East Carolina Football Announces 2006 Signees
February 01, 2006 | Football
Feb. 1, 2006
Watch the Signing Day Press Conference on All-Access Video
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Replenishing personnel shortages at the offensive line and linebacking positions, and enhancing the height and athleticism of his skill and secondary personnel were all addressed by East Carolina Head Football Coach Skip Holtz as the Pirates announced their 23-member 2006 signing class Wednesday.
In addition, the 23 student-athletes who officially signed their national letters-of-intent with the ECU football program throughout the day, will join four earlier mid-year additions who are currently enrolled at East Carolina and will participate in spring drills next month.
"Needless to say, I'm excited about having the opportunity to work with these young men," Holtz said. "I think they have a chance to be a special group. As always, you hope you can redshirt every freshman but some in this class are capable of playing at this level right away."
Of the 23, 13 are projected to play defense while the other 10 will play offense. Offensively, the Pirates signed five linemen, two running backs and three wide receivers. On defense, ECU is looking forward to adding four linebackers, four linemen, three secondary performers and two multi-purpose athletes to its roster.
"I believe we answered our immediate needs on the offensive line and at the linebacker position, two areas where we were hit the hardest," Holtz added. "I like our numbers by having our four mid-year players with us during spring ball and being able to sign a balanced blend on both sides of the ball.
"As I've said in the past, you build a quality program with quality people," Holtz said. "This particular group really serves as a testament to our recruiting philosophy of enhancing the academics, character, speed, toughness, athleticism and height of our program."
The Pirates turned in their highest win total since 2001 last season, coming just one victory shy of a bowl appearance during Holtz's first year heading the ECU program.
"I'm really proud of our staff and players for the job they did," Holtz closed, "We had some battles against some traditionally good programs. As always, you win some and you lose some, but I am encouraged by the number of visits we had this year. The excitement and optimism for our future is easy to see when you look at this class."
Sean Allen, OL, 6-3, 290, Fr., Wilson, N.C. (Hunt)
High School: A three-year letterman, starter and team captain who played a key role in leading Hunt to a combined 32-10 record as a sophomore, junior and senior ... Part of a Warrior program which rolled to a 13-3 record, captured the Eastern Region title and advanced to the state championship game in 2004 ... Followed with a 12-2 mark, Eastern Carolina Conference and county titles, as well as a top regional seeding, as a senior ... In addition to helping Hunt to a perfect 5-0 conference ledger, he also was part of a pair of playoff victories - 28-6 over Nash Central and 34-14 over Southeast Guilford ... Earned program's "most outstanding offensive lineman" honors in 2005 ... An all-state (3-A) selection by N.C. Preps Magazine and the Associated Press ... A two-time all-conference performer (honorable mention as a junior, first-team as a senior) ... Evaluated by coaching staff with a 90 percent blocking grade in 2005 ... Recipient of HHS' Sportsmanship Award ... Selected to the Wilson Daily Times' All-Area Offensive Team senior season ... Recorded a maximum bench lift of 350 pounds ... Can squat 550 pounds ... Played for Coach Randy Raper. Personal: Full name is Sean Sidel-Charity Allen ... Born March 4, 1988 at Wilson, N.C. ... Undecided on a college major ... Hobbies include bowling, video games, television and working out.
Chris Atkins, LB, 6-3, 200, Fr., Chattahoochee, Fla. (West Gadsden)
High School: Finished prep career at West Gadsden with 311 total tackles ... A three-sport standout who earned four football letters, three in basketball and one in baseball ... Elected team captain as a senior ... Credited with exactly 100 tackles, 11 sacks and 27 tackles for lost yardage in 2005 ... Produced top numbers as a junior, totaling 108 stops, 34 coming behind the line of scrimmage ... Also topped the Panthers with 15 sacks in 2004 ... Opened high school career by making 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks and six TFLs as a freshman ... Followed up rookie year with a 58-tackle, eight-sack and 12-TFL campaign as a sophomore in 2003 ... A four-time selection to West Gadsden's A-B Honor Roll for work in the classroom ... Coach was Robert Jackson. Personal: Full name is Christopher Atkins ... Born March 13, 1987 at Quincy, Fla. ... Intends to major in business management ... Lists cooking and television as hobbies.
