms of running from the players. We asked some things to be done a little bit differently. However, the kids adjusted when we explained what we wanted.
"My main concern is really kids trying too hard. Some people don't understand how that can happen. In this game I've found out guys may be trying a little too hard to impress or make plays. They'll relax after some time. That's a concern. That's OK, though. I'd rather have to back them off than push them that way.
"There are a few guys who will not be able to practice due to injuries. If a guy is injured, he needs to get rehabbed. If he's ready to practice then he will. If not, he needs to get healthy, rehabbed and get ready to go. Those guys need to pay attention and learn from the sideline. I wish I had the whole group out there, but some things you just can't control.
"One thing we can control is how we approach each day with our focus and preparation. I know concerns will come up and that we'll have to tell somebody to calm down out there today."
On The Quarterback Competition "I expect all of them to compete. It's open and we're not going to make a decision until we get a guy we feel comfortable and confident with. All the guys who are here will have their chance of competing and going after it. Right now on campus, we haveBrad Wornick,Josh Jordan,Covair FrostandRio Johnson. Those guys will have a chance to compete and we'll go from there."
On Formulating A Depth Chart "There is no entitlement here. Our job during the spring is to evaluate and find the best guy. As good asDwayne Harrishas been, he has to earn his spot. There is no entitlement. The plays he has made in the past were great, but none of them count for right now. That goes for everybody. He's got some skills. He's going to have to do it on the field, too. There is no wishing or hoping. He's excited and looking forward to that challenge. He has been told the same thing everybody else has.
"There is no timetable on a depth chart. Some guys may step up and prove themselves early. To me, it's going to be determined on the basis of consistency and discipline. The final line will be: who is making the most plays? If two people each have 10 plays and you make eight and I make six, in my thought process and in what has been directed to our staff, the guy who makes the most plays will start. The other guy will certainly play, but the one who makes the most plays will start.
"Evaluation will be a continuous thing throughout the spring, summer and into fall camp. Some positions may be decided by the end of the spring, but some positions might wait until the summer and beginning of the fall. We're prepared for that, too."
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Opening day statements from head coach Ruffin McNeil:
On His Biggest Concern Heading Into Spring Practice "No concerns really. There was some adjustment as far as what we wanted in terms of running from the players. We asked some things to be done a little bit differently. However, the kids adjusted when we explained what we wanted.
"My main concern is really kids trying too hard. Some people don't understand how that can happen. In this game I've found out guys may be trying a little too hard to impress or make plays. They'll relax after some time. That's a concern. That's OK, though. I'd rather have to back them off than push them that way.
"There are a few guys who will not be able to practice due to injuries. If a guy is injured, he needs to get rehabbed. If he's ready to practice then he will. If not, he needs to get healthy, rehabbed and get ready to go. Those guys need to pay attention and learn from the sideline. I wish I had the whole group out there, but some things you just can't control.
"One thing we can control is how we approach each day with our focus and preparation. I know concerns will come up and that we'll have to tell somebody to calm down out there today."
On The Quarterback Competition "I expect all of them to compete. It's open and we're not going to make a decision until we get a guy we feel comfortable and confident with. All the guys who are here will have their chance of competing and going after it. Right now on campus, we haveBrad Wornick,Josh Jordan,Covair FrostandRio Johnson. Those guys will have a chance to compete and we'll go from there."
On Formulating A Depth Chart "There is no entitlement here. Our job during the spring is to evaluate and find the best guy. As good asDwayne Harrishas been, he has to earn his spot. There is no entitlement. The plays he has made in the past were great, but none of them count for right now. That goes for everybody. He's got some skills. He's going to have to do it on the field, too. There is no wishing or hoping. He's excited and looking forward to that challenge. He has been told the same thing everybody else has.
"There is no timetable on a depth chart. Some guys may step up and prove themselves early. To me, it's going to be determined on the basis of consistency and discipline. The final line will be: who is making the most plays? If two people each have 10 plays and you make eight and I make six, in my thought process and in what has been directed to our staff, the guy who makes the most plays will start. The other guy will certainly play, but the one who makes the most plays will start.
"Evaluation will be a continuous thing throughout the spring, summer and into fall camp. Some positions may be decided by the end of the spring, but some positions might wait until the summer and beginning of the fall. We're prepared for that, too."
East Carolina football players are redefining the idea of fighting for playing time.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Ruffin McNeill, ECU players are putting on boxing gloves, and not to settle their differences. As part of their training to become better football players, they will also become better boxers under McNeill’s watch.
Twice a week, Pirate players will train in the sweet science.
“Boxing will be a part of their normal routine now,” said McNeill, who will kick off his first spring practice with the Pirates today. “We believe in it. It’s needed in this offense and this defense. It works hands, it works footwork, it works balance.”
The ECU coach said boxing is particularly helpful in the development of linemen, and one of his many tasks after taking over for former coach Skip Holtz was to find a boxing expert to lead that part of the Pirates’ football training.
