NATIONAL SIGNING DAY!
February 02, 2005 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Renewing ties to the high school programs in the state of North Carolina and finding a well-balanced blend of offensive and defensive talent were first-year East Carolina Head Football Coach Skip Holtz' top priorities as the Pirates announced their 23-member 2005 signing class Wednesday.
In addition to the 22 student-athletes who officially signed their national letters-of-intent with the ECU football program throughout the day, the Pirates also announced the addition of mid-year junior college transfer Aundrae Allison, a wide receiver from Kannapolis, N.C., who attended Georgia Military Academy before signing during the early period.
In all, over 60 percent of the Pirates' signing class hails from the state of North Carolina (14) while 20 of the 23 newcomers are freshmen.
"I'm pleased to say that this is a strong North Carolina signing class," said Holtz. "We tried to concentrate and key on our in-state recruiting during our first year and I think it paid off with the 14 young men were able to bring into East Carolina University and our Pirate program. With the late start we had, we certainly didn't want to spread ourselves too thin."
Of the 23, 13 are projected to play offense at while nine will play defense and the other will fill a void on special teams. Offensively, the Pirates signed five linemen, three running backs, two quarterbacks and three wide receivers. On defense, ECU is looking forward to adding three linebackers, three secondary performers, two linemen and one multi-purpose athlete to its roster.
"It certainly was a year of balance," Holtz added. "Offensively, we signed to the proportion of the position while on defense, we felt our needs were addressed with the addition of strong defensive backs and linebackers. I felt we enhanced our depth immediately at the thin receiver, tailback and place-kicking positions with the addition of proven junior college players.
"We were also focused on attracting a strong and high-character group of students and football players to ECU," Holtz said. "You build a quality program with quality people who will be here for five years and provide us with the continuity and stability we need."
2005 ECU FOOTBALL SIGNEE BIOS
Jonathan Battle, OL 6-2, 301, Lovejoy, Ga. (Lovejoy HS)
A two-year letterwinner at the offensive guard and defensive tackle positions for coach Al Hughes at Lovejoy High School ... Helped lead the Wildcats to back-to-back Region 4-AAAAA titles and a pair of state playoff appearances ... Part of LHS squads which compiled a two-year overall record of 19-5 (17-3 regular season, 12-1 region) ... Rolled into playoffs with a 10-0 record as a junior before defeating Coffee High School 45-22 and falling to Macon Westside 41-35 ... Opened 2004 playoff slate with a 24-14 victory over Redan before being eliminated by Houston County (44-26) ... Was one of Lovejoy's team captains as a senior ... An all-area and all-region (offense and defense) selection ... Also chosen to the All-Southern Crescent squad ... Brother Jack, Jr., signed with Mid-American Conference member Bowling Green in 2003 ... Born in Seoul, Korea ... Wishes to major in business management.
Terence Campbell, OL, 6-5, 309, Maxton, N.C. (Purnell Swett HS)
A three-year football letterman for interim coach Thomas Umphrey at Purnell Swett High School ... Earned back-to-back All-Two Rivers Conference and all-county honors as a junior and senior ... Selected to the all-region unit in 2004 ... Displayed ability to post strong numbers on both sides of the ball after securing a second-team all-conference honors as a defensive standout during senior campaign ... Chosen by teammates as team's captain in 2004 ... Also picked up five additional letters in basketball (forward/center) and track (shot put/discus) ... Helped guide Rams to six conference victories during his last two seasons ... Earned PSHS Honor Roll accolades for strong work in the classroom ... Intends to major in business (accounting) with a minor in communications.