Willie Barton, OL, 6-5, 350, Jr., Palmetto, Fla. (Georgia Military)
Junior College: A two-time All-America performer at the same junior college program which produced current ECU wide receiver Aundrae Allison and December Pirate signee Fred Wilson ... Integral part of Bulldogs' line as a sophomore that helped Georgia Military College to a 9-2 record and a Golden Isles Bowl win over Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College in 2005 ... Key member of squad as a freshman that advanced to the Golden Isles Bowl with an 8-2 record ... Lettered two seasons for coach Bert Williams. High School: Part of a Manatee High School program which advanced to four consecutive Class 5A playoff appearances, which included two regional runner-up showings (2000, 2002) ... Opened prep career on a 10-3 squad which captured post-season wins against Naples and Hillsborough ... After assisting the Hurricanes to an 8-3 ledger and one playoff victory as a sophomore, he helped contribute to an 8-5 campaign in 2002 which included post-season triumphs vs. East Lake and Seminole ... Provided senior leadership to a 5-5 squad which rallied to earn a playoff berth in 2003 ... A two-year starter for coach Howie DeCristofaro. Personal: Full name is Willie Lee Barton III ... Born May 6, 1986 at Bradenton, Fla. ... Plans to major in business with a minor in sports studies ... Enjoys basketball as a hobby.
Javon Brumsey, WR, 6-4, 190, Fr., Elizabeth City, N.C. (Northeastern)
High School: A three-time all-state, All-Albemarle and All-NCC selection at Northeastern High School ... Finished career with 181 catches for 3,379 yards (18.7 ypr) and 25 TDs ... Part of Eagle squads which posted a 10-2 record in 2005, an 8-4 mark in 2004 and a 5-6 slate in 2003 ... Helped lead NHS to a conference title as a senior after making 51 catches for 967 yards and six scores ... Hauled in 68 catches for 1,269 yards as a junior ... Averaged 19.0 yards per catch during senior season and 18.7 yards per grab in junior year ... Earned varsity letters in football (three) and basketball ... Selected as program's captain in 2005 ... Clocked at 4.43 in the 40-yard dash ... Played at same prep program which produced current ECU wide receiver Phillip Henry ... Began high school career as a safety on the Eagles' junior varsity squad ... Coach was Antonio Moore. Personal: Full name is Javon Llewellyn Brumsey ... Born December 30, 1987 at Elizabeth City, N.C. ... Intends to major in physical education and minor in sports medicine ... Enjoys playing video games in spare time.
Joe Council, DL, 6-4, 235, Fr., Walterboro, S.C. (Colleton County)
High School: A two-year letterman as a linebacker and defensive end at Colleton County High School ... As a team captain, keyed the turnaround of a Cougar program which resulted in a 7-5 record and a regional championship (4-1) in 2005 after a 3-8 campaign a year earlier ... Tallied 120 tackles, 15 sacks and 26 hits for lost yardage as a senior ... Was also credited with a unit-high 42 quarterback "pressures" and knocked down a pair of passes ... Chosen to the Charleston Post & Courier's All-Low Country squad while also securing all-conference accolades in '05 ... Credited with 43 stops, three sacks and one batted pass during junior season ... Won a total of five varsity letters, three coming as a power forward on the CCHS basketball team ... Coach was Leroy Riley. Personal: Full name is Joe Walter Council ... Born June 27, 1988 at Newark, N.J. ... Plans to major in political science.
Cory Dowless, OL, 6-5, 300, Fr., Franklinville, N.C. (Eastern Randolph)
High School: Earned selection to Eastern Randolph High School's distinguished Scholar-Athlete List as a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior ... Part of a Wildcat program which rolled to a combined 48-7 record during prep career ... Member of squad during successful 9-1 and 15-1 campaigns during freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively ... A two-year letterwinner and starter in 2004 and 2005 ... Chosen to all-conference unit after logging 54 "pancake" blocks while helping the Wildcats to an 11-3 mark as a junior ... Followed up with honor-producing season in 2005 which resulted in a 13-2 ledger ... Credited with 71 "pancake" blocks and was selected as the Red-Zone Player-of-the-Year ... Also picked up All-Mid-Piedmont Conference, all-region and all-county accolades as a team captain during senior year ... Earned additional varsity letter as member of the Wildcats' track squad (discus throw and shot put) ... Excelled in the classroom as a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society ... Coach was Burton Cates. Personal: Full name is Cory Hunter Dowless ... Born December 1, 1987 at Greensboro, N.C. ... Has not decided on a college major.
Kevin Gidrey, FB, 6-2, 250, Fr., Virginia Beach, Va. (Kempsville)
High School: A three-year letterman who played key role as Kempsville High School's top tight end in 2005 to help lead the Chiefs to an 8-2 record as a senior ... A two-way performer who also experienced action on the offensive unit as a running back ... Top defensive highlight included a 31-yard fumble return for a touchdown during KHS's 28-13 victory over Cox Nov. 10, 2005 ... An all-district selection in 2005 ... Also chosen to the Virginian Pilot All-Tidewater unit (second team) as a senior ... Earned a total of six varsity letters ... Picked up three additional monograms as a standout basketball athlete during his freshman, junior and senior seasons ... An Honor Roll performer in the classroom ... Coach was Jeff McGowan. Personal: Full name is Kevin M. Gidrey ... Born December 13, 1987 at New Orleans, La. ... Plans to major in communications.