McNeill believes there will be benefits on both sides of the ball for ECU.
“It works all of the things needed in pass protection for offensive linemen, but it also helps the defensive linemen in terms of the use of hands and pass rush techniques.”
McNeill said he expects the boxing training will be a hit with the players.
“They’ll like it,” he said.” It’s not necessarily boxing in the ring that we’re talking about. That is a part of it, but it’s the drill aspect of boxing, from the bag work to the footwork. It translates to what we’re doing.”
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McNeill forms Pirate football fight club
East Carolina football players are redefining the idea of fighting for playing time.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Ruffin McNeill, ECU players are putting on boxing gloves, and not to settle their differences. As part of their training to become better football players, they will also become better boxers under McNeill’s watch.
Twice a week, Pirate players will train in the sweet science.
“Boxing will be a part of their normal routine now,” said McNeill, who will kick off his first spring practice with the Pirates today. “We believe in it. It’s needed in this offense and this defense. It works hands, it works footwork, it works balance.”
The ECU coach said boxing is particularly helpful in the development of linemen, and one of his many tasks after taking over for former coach Skip Holtz was to find a boxing expert to lead that part of the Pirates’ football training.
McNeill believes there will be benefits on both sides of the ball for ECU.
“It works all of the things needed in pass protection for offensive linemen, but it also helps the defensive linemen in terms of the use of hands and pass rush techniques.”
McNeill said he expects the boxing training will be a hit with the players.
“They’ll like it,” he said.” It’s not necessarily boxing in the ring that we’re talking about. That is a part of it, but it’s the drill aspect of boxing, from the bag work to the footwork. It translates to what we’re doing.”
ECU is back-to-back C-USA Champions and have been in and out of the top 25 over the past 2 seasons. They're 21-4 in C-USA over that time span with 4 straight bowl trips.
The Pirates should've won the Liberty Bowl against Petrino's Arkansas Razorbacks. Anyone who watched that game knows ECU drug the hogs up and down the field. If not for ECU's kicker absolutely choking on 4 field goals...3 of them from within 30 yards....2 in the final two minutes of the game....1 in overtime...ECU takes the trophy home.
The game for that line was ECU +7.5 We capped that correctly for our last win of the football season last year. ECU lost by a field goal in OT.
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ECU is back-to-back C-USA Champions and have been in and out of the top 25 over the past 2 seasons. They're 21-4 in C-USA over that time span with 4 straight bowl trips.
The Pirates should've won the Liberty Bowl against Petrino's Arkansas Razorbacks. Anyone who watched that game knows ECU drug the hogs up and down the field. If not for ECU's kicker absolutely choking on 4 field goals...3 of them from within 30 yards....2 in the final two minutes of the game....1 in overtime...ECU takes the trophy home.
The game for that line was ECU +7.5 We capped that correctly for our last win of the football season last year. ECU lost by a field goal in OT.
great work man.....if we could only get another 119 people or so to report on the remaining teams.....
We will be a fine tuned
ECU football capping community by the time the first snap takes place
against Tulsa.
only thing....you might wanna go against.....(maybe you meant that too).... lose great coach (37-26 ATS)....only 7/3 starters return.....lose 12 Sr starters including 6th year QB and 1000 yd rusher ....lose 9 of top 12 tacklers when you consider BIG system changes plus these early games.... @ va tech @ n caro @ s miss nc st ............could be rough start
* but very manageable conf schedule......so should be in the hunt at years end....hard not to root for Ruffin...
The impediment to action advances action - what stands in the way becomes the way.
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great work man.....if we could only get another 119 people or so to report on the remaining teams.....
We will be a fine tuned
ECU football capping community by the time the first snap takes place
against Tulsa.
only thing....you might wanna go against.....(maybe you meant that too).... lose great coach (37-26 ATS)....only 7/3 starters return.....lose 12 Sr starters including 6th year QB and 1000 yd rusher ....lose 9 of top 12 tacklers when you consider BIG system changes plus these early games.... @ va tech @ n caro @ s miss nc st ............could be rough start
* but very manageable conf schedule......so should be in the hunt at years end....hard not to root for Ruffin...
Trust me, I'm well aware of who ECU is, who we play, what we lose, and the challenges we need to overcome to have a winning football season. A winning football season and a winning gambling season are two different things.
- Coach Brian Mitchell is tough. He had a unique first practice at ECU to say the least. He somehow broke his finger during practice today. His finger was all crooked and pointing like three directions and he was still out there hollering instructions and walking around like nothing was wrong. He finally visited the team doctor and left the field to get treatment.
- Mark Yellock was the most intense coach out there. No matter where you were on the field you could hear him yelling instructions and encouragement. One thing is for sure... Our defense front will be in shape as he ran their tails off today.
