(05-18-2017 02:02 PM)ECUGrad07 Wrote:  Here is a snapshot of what ECU brings to the table this season...

QB: It's either going to be Gardner Minshew or Duke transfer Thomas Sirk. Minshew, a former JUCO National Champion, stepped in for Philip Nelson last season after Nelson had concussion issues. Minshew finished out the year respectably, and has a good command of the offense. He was hampered with a shoulder injury, for which he wore a brace, but he has healed back to 100%. Coach Mo has said publically that it is going to be a fierce QB battle in the Summer and Fall. He coached Sirk at Duke, and said that Sirk is very familiar with the offense, just some terminology changes. With Sirk being a record-setting QB at Duke and reportedly back to 100% healthy, I have a feeling Sirk is going to come in and run the ECU offense this season. Either way, we have very capable QB1 and QB2 on the roster.

RB: ECU has a loaded backfield. Anthony Scott was the starter last year, and he's a home-run threat with his elite speed and elusiveness. However, he was benched late due to his inability to protect the football. He cost us 2 games due to extremely costly fumbles late. Tyshon Dye is the guy people are talking about now, however. A former 4-star grad student transfer from Clemson. He had an injury plagued career at Clemson, but he chose ECU over Miami because he wanted a chance to be "the guy". He will likely take the starting nod. Also pushing for playing time is former 4* RB and Tennessee transfer, Derrell Scott. He has gamebreaking ability, but reportedly doesn't practice well. When it comes to game time, he is a different guy, as seen in the Spring Game where he stole the show. That's a tough situation for a coach. I imagine he'll get his shot, too.

OL: The offensive line was exposed last year, and a big part of that was due to the constant revolving door of new players, position changes, and injuries. They just couldn't catch a break. This season, there is new hope for the OL, with 6'6" 327lbs Garrett McGhin making the switch to Center. He brings athleticism that we haven't had at the position in years, and the coaches have raved about the improvement of the unit as a whole with him at Center. Big 6'8" 327lbs Brandon Smith will be back at OT, where he will undoubtedly be All-AAC this season. We also filled a sore need at OG with 6'4" 320lbs Dqmarcus Shaw, who chose ECU over conference rival, Cincinnati.

WR: This is why ECU is known as "Wide Receiver U". WR is out bread and butter, and this season is no different. We have some crazy talent and lots of quality depth ready to go. Jimmy Williams was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA, and has been the offensive MVP of the spring. He was 2nd fiddle to Zay Jones last season, but he still finished with 818 receiving yards and 8 TD's. The kid can flat out FLY. ECU hopes to get Trevon Brown back, who sat out last season due to academic issues. 2 years ago, it was debatable that Brown was better than Zay Jones, and only 2nd to Justin Hardy. All signs point to his return. Sophomore Deondre Farrier surprised everyone by emerging as a reliable, exciting target last season, finishing with 305 receiving yards, and 1 TD. But more than anything else, ECU fans are ecstatic to have Davon Grayson back. He suffered a dangerous lower back injury and missed all of last season. But in 2015 he finished with 448 yards and 3 TD's, behind Zay Jones and Justin Hardy. The kid is special, and will likely be the breakout player this season on offense.

DL: ECU is going away from the 3-4 and switching to a 4-2-5. We used to rely on speedy, athletic LB's to make plays... but we were gashed by the run. We added some beef to the line to help with this switch. At DT, we will likely start Demage Bailey (6'5" 294lbs) and Jalen Price (6'2" 300lbs). At DE, we are really excited about what we are adding. We landed Tyree Owens (6'5" 275lbs) who had ridiculous offers coming out of JUCO from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, Southern Cal, South Carolina, etc. We also landed Minnesota grad transfer Gaelin Elmore (6'6" 280lbs) who played in every game in his 3 seasons at Minnesota, and started 9 games.

LB: Jordan Williams (6'0" 230lbs) was named one of FoxSports 20 "Freaks of College Football" due to his incredible strength, speed, and agility. The kid is a monster and is poised for a great season. Ray Tillman is a kid ECU fans have been expecting a lot of, but hasn't quite lived up to our hopes yet. He has had a great spring and will have his first shot at starting this season.

CB: Corey Seargent (6'0" 170lbs) is ECU's best, most experience cover corner. He was hampered by an injury last season, but he is poised to have a good year with new DB's coach, Brandon Lynch (Northern Iowa). Colby Gore (5'11" 175lbs) and Travis Phillips (5'11" 178lbs) have been fighting it out this Spring for the other CB slot. Phillips has had the better Spring, but Gore started last year. We'll see. Either way, the rotation of these 3 kids is likely the most talented set of CB's we've had this decade.

S: ECU could have a SPECIAL group back at Safety. Auburn transfer Tim Irvin (5'9" 192lbs) started every game for Auburn as a true freshman. He is an INT machine, and has been all over the field this Spring. Coaches say the defense is notably better with Irvin on the field. The other guys feed off him. Returning from a great 2016 season, BIG Bobby Fulp (6'4" 205lbs) is ready to shut down the deep threat. He is crazy athletic, and 6'4" is NFL size. He has only scratched the surface of his potential.

ECU fans are excited for the 2017 season, and recognize fully the challenge posed by the defending FCS National Champs in the home opener. This game could really set the tone for the season, for good, or for bad. ECU coaches, players, and fans alike are not expecting an easy game. Far too often we've been on the JMU side of things, being overlooked by supposed superior programs, and we've kicked the ever loving crap out of them on national TV. We will play against JMU with the same chip on our shoulder that we would playing WVU, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Florida, etc.

I hope many of you can make it Greenville for the game. I've heard JMU and ECU fans are very much alike in their "festive" nature and love for tailgating and football. It should be a huge party, followed by a hell of a football game.

Good luck Dukes.

ECUGrad07-Thanks for the write-up on the Pirates. Much appreciated. Very much looking forward to the game. With that said...Go Dukes!