Dwayne Harris, ATH, 6-0, 190, Fr., Stone Mountain, Ga. (Tucker)
High School: A Class 4A All-State selection by the Georgia High School Coaches Association as a senior ... As the Tigers' quarterback, led Tucker to a 10-1 record and a Regional 6-AAAA championships in 2005 ... Key performer for a THS program which stood as high as No.3 in the Associated Press Georgia prep rankings during senior campaign ... Also earned inclusion on the All-DeKalb County squad ... Invited to play in the North-South All-Star Game and was chosen as contest's MVP ... Passed for 1,334 yards and 10 touchdowns ... On the ground, racked up 524 yards and scored seven TDs ... Won a total of four football letters and served as the Tigers' team captain in 2005 ... Also lettered in basketball and baseball ... Listed in SuperPrep Magazine as one of the top 25 prospects out of Georgia ... Also included in Prep Star Magazine as one of the top quarterback prospects in the Southeast ... Coach was Bill Ballard. Personal: Full name is Dwayne Lenard Harris ... Born September 16, 1987 at Atlanta, Ga. ... A projected business major.
Davion Holman, DL, 6-4, 245, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Dr. Phillips)
High School: Tallied a unit-best 67 solo tackles and earned defensive lineman-of-the-year honors as a senior at Dr. Phillips High School ... Was also credited with three forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles and scored a pair of touchdowns while guiding the Panthers to a 5-5 record in 2005 ... Named to the Orlando Sentinel's All-Orange County squad ... Selected to play in a pair of prestigious bowl games - the annual Georgia-Florida clash and the Florida East-West matchup ... As a tight end, made five catches (one TD) as a junior ... Posted 52 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles in limited role as a freshman in 2002 ... Earned a total of two football letters ... Coach was Kevin Pettis. Personal: Full name is Davion Lamar Holman ... A leap year baby, born Feb. 29, 1988 at Newark, N.J. ... Has aspirations to major in business and minor in child development ... Hobbies include playing baskeball.
A.J. Johnson, LB, 6-2, 225, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Southside)
High School: A four-year starter and three-time defensive MVP during his prep career at Southside High School ... Posted a combined total of 212 tackles and 19 sacks during his junior and senior seasons ... Credited with 102 stops, six quarterback drops and four forced fumbles from the defensive end/linebacking position as a senior ... Recorded 110 tackles and 13 sacks during junior year ... Elected to serve as the Eagles' team captain ... Picked up additional varsity letters in basketball and baseball ... An Honor Roll performer in the classroom ... High school is commonly referred to as Southside Comprehensive ... Coach was Eric Williams. Personal: Full name is Anthony Johnson ... Born October 13, 1987 at Atlanta, Ga. ... Prefers to go by his nickname of "A.J." ... Cousin Inky Johnson is a cornerback in the Tennessee Vols program ... Intends to major in sport management ... Considers all sports a hobby.
Nick Johnson, LB, 6-1, 225, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (East Mecklenburg)
High School: Racked up a combined 351 tackles during his award-winning four-year high school career at East Mecklenburg ... A noted hard-hitter who earned a total of four letters and was honored with team captain designation in three of four seasons ... A first-team All Southwestern Conference pick as a sophomore, junior and senior ... A two-year first-team all-county selection ... Named to the Charlotte Observer's All-Area squad in 2004 ... Produced top season as a junior, tallying 151 stops, 18 tackles for lost yardage, six sacks, six kick blocks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles ... Followed impressive showing with a 76-tackle effort during senior campaign ... Also added 11 hits behind the line of scrimmage, three sacks, two blocked kicks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 2005 ... Emerged in the headlines as a sophomore in 2003 by netting 103 tackles, six forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles, three sacks and a pair of interceptions ... Opened prep career with 21 stops as a freshman (four sacks, two forced fumbles and one recovery) ... Also picked up 42 yards on eight carries on offensive side of the ball ... Earned two track letters, competing in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter events ... Excels in classroom work with Honor Roll selection every year ... Currently possesses a 4.12 grade point average ... Coach was Greg Hill. Personal: Full name is Nicholas Edward Johnson ... Born March 31, 1988 at Hendersonville, N.C. ... Plans to major in physical therapy ... Enjoys golf in his spare time.