- Justin Dixon, Damonte Terry, and Dominique Davis were all at practice today but were in street clothes and not participating. I think all three of them have to wait until summer to practice with the team, but it's encouraging that they were there today.
- Michael Brooks was not practicing due to the knee injury I mentioned last week. He along with Dakota Marshall and other injured players were walking laps around the field at the end of practice though. That's encouraging for Michael b/c I don't know the extent of his injury.
Offense...
- The QB's - In my opinion Josh Jordan looked to be #1 today. He was very accurate on the short passes but did not really air it out deep today. Rio Johnson looked to be #2 today. It looks like he has the bigger arm as he went down the field much more than Josh did. Rio was accurate when going down the field but not as accurate on the short passes. Was not too impressed with Brad Wornick today. He seemed like he could become a good QB but was not on the same level with the other two in my opinion.
- Jon Williams looked great today - very big and very fast. Seemed like he was really trying to learn all he could from his coach as well. He was running with the first team as far as I could tell. Whitley, Jackson, and Ruffin were also in the mix.
- Harris and Freeny were Harris and Freeney. Behind them I would say that Bowman and Bodenhimer looked good. Price and Wiggins looked good as well. Tons of speed at WR. #11 looked good too but I don't know who that was.
Defense...
- D Line was Mercer, Powell, Byrd, and Milner in that order at DE. Smith, Allison, Booth, and Farr at DT. Powell is small for a DE but is a physical specimen and very athletic! Byrd looks the part at DE very built and athletic as well. We will see when the pads go on.
- LB's were Spence inside, Lineback and Thompson outside. Seemed small at LB but very fast. Dixon will help the depth at that position. Pick was injured and walking laps as well.
- DB's were Simmons and Davis at CB and Reynolds and Blacknall at S. Simmons and Davis got the best of our recievers in 7 on 7 today, but defense is always ahead of Offense at this point especially when everything is new for the Offense.
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Trust me, I'm well aware of who ECU is, who we play, what we lose, and the challenges we need to overcome to have a winning football season. A winning football season and a winning gambling season are two different things.
- Coach Brian Mitchell is tough. He had a unique first practice at ECU to say the least. He somehow broke his finger during practice today. His finger was all crooked and pointing like three directions and he was still out there hollering instructions and walking around like nothing was wrong. He finally visited the team doctor and left the field to get treatment.
- Mark Yellock was the most intense coach out there. No matter where you were on the field you could hear him yelling instructions and encouragement. One thing is for sure... Our defense front will be in shape as he ran their tails off today.
- Justin Dixon, Damonte Terry, and Dominique Davis were all at practice today but were in street clothes and not participating. I think all three of them have to wait until summer to practice with the team, but it's encouraging that they were there today.
- Michael Brooks was not practicing due to the knee injury I mentioned last week. He along with Dakota Marshall and other injured players were walking laps around the field at the end of practice though. That's encouraging for Michael b/c I don't know the extent of his injury.
Offense...
- The QB's - In my opinion Josh Jordan looked to be #1 today. He was very accurate on the short passes but did not really air it out deep today. Rio Johnson looked to be #2 today. It looks like he has the bigger arm as he went down the field much more than Josh did. Rio was accurate when going down the field but not as accurate on the short passes. Was not too impressed with Brad Wornick today. He seemed like he could become a good QB but was not on the same level with the other two in my opinion.
- Jon Williams looked great today - very big and very fast. Seemed like he was really trying to learn all he could from his coach as well. He was running with the first team as far as I could tell. Whitley, Jackson, and Ruffin were also in the mix.
- Harris and Freeny were Harris and Freeney. Behind them I would say that Bowman and Bodenhimer looked good. Price and Wiggins looked good as well. Tons of speed at WR. #11 looked good too but I don't know who that was.
Defense...
- D Line was Mercer, Powell, Byrd, and Milner in that order at DE. Smith, Allison, Booth, and Farr at DT. Powell is small for a DE but is a physical specimen and very athletic! Byrd looks the part at DE very built and athletic as well. We will see when the pads go on.
- LB's were Spence inside, Lineback and Thompson outside. Seemed small at LB but very fast. Dixon will help the depth at that position. Pick was injured and walking laps as well.
- DB's were Simmons and Davis at CB and Reynolds and Blacknall at S. Simmons and Davis got the best of our recievers in 7 on 7 today, but defense is always ahead of Offense at this point especially when everything is new for the Offense.
Caught most of practice today. Had to leave @ 5:30pm so I missed the last 45 minutes. Here are a few observations/thoughts...
- Coach Brian Mitchell was sporting a heavily wrapped hand after the incident I mentioned in Monday's report. It didn't slow him down though.
- Coach Yellock was once again the most vocal coach on the field. He looks like he could still play d-line for us right now! Very intimidating man.
- C.J. Wilson, Linval Joseph, and Sean Allen were in attendance today supporting the guys.