Jeremy Chambliss, SS/OLB, 6-0, 200, Tyrone, Ga. (Douglass HS)
Played key role in the turn-around of the Douglass High School program, helping the Astros to a combined 18-5 record as a junior and senior after an 8-12-1 mark in 2001 and 2002 ... Guided DHS to a 10-2 ledger and a Region 2-AAAAA championship (7-0) in 2004 ... Opened the playoffs with a 32-27 win over East Coweta High School before bowing out to perennial state power Valdosta (38-33) ... Keyed a defensive unit which surrendered just 9.6 points per game during region play (10.5 ppg during regular season) while allowing seven points or less in a game on four occasions ... Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's All-Metro squad as a senior strong safety ... Voted as a team captain in 2004 for coach Gary Cantrell's team ... Led Astros to an 8-3 record and a first-round playoff appearance in 2003 ... One of the top prep track and field athletes in Georgia, advancing to the state title meet in the 400-meter dash (48.0) ... Turned in a 47.2 split in the 4x400m relay ... Power numbers include a 275-pound bench press and a 365-pound squat lift ... Plans on majoring in computer science.
Brett Clay, QB, 6-2, 190, Concord, N.C. (Robinson HS)
Earned four letters for coach Tony Paroli at J.M. Robinson High School ... Key part of Bulldogs' program which compiled a 25-11 (.694) record in 2002, 2003 and 2004 ... Helped squad to back-to-back 9-3 marks as a sophomore and junior ... Served as team captain as a senior ... Also earned a pair of baseball letters (pitcher/catcher/infielder) ... Selected as Robinson's recipient of the Scholar-Athlete Award ... Intends to major in education.
Van Eskeridge, DB/LB, 6-0, 197, Shelby, N.C. (Shelby HS)
A four-year starter at the safety position for the Golden Lions ... Recorded 21 career interceptions ... Also experienced action at halfback and was one of SHS's top kickoff return specialist as a junior and senior ... Credited with 76 total tackles (61 solo), one forced fumble, eight pass breakups and two interceptions in 2004 ... Offensively, rushed for 614 yards and nine touchdowns on 74 carries (8.3 ypc) while making 16 receptions for 542 yards (33.9 ypr) and eight scores as a senior ... Accumulated a total of 238 yards after each catch ... Scored 22 TDs (three as a returner) and totaled 428 kickoff return yards on eight attempts ? an amazing average of 53.5 yards per bring-back ... Played in just one junior varsity contest as a freshman before promotion to varsity program ... Accounted for three return touchdowns in 2004 ... Earned all-conference and all-county honors at the close of his senior campaign ... Selected to play on the North Carolina Shrine Bowl squad in December, 2004 ... Chosen as Cleveland County's 2004 Player-of-the-Year by the Shelby Star ... Booked 90 tackles and six interceptions as a junior in 2003 ... Wants to major in marketing.
Brandon Fractious, RB, 5-9, 180, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Chaffey College)
Topped the Foothill Athletic Conference and stood third among all California junior colleges in regular season (10 games) rushing yards with 1,513 on 202 carries ... Averaged 7.3 yards per attempt and 151.3 per contest ... Also led all conference backs with 17 touchdowns (10.2 points per game) ... Earned All-Foothill Athletic Conference and all-state honors as a sophomore ... Came out of the backfield to grab seven pass receptions for 49 yards ... Helped Panthers to 9-2 record and appearance in the Verizon Bowl (first-round state playoff game) against Grossmont ... Turned in top career single-game rushing effort vs. College of the Desert Oct. 30, 2004, picking up 310 yards ... Also recorded a career-long 91-yard run vs. COD ... Called by head coach Carl Beach "the fastest player we've ever had" ... Clocked at 4.35 in the 40-yard dash.
Bryan Gibson, OL, 6-3, 259, Fairfield, Ohio (Fairfield HS)
A first-team All-Greater Miami Conference selection as a defensive lineman for coach Scott Datillo at Fairfield (Ohio) High School ... A two-way starter on both lines for the Indians ... Credited with three sacks in 2004 ... Recorded three kickoff returns for 19 yards during senior campaign ... Selected to the all-district squad ... Recruited by and visited West Virginia before signing with the Pirate program.
Stephen Heis, OL, 6-5, 258, Cincinnati, Ohio (Anderson HS)
A two-year starter for coach Vince Suriano at Anderson High School ... Earned selection to the All-Fort Ancient Valley Conference squad as a senior ... Also chosen to all-league, all-region and all-district squads in 2004 while anchoring Redskins' offensive line ... Strong performer in the classroom with inclusion on AHS's Honor Roll all four years ... Has maintained a 3.00 grade point average throughout high school career ... Recruited by Illinois.