Dekota Marshall, DB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Jacksonville, N.C. (Southwest Onslow)
High School: A key contributor on a Southwest Onslow program which has captured a pair of conference, regional and state championships while rolling to a 40-5 record over the past three seasons ... A two-time all-conference and all-area selection ... A first-team NCPreps All-State choice in 2005 after serving as a two-way starter for a 10-3 Stallions squad ... Booked 26 tackles, four forced fumbles, three recovered fumbles, two interceptions and two sacks on the defensive side of the ball while rushing for 1,153 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns offensively ... Picked up 830 ground yards and six TDs while helping Southwest Onslow to a 15-1 record and state title in 2004 after a 49-21 win over Shelby ... Was selected as team's offensive MVP after rushing for 885 yards and 10 scores as a sophomore during the Stallions' state championship run in 2003 which included a 20-14 victory vs. Burlington Cummings in the finals ... Also produced a 1,000-yard rushing season and MVP honors during his prep debut as a member of the junior varsity squad in 2002 (5-3-1 record) ... Recipient of Southwest Onslow's Most Dedicated Weightlifting Award in 2004 ... In all, earned three football letters and served as team captain ... Also picked up four letters, all-conference and all-region honors as track standout (100, 200 meters, 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams) ... Established new school records in the 100-meter (10.56) and 200-meter (21.7) dash ... In addition, won a basketball letter (2004) ... Clocked at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and recorded a bench-press best of 330 pounds ... Produced by same high school program as popular former ECU linebacker Richard Koonce (2002-2005) ... An Honor Roll student all eight semesters of high school career ... Coach was Phil Padgett. Personal: Full name is Dekota Lamar Marshall ... Born October 25, 1987 at Jacksonville, N.C. ... Would like to major in sport studies (minor in health fitness) ... Nickname is "Koda" ... Lists weightlifting, video games and track as hobbies.
Travis Melvin, DE, 6-6, 260, Fr., Fayetteville, N.C. (Cape Fear)
High School: A two-year starter on the offensive line for Cape Fear High School ... Selected to the All-Two Rivers Conference (first-team) as a senior ... Also garnered honors as a member of the Fayetteville Observer All-Cape Fear Region squad ... Elected as the Colts' team captain in 2005 ... In all, earned three football letters ... Earned post-season accolades despite suffering a foot injury which ended his prep career prematurely ... Coach was Mark Heil. Personal: Full name is Travis Antonio Melvin ... Born May 1, 1988 at Columbia, S.C. ... Has not decided on a college major ... Has athletic bloodlines as father Keith played high school basketball while brother Rodney played collegiate basketball at UNC Pembroke ... Lists basketball, fishing and hunting as favorite hobbies.
Lorenzo Osborne, LB, 6-3, 200, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Mays)
High School: A three-time Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-City selection (twice as a defensive end, one as a linebacker) ... An AJC All-State pick (honorable mention) as a senior ... Helped lead Mays to a regional title as a sophomore in 2003 before guiding the Raiders back to post-season play during senior campaign ... Earned a total of three football letters and served as team captain ... Credited with a 106 tackles, 17 sacks, five fumble recoveries and a pair of touchdowns in 2005 ... Made 80 stops, had 12 quarterback drops, recovered three fumbles and added one score as a junior ... Earned an additional three letters as a track athlete ... Competed in the 400-meter dash and recorded a top time of 48.6 ... Clocked at 4.5 in the 40 during football speed testing ... Coach was Rodney Hackney. Personal: Full name is Lorenzo Jermaine Osborne ... Nickname is "Zo" ... Born November 29, 1987 at Atlanta, Ga. ... Undecided on college major ... Lists spending time with family and video games as favorite things to do away from football.
Melvin Patterson, WR, 6-3, 205, Fr., Alachua, Fla. (Santa Fe)
High School: A three-year, two-way starter as a wide receiver and safety/linebacker at Sante Fe High School ... A three-time all-area selection (freshman, sophomore, junior) ... Named to all-state (second-team) unit in 2004 as a junior ... Registered 92 receptions for 1,635 yards and 16 touchdowns whole booking 134 tackles during his prep career ... Did not play during his senior year (injury) ... Played in Raiders' run-oriented offense during first two years but still managed a combined 55 catches for 825 yards as a freshman and sophomore ... Picked up 25 catches for 310 yards and three scores in 2002 before adding 30 receptions for 515 yards and five TDs in 2003 ... Thrived with offensive scheme change prior to junior season, responding with 37 catches for 810 yards (eight touchdowns) ... Defensively, tallied seasonal tackle totals of 32 (freshman), 45 (sophomore) and 57 (junior) ... A CBS Sports All-Region choice in 2004 ... Listed among the top 50 wide receiver prospects out of Florida by SuperPrep Magazine ... Included among the top receiver prospects in the Southeast (region) by Prep Star Magazine ... Among the top 50 wide receivers and top 100 overall prospects in the state of Florida according to Rivals.com (pre and post-season selections) ... Also earned letters in basketball and track ... Strong student who possesses a 4.2 grade point average ... Coach was Scott Pritchett. Personal: Full name is Melvin Jerome Patterson ... Born November 29, 1987 at Gainesville, Fla. ... Cousin is current ECU cornerback Kasey Ross ... Intends to major in business marketing and minor in advertising.