- Impressed by Marke Powell at DE again. He is undersized but seems like he can outrun our LB's. He could be a Dwight Freeney type terror off the edge. Freshman Derrell Johnson is working at DE also and has a nice build.
- I mentioned Brandon Jackson Monday, but I realized today I misidentified him. The player I thought was Jackson is in fact Alex Owah - a RB from Hargrave. Owah looks very, very fast with a nice burst when he gets the ball. Didn't see Brandon Jackson on the field today or Monday. Anyone know what's up with him???
- Mike Price really stood out to me at receiver today. Good height, fast, quick feet, very, very athletic.
- JUCO safety Bradley Jacobs made a few nice plays on the ball today and got some praise from Ruff.
- A question yesterday was about DE Allen Crowder. He is practicing and looked good today. It looks like he has been moved inside to DT. I don't know if this is temporary due to Michael Brooks’s injury or a permanent thing.
- Michael Brooks was once again walking on his injured knee so that's a good sign.
- Josh Jordan still looks like the best QB in my opinion. The only thing that worries me is that he seems to try and put touch on everything instead of drilling it in there when he needs to. Rio Johnson on the other hand throws everything hard. If we could combine Jordan's touch and Rio's arm strength we would have a super QB. I think we will be fine at QB with either guy.
- Dwayne Harris is going to be unstoppable in this offense.
- Jonathan Williams, if he can stay out of prison, is going to crush C-USA this year from the RB position. You'll recall him running over the WVU defense all day long 2 years ago as a true freshman in Greenville. ECU won 24-3. Williams was suspended for most of the 2009 season.
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Caught most of practice today. Had to leave @ 5:30pm so I missed the last 45 minutes. Here are a few observations/thoughts...
- Coach Brian Mitchell was sporting a heavily wrapped hand after the incident I mentioned in Monday's report. It didn't slow him down though.
- Coach Yellock was once again the most vocal coach on the field. He looks like he could still play d-line for us right now! Very intimidating man.
- C.J. Wilson, Linval Joseph, and Sean Allen were in attendance today supporting the guys.
- Impressed by Marke Powell at DE again. He is undersized but seems like he can outrun our LB's. He could be a Dwight Freeney type terror off the edge. Freshman Derrell Johnson is working at DE also and has a nice build.
- I mentioned Brandon Jackson Monday, but I realized today I misidentified him. The player I thought was Jackson is in fact Alex Owah - a RB from Hargrave. Owah looks very, very fast with a nice burst when he gets the ball. Didn't see Brandon Jackson on the field today or Monday. Anyone know what's up with him???
- Mike Price really stood out to me at receiver today. Good height, fast, quick feet, very, very athletic.
- JUCO safety Bradley Jacobs made a few nice plays on the ball today and got some praise from Ruff.
- A question yesterday was about DE Allen Crowder. He is practicing and looked good today. It looks like he has been moved inside to DT. I don't know if this is temporary due to Michael Brooks’s injury or a permanent thing.
- Michael Brooks was once again walking on his injured knee so that's a good sign.
- Josh Jordan still looks like the best QB in my opinion. The only thing that worries me is that he seems to try and put touch on everything instead of drilling it in there when he needs to. Rio Johnson on the other hand throws everything hard. If we could combine Jordan's touch and Rio's arm strength we would have a super QB. I think we will be fine at QB with either guy.
- Dwayne Harris is going to be unstoppable in this offense.
- Jonathan Williams, if he can stay out of prison, is going to crush C-USA this year from the RB position. You'll recall him running over the WVU defense all day long 2 years ago as a true freshman in Greenville. ECU won 24-3. Williams was suspended for most of the 2009 season.
Greenville Police say ECU Football players Giavanni Ruffin and Brandon Jackson were arrested following an early morning incident in downtown Greenville.
The police reports say they are both charged with being intoxicated and disruptive and resisting, obstructing and delay.
Greenville police say the charges stem from an incident in downtown after 2:00 a.m., but didn't have specific information about what took place.
Ruffin, age 21, is a senior running back at ECU. Jackson, age 20, is also a running back.
This is Jackson's third time in trouble with the law. Jackson and cornerback Emanuel Davis were arrested in early January. Jackson was charged with being intoxicated and disruptive, resisting public officer, consuming alcohol by someone under 21, driving after consuming under the age of 21, and DWI. Jackson was also cited November 1, 2008, in Greenville by an ECU police officer at 4:40 a.m. and charged with driving while impaired. Davis was charged in the January incident with with disorderly conduct and possession of alcohol under the age of 21.
The Pitt County Detention Center says Ruffin posted a $1,000 bond and has a court date of May 6. Jackson posted a $3,000 bond and also has a May 6th court date.
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Greenville Police say ECU Football players Giavanni Ruffin and Brandon Jackson were arrested following an early morning incident in downtown Greenville.
The police reports say they are both charged with being intoxicated and disruptive and resisting, obstructing and delay.