Jerek Hewett, ATH, 5-11, 184, Shallotte, N.C. (West Brunswick HS)
A four-year, two-position letterman for coach Jimmy Fletcher at West Brunswick High School ... Experienced action as a running back and defensive back for the Trojans ... Captured team offensive MVP honors as a sophomore and junior ... In all, garnered 11 team player-of-the-week citations (eight in 2003 as a junior, three in 2002 as a sophomore) ... Served as West Brunswick's team captain during senior campaign ... Earned additional varsity letters in basketball, baseball and track ... Pair of cousins (DB Eric Johnson and DL Phillip Johnson) captured state prep titles and were Shrine Bowl participants ... Would like to major in accounting and minor in mathematics.
Terrell Hudgins, ATH/QB, 6-2, 206, Rocky Mount, N.C. (Rocky Mount HS)
Enjoyed an illustrious athletic career at Rocky Mount High School, setting numerous passing records as the Gryphons top quarterback ... A two-time Rocky Mount Telegram Offensive Player-of-the-Year selection for coach B.W. Holt in 2003 and 2004 ... Also chosen as the Big East Conference Player-of-the-Year as a senior ... Passed for 1,687 yards and 22 touchdowns while suffering just five interceptions to lead RMHS to its first undefeated regular season in 40 years and a Big East Conference title ... Rushed for 393 yards and 14 TDs ... Helped Gryphons advance to the third-round of the state playoff before falling to eventual state champion J.H. Rose (15-13) ... Led Rocky Mount to playoff wins over Cape Fear (45-20) and Middle Creek (40-7) ... Turned in top prep performance against J.H. Rose in regular-season matchup Oct. 8, compiling 360 yards of total offense (215 passing, 145 rushing) while accounting for five touchdowns during the Gryphons' 42-33 victory ... Currently holds the majority of Rocky Mount's career passing records with 5,524 yards, 587 attempts, 292 completions and 61 touchdowns ... In addition, he also owns the Gryphons' all-time mark in total offense (5,879) and touchdowns responsible for (77) ... Also earned varsity letters as a basketball and baseball standout.
Kyle Johnson, WR, 6-2, 192, Charlotte, N.C. (Hopewell HS)
A two-year letterman as a wide receiver and defensive back for coach Mike Bradley at Hopewell High School ... Earned back-to-back all-conference honors as a senior and junior ... Played key role for Titans' program which posted an 8-5 record in 2003 ... Averaged 18.3 yards per catch (40 receptions for 730 yards) and rushed for 300 yards during junior campaign ... Recorded six interceptions on the defensive side of the ball in '03 ... Elected as a team captain during senior year ... Earned additional varsity letter as a track athlete ... Solid academic performer, earning inclusion on the B Honor Roll eight times during high school career ... Intends to major in business.
Rob Kass, QB, 6-4, 243, Longwood, Fla. (Lake Highland HS)
Completed 55-of-100 (55.0 percent) passes for 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior ... Added 300 rushing yards while guiding Lake Highland's offensive unit ... Compiled 1,340 passing yards and nine TDs as a junior ... Originally began his prep career at Lake Mary (Fla.) High School ... Has quarterback bloodlines as his grandfather served as a signal-caller at Hofstra while father Dave played same position for John Mackovic at Wake Forest before transferring to New Hampshire ... Played in same high school program as current East Carolina wide receiver Bobby Good.
Larry Lease, OL, 6-2, 257, North Fort Myers, Fla. (North Fort Myers HS)
A three-year varsity starter and letterwinner on the offensive line for coach James Iandoli at North Fort Myers High School ... An All-Lee County Athletic Association and All-District 12-AAAA performer as a senior in 2004 ... Also earned all-area honors while leading the Red Knights to a 5-4 record as a senior team captain ... Selected to start in the Florida All-Star Classic ... Picked up additional letters in wrestling (three) and track (two) ... Father, Larry Lease II, played at the NCAA Division I-A level, serving as an offensive guard for Ball State as a freshman in 1983 and as sophomore in 1984 ... Intends to major in business.