Doug Polochak, OL, 6-4, 270, Fr., Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (Nease)
High School: A key contributor as a starting offensive lineman for a Nease program which rolled to a 13-2 record and captured the 2005 FHSAA Class 4A State Championship ... Helped Panthers compile an 8-2 regular season record, which included a perfect 4-0 district mark, before cruising to the state title in Miami after wins against Leesburg (63-20), New Smyrna Beach (24-17), Eastside (57-21), Pace (31-14) and Armwood (44-37) ... Credited with playing an integral role for one of the school's most prolific offensive units in history, which racked up 7,010 total yards, an average of 467. 3 per game, and 655 total points (43.7 ppg) ... Assisted in both rushing (228.5 ypg) and passing (238.9 yp) attacks from his line position ... A preseason and post-season St. Augustine Record All-County selection ... Recipient of NHS's top blocker award as a senior after recording 48 "pancake" blocks ... Did not allow a single sack during 15-game slate in 2005 ... Earned a total of three letters and served as team captain ... Part of Nease's regional finalist squad (11-2) in 2004 as a junior ... Enjoyed surge in developmental and physical growth with on-the-field and weight room efforts, quickly growing from a 220-pound frame as recently as the winter of 2004-05 ... A four-year track letterman who earned all-district honors in the discus and shot put ... Possesses a reported power clean lift of 300 pounds ... An strong student who owns a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 and is a member of the school's A-B Honor Roll ... Coach was Craig Howard. Personal: Full name is Douglas Gary Polochak ... Born October 9, 1987 at Ponta Vedra Beach, Fla. ... Has aspirations of entering the medical field after college graduation ... Will minor in biology.
Darryl Reynolds, CB, 6-1, 185, Fr., New Bern, N.C. (New Bern)
High School: A three-year letterman and starter as an offensive, defensive and special teams standout for New Bern ... Helped lead Bears to a 13-3 record and state title contest after capturing the 2005 4-AA Eastern Regional Championship with a 28-7 win over Wakefield ... Netted eight interceptions from his secondary position while picking up 38 receptions for 705 yards as a receiver on the offensive side of the ball ... Returned three punt returns for scores as a senior ... Picked off six passes and accumulated over 700 reception yards as a junior in 2004, leading the Bears to an 11-2 mark ... Provided NBHS with an immediate impact as a sophomore, recording six pass breakups and one interception during the Bears' 14-2 conference and regional championship campaign ... Also amassed over 200 receiving yards in 2003 ... Logged six special teams TDs during high school career, all coming on punt returns ... An all-state and all-area pick as a senior ... Named the New Bern Sun Journal's Area Player-of-the-Year in 2005... Elected team captain during senior campaign ... Earned additional letters as a track athlete ... Turned in a third-place state finish in the 300-meter hurdles and a fifth-place standing in the 110-meter hurdles ... Currently ranks sixth nationally and second in North Carolina in the 60-meter hurdles ... Coach was Chip Williams. Personal: Full name is Darryl Artinus Reynolds ... Nickname is "D-Rey" ... Born August 16,1987 at New Bern, N.C. ... Intends to major in business ... Hobbies include fishing and video games.
D.J. Scott, OL, 6-6, 305, Fr., Green Cove Springs, Fla. (Clay)
High School: Earned three football letters as a highly-ranked offensive lineman for Clay ... An All-First Coast performer who helped lead the Devils to back-to-back district championships in 2003 and 2004 ... Played vital role for program which produced a 12-2 record during sophomore season before turning in a 5-5 mark as a junior ... Also experienced action on the defensive side of the ball as a noted run-stopper ... Displayed resiliency, toughness and an unparalleled work ethic, bouncing back from a serious injury midway through the '04 campaign ... Was listed among the top 25 juniors in North Florida prior to the setback and rose to a No. 48 national offensive lineman rank by ESPN ... Picked up two additional letters in weightlifting ... Has recorded a bench press of 320 pounds ... Coach was Jim Reape. Personal: Full name is David James Scott ... Prefers to be called "D.J." ... Born December 17, 1987 at Jacksonville, Fla. ... Has not decided on a college major.