Greenville police say the charges stem from an incident in downtown after 2:00 a.m., but didn't have specific information about what took place.
Ruffin, age 21, is a senior running back at ECU. Jackson, age 20, is also a running back.
This is Jackson's third time in trouble with the law. Jackson and cornerback Emanuel Davis were arrested in early January. Jackson was charged with being intoxicated and disruptive, resisting public officer, consuming alcohol by someone under 21, driving after consuming under the age of 21, and DWI. Jackson was also cited November 1, 2008, in Greenville by an ECU police officer at 4:40 a.m. and charged with driving while impaired. Davis was charged in the January incident with with disorderly conduct and possession of alcohol under the age of 21.
The Pitt County Detention Center says Ruffin posted a $1,000 bond and has a court date of May 6. Jackson posted a $3,000 bond and also has a May 6th court date.
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Two East Carolina football players, running backs Brandon Jackson and Giavanni Ruffin, have been disciplined following early Sunday morning arrests according to an announcement from head coach Ruffin McNeill Monday afternoon.
The decision came a day after McNeill and ECU athletics officials were made aware of charges filed against both by the Greenville Police Department.
"Because of previous team rule violations, we do not have any other option than to dismiss Brandon from the team for this incident," McNeill said. "Giavanni has been suspended indefinitely and we have established some policy and procedure expectations for him as a condition for returning to our program and representing East Carolina University."
Jackson, whose charges include underage consumption of alcohol, intoxication and simple affray, finished his sophomore season as the Pirates' second-leading rusher with 316 yards and three touchdowns on 84 carries in nine contests and three starts. He contributed a season-high 88 yards on 20 attempts vs. UCF Sept. 26 in his fourth game after transferring into the ECU program from Kentucky a year earlier.
"When you make mistakes in life, you have to understand there are consequences," McNeill added. "It hurts to see young people lose an opportunity like that, but it's very important to have conduct standards in place we expect to be followed on a consistent basis. We have a commitment to the University, our program and our families to represent ourselves in a professional manner at all times. My hope is that if they learn from this incident, it will serve a good purpose."
Ruffin, a rising senior who was charged with resisting and obstructing a police officer, stood third among the unit's rushers with 308 yards and five touchdowns on 84 carries in 13 games last fall. The junior college transfer enjoyed his top performance of the 2009 campaign with an 87-yard, 14-attempt effort at Memphis Oct. 27. He played a key role in the Pirates' post-season schedule, scoring twice and adding 55 ground yards against Houston in the Conference USA Championship Game before tallying 44 yards against Arkansas in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
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March 29, 2010
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Two East Carolina football players, running backs Brandon Jackson and Giavanni Ruffin, have been disciplined following early Sunday morning arrests according to an announcement from head coach Ruffin McNeill Monday afternoon.
The decision came a day after McNeill and ECU athletics officials were made aware of charges filed against both by the Greenville Police Department.
"Because of previous team rule violations, we do not have any other option than to dismiss Brandon from the team for this incident," McNeill said. "Giavanni has been suspended indefinitely and we have established some policy and procedure expectations for him as a condition for returning to our program and representing East Carolina University."
Jackson, whose charges include underage consumption of alcohol, intoxication and simple affray, finished his sophomore season as the Pirates' second-leading rusher with 316 yards and three touchdowns on 84 carries in nine contests and three starts. He contributed a season-high 88 yards on 20 attempts vs. UCF Sept. 26 in his fourth game after transferring into the ECU program from Kentucky a year earlier.
"When you make mistakes in life, you have to understand there are consequences," McNeill added. "It hurts to see young people lose an opportunity like that, but it's very important to have conduct standards in place we expect to be followed on a consistent basis. We have a commitment to the University, our program and our families to represent ourselves in a professional manner at all times. My hope is that if they learn from this incident, it will serve a good purpose."
Ruffin, a rising senior who was charged with resisting and obstructing a police officer, stood third among the unit's rushers with 308 yards and five touchdowns on 84 carries in 13 games last fall. The junior college transfer enjoyed his top performance of the 2009 campaign with an 87-yard, 14-attempt effort at Memphis Oct. 27. He played a key role in the Pirates' post-season schedule, scoring twice and adding 55 ground yards against Houston in the Conference USA Championship Game before tallying 44 yards against Arkansas in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
GREENVILLE, N.C. - The unveiling of the Pirates' newly-installed passing attack highlighted East Carolina's first intra-squad scrimmage of the spring practice period Saturday morning at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Sophomores Josh Jordan and Brad Wornick, along with redshirt freshman Rio Johnson each took turns guiding ECU's offensive unit during the 100-play contest, which featured game officials and was played in near-perfect weather conditions. The trio combined on a 47-of-71, 430-yard passing effort that netted three touchdowns and a field goal.