Robert Lee, PK, 5-11, 213, Longview, Texas (Trinity Valley CC)
A first-team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference selection and a second-team All-America choice by National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and J.C. Grid-Wire ... Established a new Trinity Valley Community College record and equaled a conference standard for most single-season field goals made (14) in 2004, surpassing mark set earlier by former Baylor and Miami Dolphins kicker Matt Bryant ... In all, was 14-of-16 on field goal tries and a perfect 28-of-28 on extra-point attempts as a sophomore ... Recorded a season-long field goal of 42 yards ... Accounted for a total of 63 points during the '04 campaign ... Averaged 68.0 yards per kickoff (+3 in endzone) ... Helped lead the Cardinals to a first-round playoff appearance against Kilgore Junior College ... Converted three field goals and was successful on 21-of-25 PATs as a freshman in 2003 ... Coach was Mark Sartain ... Also earned academic accolades with inclusion on J.C. Grid-Wire's Scholar-Athlete All-America squad ... Earned inclusion on TVCC's Dean's List and President's List ... Member of Phi Beta Kappa ... Graduated with honors from Longview's Spring Hill High School ... A Texas Scholar and National Honor Society member at SHHS ... A three-year letterman for coach Steve Gaddis who helped Panthers to a combined 32-7 record as a sophomore, junior and senior ... Part of Spring Hill squad which captured regional championship in 2002 with a 12-2 record ... Did not kick during initial varsity season as a sophomore, but finished career with a 97.3 success rate on extra-point tries (107-of-110) ... Made 56-of-57 point-after attempts in '02 ... Was 17-of-21 on field goal attempts (six-of-eight as a junior, 11-of-13 as a senior) ... Established season-longs with a 49-yarder in 2001 and a 51-yard boot in 2002 ... Earned a total of 11 athletic letters during prep career ... In addition to football, also picked up letters in baseball (two), basketball (two), track (two ) and tennis (two) ... Plans on majoring in engineering at East Carolina.
Dominique Lindsay, RB, 5-10, 198, Charlotte, N.C. (Independence HS)
Contributed key role for one of the nation's most successful high school programs ... Helped Patriots to four consecutive North Carolina Class 4AA titles during his career (school's fifth overall) and a run of 77 straight wins, thus never experiencing a loss during prep career ... Earned four letters for coach Bill Geiler ... Rushed for 1,084 yards and 17 touchdowns on 121 carries (9.0 ypc) as a senior despite missing two games ... Also made 12 catches out of the backfield and scored a pair TDs to guide Independence to a 15-0 mark and state title in 2004 ... Part of an offensive unit which racked up 257 points (51.4 ppg) during five-game playoff slate (60-14 vs. East Forsyth, 47-14 vs. Grimsley, 62-7 vs. Northwest Guilford, 47-19 vs. Richmond County and 41-7 vs. Hope Mills South View in state title game) ... Rushed for 134 yards and four touchdowns during the Patriots' post-season win over Richmond County ... Scored the game's first pair of TDs ... Topped all rushers in the state championship tilt against Hope Mills South View, running for 66 yards on 16 carries to lead IHS to its 77th straight triumph ... Rushed for 1,800 yards and 31 scores as a junior team captain while pulling in 23 receptions for 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns ... Earned an additional three letters as a track standout (100- and 400-meter events) ... An Honor Roll performer in the classroom ... Undecided on college major.
Chris Mattocks, DB, 6-0, 191, New Bern, N.C. (New Bern HS)
A two-time All-Big East Conference performer at New Bern High School ... Played under the direction of Bears' head coach Chip Williams, a former Pirate football letterman ... Part of NBHS squads which captured back-to-back Eastern 4-A or 4-AA titles in 2002 and 2003 ... Prep teammate of current ECU quarterback Davon Drew ... Successfully bounced back from a right knee injury during sophomore season (2002) ... Opened prep career as a running back but was moved to the safety position prior to his junior year ... Also played cornerback in 2004 where he finished among team leaders in tackles ... Netted one interception and was credited with 15 pass breakups.