Travis Simmons, DB, 5-10, 175, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida A&M HS)
High School: A two-way, all-state performer for Florida A&M ... Made 30 receptions for 724 yards and eight touchdowns from his wide receiver position ... Averaged 24.1 yards per catch ... Defensively, tallied 35 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles from the secondary ... Also netted five interceptions and 10 pass breakups ... Returned one pick 70 yards for a TD ... Turned in notable special teams play as well, scoring on an 80-yard blocked kick return ... Helped lead squad to post-season play (regional finals) as a senior ... Selected to the All-FCA District and All-Big Bend units ... Chosen as the 1B Player-of-the-Year (Tallahassee district) ... Selected as a finalist for the "Mr. Football 1B Award" ... In addition to a pair of football letters, also participated in the Baby Rattlers' track and basketball programs ... Earned two varsity football letters ... Posted a 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash ... Vertical leap ability was measured at 37.0 inches ... Came from same prep program that produced NFL players Sam Madison (Miami Dolphins), Earl Holmes (Detroit Lions) and Taylor Jacobs (Washington Redskins) ... Coach was Ira Reynolds. Personal: Full name is Travis Marques Simmons ... Born September 14, 1987 at Tallahassee, Fla. ... Undecided on exact college major but is interested in the sport management field.
Willie Smith, DL, 6-6, 230, Fr., Kenly, N.C. (North Johnston)
High School: Provided a key impact in one of North Johnston's top seasons in school history as a senior ... Led the Panthers to a 14-1 record, a conference championship and regional runner-up status in 2005 by spearheading a defensive unit which allowed just a paltry 11.8 points per game ... Booked 107 stops (92 solo), 30 tackles for lost yardage, 14 sacks, 17 quarterback "pressures", three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six batted passes and one interception during senior campaign ... Netted 41 tackles (25 solo), six sacks, 17 "pressures" and 11 hits behind the line of scrimmage as a junior in 2004 ... In all, earned three football letters and served as team captain during senior year ... Added four more basketball letters as a center .... Signing at ECU marked the first time in the 40-year history of the North Johnston football program that a player inked with a NCAA Division I-A program ... Coach was Ken Avent, Jr. Personal: Born November 13, 1986 at Smithfield, N.C. ... Full name is Willie J. Smith ... Plans to major in business ... Brother-in-law (Dre Barnes) played collegiate football at I-AA member Liberty (running back) ... Hobbies include basketball, music and cards.
DeMorio Waymon, WR, 6-3, 185, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Rickards)
High School: Completed four-year prep career at Rickards with 105 receptions for 1,846 yards and 17 touchdowns ... Averaged 17.6 yards per catch ... Earned a total of three football letters and was elected the Raiders' team captain as a senior ... Enjoyed top season in 2005, recording 45 catches for 752 yards and 11 scores ... Keyed winning season (5-4) with a 27-reception, 562-yard, five-TD effort as a junior ... Averaged over 20 yards per grab in 2004 (20.8 ypr) ... Experienced first full-time season in 2003 as a sophomore, picking up 31 catches for 487 yards and a TD after seeing limited action as a freshman (two receptions for 45 yards) ... Listed among top wide receiver prospects in the Southeast region according to Prep Star Magazine ... Coach was Maurice Belser. Personal: Full name is DeMorio Burnell Waymon ... Prefers to be called Morio ... Nickname is "Moss" ... Born January 6, 1987 at Tallahassee, Fla. ... Intends to major in environmental science (minor in child development) ... Cousin Travis Fisher played collegiate football at UCF before stint in NFL (St. Louis Rams) ... Hobbies of choice include spending time with his dog, video games, basketball and working with children.
Norman Whitley, RB, 5-9, 180, Fr., Hamlet, N.C. (Richmond County)
High School: Captured back-to-back conference MVP honors for a tradition-rich Richmond County program ... Earned four letters and helped guide the Raiders to a combined 52-4 record during prep career which included consecutive conference titles in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 ... Rushed for 2,175 yards and scored 24 touchdowns as a senior ... Established new Richmond County single-season records a year earlier as a junior with 2,666 rushing yards (290 carries) and 39 ground scores ... Averaged an impressive 9.2 yards per carry as a junior ... Ran for over 700 yards as a sophomore ... Opened high school career by becoming the first freshman in Raider history to score two playoff touchdowns ... Elected team captain during senior campaign ... Top single-game effort of note was a 377 all-purpose yard performance, which included a 91-yard kickoff return, against Millbrook High School ... Listed as 11th-best prospect in North Carolina by SuperPrep Magazine ... Selected to play in the prestigious Shrine Bowl and responded with an MVP performance ... Rushed for 132 yards to lead North Carolina to a 28-24 win over South Carolina ... Produced a 40 time of 4.47 ... Coach was ECU Hall-of-Fame member and former Pirate coach Ed Emory (1980-1984). Personal: Full name is Norman Whitley ... Born January 2, 1987 ... Intends to major in business ... Hobbies include video games.