"In my opinion, I think we accomplished everything today that I planned," first-year head coach Ruffin McNeill said. "I wanted to see how the players and coaches would react to officials in a simulated game situation. Then, I observed sideline organization as well as the rotation of different groups and I really liked the way that happened. I was also pleased with the way we executed both offensively and defensively.
"I thought we were really prepared for today and we did some special things out there," McNeill continued. "We like to take things in sequential steps and I was pleased with this step. I am looking forward to watching the film."
Forty-three of the 47 pass completions were less than 20 yards, including all three scoring tosses. Senior receiver Dwayne Harris, who finished the day with six catches for 59 yards, recorded short-yardage TD grabs of two and three yards from Wornick. Sophomore Dayon Arrington produced the Pirates' other score with a four-yarder from Johnson.
On the ground, redshirt freshman Michael Dobson led all rushers with 32 yards on just two carries while senior Jonathan Williams added 31 yards on eight attempts.
Wornick, who opened second half play by completing his first eight attempts, directed ECU's offense to a scrimmage-high 10 first downs while recording 146 yards on 16-of-25 passing. Jordan had 21, 23 and 33-yard tosses on the way to a 16-of-23, 170-yard performance, while Johnson added 114 yards on a 15-of-23 effort.
"We are still looking for consistency from our quarterbacks," McNeill added. "With that said, I think our guys are really listening to (offensive coordinator) Lincoln (Riley) well and absorbing everything he is teaching. This all takes time, but luckily we have seven days of spring practice left to continue to evaluate."
The Pirates converted 11-of-18 of their third-down conversions, often utilizing the passing game in medium to short-yardage situations. Three of 6-foot-8 redshirt freshman tight end/receiver Justin Jones' five catches came on third down, including a pivotal 21-yard pickup from Jordan. In all, Jones picked up a team-high 64 yards while senior T.J. Terrell added 51 yards on six catches to go along with Harris' production.
The defense forced two turnovers, which included an interception by junior linebacker Steve Spence and a fumble recovery by senior cornerback Travis Simmons. Junior safety Derek Blacknall and junior linebacker Matt Thompson topped all tacklers with eight stops each, while junior cornerback Emanuel Davis added seven hits and was credited with a pass breakup.
The contest featured seven ball carriers and 17 pass catchers who averaged a combined 5.6 yards per play.
"Our tempo and pace on offense are not where we want them right now," McNeill said. "For most teams, this tempo would be sufficient, but it is still a work in progress for us."
The Pirates open their third week of spring work Monday and will follow with practices Wednesday and Friday before conducting their second scrimmage next Saturday.
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GREENVILLE, N.C. - The unveiling of the Pirates' newly-installed passing attack highlighted East Carolina's first intra-squad scrimmage of the spring practice period Saturday morning at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Sophomores Josh Jordan and Brad Wornick, along with redshirt freshman Rio Johnson each took turns guiding ECU's offensive unit during the 100-play contest, which featured game officials and was played in near-perfect weather conditions. The trio combined on a 47-of-71, 430-yard passing effort that netted three touchdowns and a field goal.
"In my opinion, I think we accomplished everything today that I planned," first-year head coach Ruffin McNeill said. "I wanted to see how the players and coaches would react to officials in a simulated game situation. Then, I observed sideline organization as well as the rotation of different groups and I really liked the way that happened. I was also pleased with the way we executed both offensively and defensively.
"I thought we were really prepared for today and we did some special things out there," McNeill continued. "We like to take things in sequential steps and I was pleased with this step. I am looking forward to watching the film."
Forty-three of the 47 pass completions were less than 20 yards, including all three scoring tosses. Senior receiver Dwayne Harris, who finished the day with six catches for 59 yards, recorded short-yardage TD grabs of two and three yards from Wornick. Sophomore Dayon Arrington produced the Pirates' other score with a four-yarder from Johnson.
On the ground, redshirt freshman Michael Dobson led all rushers with 32 yards on just two carries while senior Jonathan Williams added 31 yards on eight attempts.
Wornick, who opened second half play by completing his first eight attempts, directed ECU's offense to a scrimmage-high 10 first downs while recording 146 yards on 16-of-25 passing. Jordan had 21, 23 and 33-yard tosses on the way to a 16-of-23, 170-yard performance, while Johnson added 114 yards on a 15-of-23 effort.
"We are still looking for consistency from our quarterbacks," McNeill added. "With that said, I think our guys are really listening to (offensive coordinator) Lincoln (Riley) well and absorbing everything he is teaching. This all takes time, but luckily we have seven days of spring practice left to continue to evaluate."
The Pirates converted 11-of-18 of their third-down conversions, often utilizing the passing game in medium to short-yardage situations. Three of 6-foot-8 redshirt freshman tight end/receiver Justin Jones' five catches came on third down, including a pivotal 21-yard pickup from Jordan. In all, Jones picked up a team-high 64 yards while senior T.J. Terrell added 51 yards on six catches to go along with Harris' production.