Ahmad Mayo, RB, 5-8, 206, Griffin, Ga. (Griffin HS)
Rushed for 1,100 yards and scored 22 touchdowns as a senior for coach Steve Devoursney at Griffin High School ... Guided Bears to an 11-2 overall record and a 6-0 Region 3N-AAAA championship mark in 2004 ... Played key role for squad which recorded nine consecutive wins from Sept. 10 to Nov. 12 ... Led GHS to quarterfinal round of the state playoffs after wins over Thomas County Central (49-48) and Sandy Creek (35-28) ... Bears finished with a state rank of seventh according to the Georgia Sports Network Power Ratings ... Recipient of Griffin's Best Running Back and Iron Man Awards ... Selected as a senior captain ... Opened prep career at Tift (Ga.) County High School and earned freshman-of-the-year honors ... Became the first rookie in Tift County history to score two touchdowns in a varsity contest ... Did not play in 2002 and played on Griffin's junior varsity squad as a junior because of Georgia's transfer rule ... Despite status, turned in admirable season on Bears' scout squad to earn program's "best practice player" honors ... Also lettered in track and weight-lifting ... Member of Griffin's 4x100 relay squad while also competing in the 400 and long jump ... Captured region power-lifting title as a junior before going on to earn a sixth-place state standing ... Strong performer in the classroom, possessing a 3.00 grade point average ... Plans to major in business.
Johnnie McCoy, DE, 6-3, 215, Fayetteville, N.C. (Seventy-First HS)
Recorded a total of 387 tackles and 18 sacks during prep career at Seventy-First High School ... A three-year letterman and a two-year all-conference selection ... Played the defensive end position as a sophomore and junior before moving to the linebacker spot as a senior ... Selected to play in the North Carolina East-West All-Star Game this summer ... Helped lead program to three consecutive playoff appearances ... Cited as program's position and overall defensive MVP twice while garnering team MVP honors in 2004 ... Booked a career-best 178 tackles and seven sacks as a senior after netting 111 stops (seven quarterback drops) as a junior and 98 (four sacks) during sophomore campaign ... Excelled on Seventy-First's special teams unit as a long and short snapper while also handling all kickoff duties ... Earned three additional letters as a forward on the basketball team ... An Honor Roll student who is a member of the National Honor Society ... Included in the prestigious Who's Who Among American High School Students list ... Mother played Division I basketball at the University of Virginia ... Born in Panama City, Panama ... Would like to major in pre-law.
Scotty Robinson, OLB, 6-4, 205, Salisbury, N.C. (Salisbury HS)
Chosen to the All-Rowan and All-Central Carolina Conference units as a junior and senior for coach Joe Pinyan at Salisbury High School ... Moved to the defensive end position during senior campaign, logging 36 stops, 13 tackles for lost yardage, three sacks, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups ... Played his freshman season at Salisbury before attending Davie County High School during the fall semester of his sophomore year ... Elected as the Hornets' team captain in 2004 ... Played integral role in the turn-around of the SHS program as a junior in 2003, guiding the Hornets to their first winning record (7-5) since 1995 ... Part of Salisbury squad which booked a 12-2 mark in 2004 and posted playoff wins over Ashe County (41-20) and North Surry (47-8) before falling to Bandys in the third round ... Netted a pair of interceptions and made four fumble recoveries at the outside linebacking position as a junior ... Has also earned three basketball letters for the Hornets while earning all-area and all-conference accolades on the hardwood as one of the program's top scorers and rebounders.
