Names to Watch: East Carolina
East Carolina is led by an offense that returns plenty of talent at the skill positions. Here is a brief scouting report on several of the best players for the Pirates.
Quarterback: Katin Houser - #4 - Redshirt Junior - 6'3", 225 lbs
Katin Houser returns as the Pirates' starting signal-caller, building on a career-best 2024 season. He showcased his proficiency as an experienced pocket passer, accumulating 2,006 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while remarkably only being sacked 10 times. With three returning starters on the offensive line, the chemistry upfront is poised to remain strong, if not improve, further bolstering Houser's performance.
Wide Receiver: Anthony Smith - #9 - Graduate - 6'3", 189 lbs
A former NC State receiver, Anthony Smith transferred to ECU in 2024 seeking increased playing time, and he certainly found it. His breakout 2024 campaign saw him haul in 41 catches for 799 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. This 6'3" speedster will undoubtedly serve as a potent deep threat for the Pirates and a reliable target for Katin Houser. Smith runs a 4.35 40-yard dash, and NC State CB Devon Marshall will be matched up with him most of the game. Marshall ran a 4.41 40-yard dash this offseason, so he has the speed to match, but I wouldn’t expect NC State to be in press coverage at any time.
Wide Receiver: Jaquaize Pettaway - #12 - Junior - 6'0", 194 lbs
Jaquaize Pettaway is another formidable deep threat for the Pirates, reportedly possessing sub-4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash. Pettaway was a former 4-star recruit in the 2023 class, ranking 87th nationally per On3. This dynamic slot receiver transferred from Oklahoma after two seasons without securing a starting role. He is expected to be a crucial asset in the passing game alongside lead receiver Anthony Smith.
Cornerback: Jordy Lowery - #15 - Redshirt Junior - 5'11", 189 lbs
Jordy Lowery joins the Pirates' secondary this offseason after transferring from Western Carolina. While his previous encounter with NC State in the 2024 season opener yielded only 3 tackles, Lowery enjoyed a breakout 2024 campaign. He amassed 43 total tackles, an impressive 6 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and 2.5 tackles for loss, including a pivotal pick-six in a thrilling 47-42 victory against Samford.
Free Safety: Ja’Marley Riddle - #2 - Sophomore - 6'0", 182 lbs
Ja'Marley Riddle returns as the Pirates' starting free safety, following a standout freshman season in 2024. His impactful debut included 63 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 4 pass breakups. Riddle also contributed a pick-six in a decisive 56-34 win against Temple last season. He is expected to assume a leadership role in the Pirates' defensive backfield.
Potential Offensive Strengths & Defensive Weaknesses for ECU
ECU's offensive line will have some continuity with three returning starters: Left Tackle Jimarion McCrimon (Redshirt Sophomore, 6'5", 307 lbs), Center Darius Bell (Redshirt Senior, 6'5", 300 lbs, who has transitioned from Guard), and Right Guard Emmanuel Poku (Redshirt Junior, 6'6", 326 lbs). This experienced unit should provide a strong foundation for the offense.
Furthermore, running back DeJuan Lacy, a 5'9", 200 lb transfer from Garden City C.C., has the potential to make a significant impact after an efficient 2024 season, rushing for 1,119 yards at 6.9 yards per carry and scoring 14 rushing touchdowns.
Conversely, the Pirates' front seven on defense could represent a potential vulnerability.
Considering a lot of their projected starters didn’t have much production in 2024. This area might present opportunities for NC State's playmakers, such as Hollywood Smothers and Duke Scott to have impactful performances for the Wolfpack. Along with TE Justin Joly as a receiving threat over the middle of the field.