The defense forced two turnovers, which included an interception by junior linebacker Steve Spence and a fumble recovery by senior cornerback Travis Simmons. Junior safety Derek Blacknall and junior linebacker Matt Thompson topped all tacklers with eight stops each, while junior cornerback Emanuel Davis added seven hits and was credited with a pass breakup.
The contest featured seven ball carriers and 17 pass catchers who averaged a combined 5.6 yards per play.
"Our tempo and pace on offense are not where we want them right now," McNeill said. "For most teams, this tempo would be sufficient, but it is still a work in progress for us."
The Pirates open their third week of spring work Monday and will follow with practices Wednesday and Friday before conducting their second scrimmage next Saturday.
This says a lot, not only about the recruit, but about the effort the ECU coaches and players are putting in this offseason. Big guy wants to go to a program where he can "chill" and "take it easy"...doesn't sound like ECU is the place for him. Players and coaches are getting after it...he don't like that.
Offers: ECU, Penn State, South Carolina, North Carolina, NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, New Mexico
"This past week I visited UNC, State, and East Carolina. I went to ECU's practice and UNC's practice," he said.
He says he liked the way in which North Carolina's players and coaches conducted its spring practice, while also giving praise toEast Carolina and its new head coach Ruffin McNeill.
"At ECU you can see that they're trying to rebuild with the coaches that they have, and at UNC they had a pretty laid-back kind of practice, which is what I kind of liked because I want to chill for a little while but I still want to learn at the same time, so that's very important to me," he said.
"(My leaders) probably would be UNC, State, and Wake Forest," he said.
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This says a lot, not only about the recruit, but about the effort the ECU coaches and players are putting in this offseason. Big guy wants to go to a program where he can "chill" and "take it easy"...doesn't sound like ECU is the place for him. Players and coaches are getting after it...he don't like that.
Offers: ECU, Penn State, South Carolina, North Carolina, NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, New Mexico
"This past week I visited UNC, State, and East Carolina. I went to ECU's practice and UNC's practice," he said.
He says he liked the way in which North Carolina's players and coaches conducted its spring practice, while also giving praise toEast Carolina and its new head coach Ruffin McNeill.
"At ECU you can see that they're trying to rebuild with the coaches that they have, and at UNC they had a pretty laid-back kind of practice, which is what I kind of liked because I want to chill for a little while but I still want to learn at the same time, so that's very important to me," he said.
"(My leaders) probably would be UNC, State, and Wake Forest," he said.
I love the Wes Welker comments in here. The New England Patriots star told this recent ECU commit that the ECU coaching staff is the best he'd ever seen.
Havelock quarterback Danny Webster Jr. verbally committed to ECU Saturday, ending a grueling recruiting process that included offers from five other Division I schools.
“There’s no more pressure,” Webster said. “Now, I’m just ready to get on the field and play.”
Well, Webster still has another year with the Rams, whom he helped lead to the 3-A Eastern Regional championship game in 2009. His big junior year — which included more than 2,700 passing yards and 1,700 rushing yards — resulted in offers from ECU, UNC, N.C. State, Duke, Georgia Tech and South Carolina.
Georgia Tech wanted him as a quarterback, but Webster plans on playing wide receiver for the Pirates.
“I was talking to coach Ruffin (McNeill) in his office,” Webster said. “I just felt real comfortable with him. It just kind of hit me. I knew that was the right decision.”
A conversation with current New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker helped nudge Webster in ECU’s direction. Welker played for many of ECU’s current coaches during his collegiate career at Texas Tech.
“He promised me that was the best coaching staff he had ever seen,” Webster said. “He still talks to them all the time.”
ECU coaches were sold on Webster after one look at his highlight video. He brought back memories of Welker — a short, shifty playmaker with ankle-breaking moves.
“I heard a bunch of Wes Welker comparisons,” said Webster, who is 5-foot-11. “They said my highlight tape was similar to his.”
After watching ECU’s new offense in action Saturday, Webster informed McNeill of his decision.
“Watching them explode and do things with the ball I haven’t seen ever in my life, it was pretty impressive,” he said.
New ECU offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley has implemented a new spread offense, similar to what Havelock runs. Webster said he’s been guaranteed “early playing time,” which was one of the selling points. But he also likes the fact that ECU is close to home and that he’ll have the opportunity to play baseball for the Pirates.
“I plan on playing both in college,” he said. “I’ve already talked to the baseball coaches at ECU.”
Former New Bern wide receiver Mike Price redshirted his freshman season at ECU. Webster said they’ve already talked about working out together this summer.
Havelock coach Jim Bob Bryant said ECU won’t be disappointed, calling Webster, “pound for pound,” the best player he’s ever coached.
“I think he’s going to be unbelievable as a wide receiver in this type of offense,” Bryant said. “He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands.”
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I love the Wes Welker comments in here. The New England Patriots star told this recent ECU commit that the ECU coaching staff is the best he'd ever seen.