Jay Ross, DL, 6-3, 267, Wilmington, N.C. (New Hanover HS)
Led Wildcats in sacks during junior and senior seasons and was recipient of program's Iron Man Award in 2003 and 2004 ... A two-time all-conference (Eastern AAAA) and all-area selection for coach John Fitz ... Played key role in New Hanover's successful 7-3 campaign in 2004 ... Served as team captain during senior year and earned a total of three varsity football letters ... Also picked up a pair of basketball letters ... Named to school's Honor Roll for academic distinction ... Has plans to major in sports management or general business.
Alex Taylor, WR, 6-4, 193, Greensboro, N.C. (Southwest Guilford HS)
Played one season of football for coach Bryan Davis at Southwest Guilford High School after residing in Germany (family military obligation) during his freshman and sophomore years ... Credited with 769 receiving yards and eight touchdowns while making 34 catches in 2004 to earn all-conference, All-Northeast and All-Northwest Football honors ... Also averaged 32.7 yards per kickoff return and rushed for 109 additional yards ... Helped guide Southwest Guilford to the state playoffs, facing off against No. 3 Asheville in the opening round ... Lettered twice in basketball, cross country and track as a junior and senior ... An all-conference selection as a basketball and cross country performer for the Cowboys ... Also participated in basketball, track and cross country while overseas, earning All-Europe accolades for accomplishments as a runner ... Recipient of the Coca-Cola Student-Athlete Award (4.0 grade point average) ... Also recruited as a Division I basketball prospect after averaging 14.0 points and 8.0 rebounds as a junior before improving his numbers to 17.0 ppg as a senior ... Born on Honolulu, Hawaii ... Plans to major in business.
C.J. Wilson, DB, 6-4, 218, Belhaven, N.C. (Northside HS)
A two-time Washington Daily News All-Area selection for coach Bing Mitchell at Northside High School .... Played key role in Panthers' program which rolled to a 13-3 record and advanced to the Eastern Championship contest ... Helped NHS to playoff victories against Columbia (39-6), Weldon (44-14) and Camden (19-16) before falling to state runner-up Southside (32-0) ... Also earned all-conference honors as a senior team captain in 2004 ... Won additional letters in basketball and track ... Two brothers have enjoyed Division I (A or AA) football careers ? Amos (New Mexico State) and Everett (North Carolina A&T) ? while two other brothers are playing football and basketball at the junior college level ... Full name is Clifford James ... Would like to major in physical education.
Also joining the Pirates' program ...:
Aundrae Allison, WR, 6-0, 186, Kannapolis, N.C. (Georgia Military Academy)
Signed with the Pirates' program during the early junior college period in December (mid-year transfer) ... Officially enrolled at East Carolina at the beginning of the spring semester (Jan. 7) ... Lettered two seasons for coach Bert Williams at Georgia Military Academy ... Finished junior college career with 70 catches for 865 yards (12.4 ypr) ... Earned JuCo All-America honors and was selected as the Bulldogs' MVP at the conclusion of the 2004 campaign ... Compiled 455 receiving yards and five TDs on 37 catches as a sophomore ... Contests of note include a seven-catch, 67-yard effort against Nassau (N.Y.) Community College Oct. 16 and a six-reception, 82-yard, one touchdown performance vs. Erie (Pa.) Community College Nov. 6 ... Posted a season-high 86 receiving yards on a pair of scoring catches vs. Ranger (Tex.) Junior College Oct. 9 ... Credited with 33 receptions for 410 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman in 2003 ... Helped guide Georgia Military to the Golden Isles Bowl with an 8-2 record ... Played at same Georgia Military program which produced former ECU players Keith Stokes, Derrick Collier, Ronald Pou and Demetrius Hodges ... Attended Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College in the fall of 2002 but did not play football ... An Associated Press All-State selection during senior season at A.L. Brown High School ... Served as program's top receiver and return specialist ... A two-time all-conference honoree for the Wonders who earned conference offensive and special teams player-of-the-year honors in 2001 ... Collected 50 catches for 1,101 yards and nine TDs as a senior despite missing two games ... Turned in top career contest against South Point High School in '01... Made 11 receptions for 202 yards and one touchdown against Red Raiders while also contributing separate scores on a punt and kickoff return ... Earned roster position for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas ... A communications major at East Carolina.