Dan Wideman, ATH, 6-2, 210, Fr., Greenwood, S.C. (Emerald)
High School: Earned a total of 11 prep varsity letters as a football (four), track (three), basketball (three) and baseball (one) standout ... Vikings captured Region III AA title and were the AA UpState runner-up in 2005 after recording an 11-3 mark ... Selected to AA All-State squad as a quarterback in 2005 ... Also named the Region II Offensive Player-of-the-Year ... Racked up 4,732 yards of total offense and accounted for 52 touchdowns as a senior team captain ... Led EHS with 935 rushing yards (181 attempts, 5.2 ypc) and 17 ground scores while completing 261-of-450 passes for 3,797 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2005 ... Possessed a passing completion percentage of 58.0, averaged 14.5 yards per completion and suffered just eight interceptions ... Had a long pass of 98 yards ... Chosen as Emerald's offensive MVP and back of the year after completion of senior campaign ... Selected to the North-South All-Star Game ... Timed at 10.7 in the 100-meter dash and is listed as a contender for the state 200-meter title in the spring ... Coach was Mac Bryan, who also coached former South Carolina quarterback and current ECU assistant coach Phil Petty. Personal: Full name is Dantaveous Romon Wideman ... Prefers to go by "Dan" ... Born December 19, 1986 at Greenwood, S.C. ... Interested in child development academic curriculum ... Hobbies include all sports.
PREVIOUS MID-YEAR ADDITIONS
Andrew Farr, OL 6-4, 280, Fr., Pell City, Ala. (Hargrave Military Academy)
Signed with ECU program Dec. 21, 2005 ... Prep School: Played at Hargrave Military Academy during the 2005 season ... Contributed key role as a starting guard to guide the Tigers' mid-season turnaround which resulted in wins in three of their last four games. High School: Earned three football letters for coach Jay Brown at Pell City (Ala.) High School ...A two-year team captain and starter on the offensive line as a junior and senior ... Helped guide the Panthers to an area championship during junior campaign in 2003 ... A two-time all-state and all-county selection by coaches and media agencies ... Promoted to varsity squad as a freshman before earning first letter after experiencing line action on both sides of the ball during sophomore season ... Listed as one of Alabama's top offensive linemen prospects by many scouting organizations in 2004 ... Prep strength numbers include a 455-pound squat lift, a 375-pound bench press and a 250-pound clean lift ... Earned additional athletic letters in wrestling and track and field. Personal: Full name is Andrew Lane Farr ... Born April 30, 1987 at Birmingham, Ala. ... Brother Jeffrey Farr (Mississippi State), father Paul Farr (Delta State), grandfather Lamont Rich (Northeast Mississippi Junior College) and uncle Pete Rich (Southern Miss) all have college football backgrounds ... Has not declared an intended academic major at ECU.
Orlando Farrow, LB, 6-3, 225, Jr., Georgetown, Del. (Lackawanna College)
Enrolled at ECU in January, 2006 ... Junior College: Topped the Lackawanna College defensive unit in tackles with 62 stops in 2005 ... Also credited with 4.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, a sack, a blocked kick and an interception ... Returned pick 82 yards for a score (Morrisville State College) ... Started all eight games for head coach Mark Duda ... Falcons at one of the linebacking positions ... Turned in top effort of season with a 16-tackle performance vs. Navy Prep ... Also booked a pair of nine tackle contests against Army Prep and Erie Community College ... A preseason JuCo All-America selection ... Began collegiate career at Wesley (Del.) College before transferring to LC ... Earned selection to the Dean's List (3.1 grade point average) ... Also enjoyed notable basketball season, standing second on squad in scoring and rebounding ... Named MVP of district regional title game. High School: A two-year letterman at Sussex Central (Del.) High School ... Named to all-conference and all-state squads as a junior and senior ... Posted 45 tackles and 16 sacks as a junior to help lead the Knights to their first-ever state championship game appearance ... A key offensive contributor as a senior team captain, rushing for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns for SCHS ... Picked up two letters as a shooting guard, point guard and small forward on the basketball court ... An all-conference and all-state performer as a junior after averaging 20.0 points and 11 rebounds per game to guide the Knights to a conference title ... Football coach was John Wells. Personal: Full name is Orlando Dervine Tyrell Farrow ... Nickname is "O" ... Born September 24, 1984 at Lewis, Del. ... A business management major.