Havelock quarterback Danny Webster Jr. verbally committed to ECU Saturday, ending a grueling recruiting process that included offers from five other Division I schools.
“There’s no more pressure,” Webster said. “Now, I’m just ready to get on the field and play.”
Well, Webster still has another year with the Rams, whom he helped lead to the 3-A Eastern Regional championship game in 2009. His big junior year — which included more than 2,700 passing yards and 1,700 rushing yards — resulted in offers from ECU, UNC, N.C. State, Duke, Georgia Tech and South Carolina.
Georgia Tech wanted him as a quarterback, but Webster plans on playing wide receiver for the Pirates.
“I was talking to coach Ruffin (McNeill) in his office,” Webster said. “I just felt real comfortable with him. It just kind of hit me. I knew that was the right decision.”
A conversation with current New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker helped nudge Webster in ECU’s direction. Welker played for many of ECU’s current coaches during his collegiate career at Texas Tech.
“He promised me that was the best coaching staff he had ever seen,” Webster said. “He still talks to them all the time.”
ECU coaches were sold on Webster after one look at his highlight video. He brought back memories of Welker — a short, shifty playmaker with ankle-breaking moves.
“I heard a bunch of Wes Welker comparisons,” said Webster, who is 5-foot-11. “They said my highlight tape was similar to his.”
After watching ECU’s new offense in action Saturday, Webster informed McNeill of his decision.
“Watching them explode and do things with the ball I haven’t seen ever in my life, it was pretty impressive,” he said.
New ECU offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley has implemented a new spread offense, similar to what Havelock runs. Webster said he’s been guaranteed “early playing time,” which was one of the selling points. But he also likes the fact that ECU is close to home and that he’ll have the opportunity to play baseball for the Pirates.
“I plan on playing both in college,” he said. “I’ve already talked to the baseball coaches at ECU.”
Former New Bern wide receiver Mike Price redshirted his freshman season at ECU. Webster said they’ve already talked about working out together this summer.
Havelock coach Jim Bob Bryant said ECU won’t be disappointed, calling Webster, “pound for pound,” the best player he’s ever coached.
“I think he’s going to be unbelievable as a wide receiver in this type of offense,” Bryant said. “He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands.”
“Watching them explode and do things with the ball I haven’t seen ever in my life, it was pretty impressive,” he said.
I'm looking forward to the opening lines against Tulsa. We're going to rip them a new one. They think new staff, new players, new faces is going to equal problems for ECU...but insiders know this team is going to be nasty in the fall with speed all over the field.
ECU ran 94 plays and the offense only had 5 penalties; 2 holding, 2 illegal formations, and 1 motion. The defense only had 2; 1 offsides and 1 holding.
The guys must have a solid grasp of the system on both sides of teh ball. Very impressive this early.
With the ball being spotted and snapped 71 times there was only 1 interception and 1 fumble.
THAT IS IN SPRING SCRIMMAGE #1. The Air Raid has arrived in Greenville, folks.
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“Watching them explode and do things with the ball I haven’t seen ever in my life, it was pretty impressive,” he said.
I'm looking forward to the opening lines against Tulsa. We're going to rip them a new one. They think new staff, new players, new faces is going to equal problems for ECU...but insiders know this team is going to be nasty in the fall with speed all over the field.
ECU ran 94 plays and the offense only had 5 penalties; 2 holding, 2 illegal formations, and 1 motion. The defense only had 2; 1 offsides and 1 holding.
The guys must have a solid grasp of the system on both sides of teh ball. Very impressive this early.
With the ball being spotted and snapped 71 times there was only 1 interception and 1 fumble.
THAT IS IN SPRING SCRIMMAGE #1. The Air Raid has arrived in Greenville, folks.
dawg - I NEVER tail,,however, this year I'm on your every move when the pirates take the gridiron - caught the tail end of some of your work in the basketball season and was most impressed, write ups were killer and more often than not played out just as you had said they would,,Salutes from the cap city Sir for a capping job well done
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dawg - I NEVER tail,,however, this year I'm on your every move when the pirates take the gridiron - caught the tail end of some of your work in the basketball season and was most impressed, write ups were killer and more often than not played out just as you had said they would,,Salutes from the cap city Sir for a capping job well done
Spring game was UGLY today on offense. No tempo, QB's all over the place, o-line not picking up blitz packages. I didn't like what I saw at all and came away very disappointed with the team 15 days in.
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Spring game was UGLY today on offense. No tempo, QB's all over the place, o-line not picking up blitz packages. I didn't like what I saw at all and came away very disappointed with the team 15 days in.
LuDaw, tell your pirates to get it together before conference play rolls around because me and my Houston Coogs want another shot at ya in the CUSA Championship game.
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LuDaw, tell your pirates to get it together before conference play rolls around because me and my Houston Coogs want another shot at ya in the CUSA Championship game.
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