EARLY BIRD 2009 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
RELEASED DECEMBER 2008
EAST CAROLINA PIRATES
OFFENSE - 10
------RETURNING STARTERS------
DEFENSE - 9
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Jason Simmons-FB, Brandon Simmons-RB, T.J. Lee-WR, Davon Drew-TE, J.R. Kraemer-TE, Stanley Bryant-OT
DEFENSE: Zack Slate-DE, Khalif Mitchell-NG, Pierre Bell-OLB, Jerek Hewett-CB, Leon Best-SS, J.J. Milbrook-SS
Team Defense

The No. 1 scoring defense in C-USA returns nine starters. Getting stud LB Quentin Cotton back from a knee injury would put this group over the top.

Offensive Backfield

Rob Kass is set to take over full-time duties at QB. They need more out of his passing game to legitimize this ranking. Getting one of the RBs to take command is necessary for running consistency.

C Sean Allen
 
DB Van Eskridge
 
* DEPTH CHARTS were only designed as a simplistic gauge for listing players that departed and players that received the most playing experience (consistent starters). NationalChamps.net recognizes the importance of missing personnel data not listed such as redshirts, transfers, injuries, incoming recruits, back ups and alternates. Their coverage will begin with our full 2009 Preseason Preview due out this coming spring.
 
EAST CAROLINA 2009 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Patrick Pinkey-Sr Rob Kass-Sr
FB Kevin Gidrey-Jr ..
RB Norman Whitley-Jr Jonathan Williams-Jr
WR Alex Taylor-Sr Jamar Bryant-Sr / Joe Womack-So
WR Dwayne Harris-Jr Darryl Freeney-So
TE .. ..
OT Terence Campbell-Sr ..
OG Cory Dowless-Jr ..
C Sean Allen-Sr ..
OG Doug Palmer-Sr ..
OT D.J. Scott-Jr Travis Melvin-Jr
K Ben Hartman-Sr ..
 
EAST CAROLINA 2009 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Scotty Robinson-Sr ..
DT Jay Ross-Sr Robert Jones-So
NG Linval Joseph-Jr ..
DE C.J. Wilson-Sr ..
OLB Cliff Perryman-So Dustin Lineback-Jr
MLB Nick Johnson-Sr ..
OLB Jeremy Chambliss-Sr Chris Mattocks-Sr
CB Emanual Davis-So Travis Simmons-Jr
CB Dekota Marshall-Jr Darryl Reynolds-Jr
SS .. ..
FS Van Eskridge-Sr ..
P Matt Dodge-Sr ..
QUICK ANALYSIS

12/9/08
Go ahead and laugh at our now-famous Early Bird “Dark Horse” pick, a slot is designated for teams that few (if anyone) will give top 25 consideration to when it counts in late August. Two years ago, NationalChamps.net struck gold with the pick of South Florida (climbed as high as No. 2). Last year may have been the pick of the decade after nailing upstart Ball State with this honor. This time around, the choice seemed a little more obvious since the Pirates have already proven worthy of "Upset Alert" status after opening the 2008 campaign by beating both BCS heavy hitters Virginia Tech and WVU. However, head coach Skip Holtz found that winning games with a target painted on the chest was not so easy. They held on to win the C-USA championship, and all now know that ECU football can play with the big boys. Oh, and eighteen starters are back. Whether or not head coach Skip Holtz remains is the key variable; his stock has risen. Given his return, the No. 1 issue will be finding someone to step in for quick-footed QB Patrick Pinkey. Soon-to-be senior Rob Kass started seven games in 2007, helping to give the Pirates one of the best rotating QB systems across the land. For this bunch to really take that next big step forward, more has to be accomplished in the passing attack. The experience at receiver is substantial enough to warrant higher expectations, and one of the running backs needs to rise up to take command. A veteran offense line will return all of its parts, so anything is possible. The best defensive player, Quentin Cotton at linebacker, injured his knee in mid-September and was done for the season. This helped dash their ’08 dreams, but hopes are that he could return with an extra year granted by the NCAA (a long shot) along with senior leaders C.J. Wilson and Van Eskridge. The experience factor on both sides of the ball runs deep, so no more sneaking up on BCS-aligned foes like the Hokies and Mountaineers. Both want a shot at redemption, and each will get a chance as the non-conference schedule continues to be a devastating cannon ball headed toward this Pirate’s chances.

1/23/09
QB Patrick Pinkey has been granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA.

 

EAST CAROLINA
2009 SCHEDULE

Sep. 5 Appalachian State
Sep. 19 at North Carolina
Sep. 26 Virginia Tech
TBA at West Virginia
TBA UCF
TBA Southern Miss
TBA UAB
TBA at Memphis
TBA at Marshall
TBA 3 C-USA West Opponents