Danny Muhwezi, LB, 6-3, 235, Jr., Germantown, Md. (Lackawanna College)
Signed with ECU program Dec. 21, 2005 ... Junior College: Started all 22 games during two-year stay at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pa. ... Recorded 60 overall tackles, six sacks, five forced fumbles and three interceptions during his career for coach Mark Duda ... Was officially credited with 26 tackles for the Falcons in 2005, which included 10 solo stops ... Also posted five tackles for lost yardage, one sack, two pass breakups, one interception, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble ... Enjoyed his top effort of the season against Morrisville State College Oct. 19, booking six stops, a pair of tackles for lost yardage, a sack, interception, a forced fumble and a recovery ... Turned in a pair of five-tackle outings (Erie Community College/Sept. 3, Nassau Community College/Oct. 29) ... Recorded multiple tackle totals in all eight games during the Falcons' 5-3 campaign ... Other contests of note include three-stop performances against Walter Reed College and Navy Prep ... Logged additional TFLs against Erie in season opener and vs. Army Prep in season finale. High School: Earned a total of three prep letters at three different high schools ... Finished career at Seneca Valley (Md.) High School where he helped lead the Screaming Eagles to a 10-2 record and a Class 3-A State Championship in 2002 ... Keyed a defensive unit under coach Terry Changuris which surrendered just 156 points all season (13.0 ppg) ... Recorded 128 tackles, including 20 for lost yardage ... Also registered six sacks while earning all-league, all-metro and all-state honors ... A two-way starter during his junior season at Wichita (Kan.) West High School ... Picked up over 500 receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns while logging 60 stops and 12 tackles for lost yardage ... Vital member of a WHS squad which captured the city championship and made an appearance in the state title game ... An all-city, all-state (honorable mention) selection in 2001 ... Did not play competitive football during sophomore season (2000) ... Opened prep career playing on both sides of the ball at Wichita (Kan.) Independent High School ... Chosen the second-team all-state unit (Catholic League) after accounting for over 1,300 all-purpose yards (1,005 rushing, 300 receiving) ... Defensively, tallied 70 tackles, five fumble recoveries, a pair of interceptions and six sacks ... Earned additional letters in basketball (three). Personal: Full name is Daniel M. Muhwezi ... Born October 31, 1984 at Ames, Iowa ... Intends to major in physical therapy at ECU.
Fred Wilson, LB, 6-2, 255, Jr., Cross, S.C. (Georgia Military College)
Signed with ECU program Dec. 21, 2005 ... Junior College: A key defensive figure for a Georgia Military College squad which rolled to a 9-2 record and captured the 2005 Golden Isles Bowl title with a 21-17 win over No. 4 Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College ... Tallied 47 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup as a sophomore for coach Bert Williams ... Posted a season-high eight tackles and a sack against Snow (Utah) College Sept. 10 ... Other contest of note was a four-tackle effort against then No. 4-ranked Nassau (N.Y.) Community College Oct. 15 ... Recorded two or more tackles in nine of 11 games ... Contributed a pair of stops, a sack and forced fumble against Valdosta (Ga.) State's JV squad Sept. 29 ... Other multi-tackles games came against Kilgore (Tex.) College, Ranger (Tex.) College, Erie (N.Y.) Community College, Louisburg (N.C.) College and Coffeyville ... Started on defensive unit as a freshman and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 5-5 record. High School: A three-sport standout at Cross (S.C.) High School, earning a total of seven varsity letters and all-region honors in football, basketball and baseball ... Selected to football and basketball all-state squads ... Awarded three football letters while playing for coach Art Mann ... Credited with 157 tackles, five forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles as a senior in 2003 ... Selected as the Trojans' Defensive MVP and served as team captain ... Rated among the South Carolina High School Sports Report (HSSR) Top 100 Seniors ... Chosen to play in South Carolina's North-South All-Star Game ... A player-of-the-week pick by the Charleston Post-Courier during senior campaign ... Helped guide CHS to a 8-4 and 7-4 marks in 2001 and 2002, respectively ... Booked 121 tackles as a junior ... Also picked up athletic letters in weightlifting ... Member of Cross High School's Academic Honor Roll ... Selected as the school's "student-of-the-week" on two occasions. Personal: Full name is Frederick Jarrod Wilson ... Born January 5, 1985 at Charleston, S.C. ... Intends to major in sport management and minor in communications at ECU ... Older brother Rod Wilson was a four-year letterwinner at South Carolina (2000-04) who played four different positions while playing in 41 games over five seasons ... Finished career as an All-Southeastern Conference linebacker before being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2005 (seventh round) ... Another older brother, Antonio Wilson, played college basketball Spartanburg (S.C.) Methodist and Erskine (S.C.).
