Pirates Announce 2009 Signing Class
February 04, 2009 | Football
Feb. 4, 2009
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Replenishing personnel shortages at the offensive skill and linebacking positions, and the continued enhancement of ties to high school programs in the state of North Carolina were all addressed by East Carolina Head Football Coach Skip Holtz as the Pirates announced their 19-member 2009 signing class Wednesday.
Of the 19, 12 are projected to play offense while the other seven will play defense. Offensively, the Pirates signed three running backs, wide receivers and tight ends, while also adding a pair of linemen and one quarterback. On defense, ECU is looking forward to adding four linebackers and four linemen to its roster.
"We've always believed in building a program with quality people and I feel that this particular group really serves as a testament to that," Holtz said. "Not only did we address talent, speed, athleticism and toughness, but we gained a class of young men that really exemplifies the character and academic qualities that are critical to the continued success of our program."
While the 17 projected freshmen represent three different states, 13 played at the prep level in North Carolina. Also included in the overall class were two junior college transfers in running back Giavanni Ruffin and tight end Korey Reynolds.
"I feel that we answered our needs on both sides of the ball," Holtz added. "I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to work with them on a daily basis and have these young men represent East Carolina University. They certainly have a chance to be a special group, who I feel offer us plenty of balance, athleticism and a strong commitment to help our program take another step.
"Fourteen of our signees attended our summer camps in the past so there were relationships developed and a strong sense of familiarity with our program," Holtz said. "That, along with our focus to keep in-state recruiting as a priority, has certainly paid off for us over the past four years."
The Pirates turned in their highest win total since 1999 last season with a 9-5 record and have now posted three consecutive winning campaigns for the first time since 1998-2000. East Carolina also captured the 2008 Conference USA championship, its first league title since 1976, and capped the year by playing in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl - the program's third-straight bowl appearance.
Jimmy Booth, DT, 6-2, 288, Fr., Greenville, N.C. (J.H. Rose) Highlights 
High School: A two-year starter and letterman on varsity unit ... Earned first-team all-county honors and served as program's captain as a senior ... Led Rampants in tackles for lost yardage and was selected as the Greenville Daily Reflector's Defensive Player-of-the-Year in 2008 for coach Todd Lipe ... In all, was a member of a J.H. Rose program that captured two state championships (2005, 2006) ... Tallied a team-best nine sacks as a junior in 2007 ... Cites win over rival New Bern as most memorable moment to date in football career. Personal: Full name is Jimmy Booth, Jr. ... Nickname is J.B. ... Born December 8, 1990 at Greenville, N.C. ... Son of Jimmy and Sharon Booth ... Plans to major in exercise science ... Hobbies include basketball and writing poetry ... Lists former Green Bay Packers' defensive standout George Koonce as favorite all-time Pirate player ... Also considered Duke as top choice before signing with ECU ... Wore No. 56 in high school because of Lawrence Taylor ... Lists Julius Peppers as favorite current NFL player.
Michael Brooks, DT, 6-3, 280, Fr., Roxboro, N.C. (Bartlett Yancey) Highlights
High School: Tallied a total of 331 tackles during career at Bartlett Yancey High School ... Was a three-year all-region, all-conference and defensive MVP selection ... Earned all-state honors as a senior team captain after racking up 94 stops and 12.5 sacks for coach Jason Phelps and the Buccaneers ... Represented North Carolina in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game ... Also chosen as the Danville Regional Defensive Player-of-the-Year in 2008 ... Credited with a career-high 132 tackles as a sophomore in 2006 before adding a unit-high 105 a year later as a junior ... Also topped squad in sacks and tackles for lost yardage in 2007 ... Earned additional varsity letter in track ... Academically, was member of school's Honor Roll. Personal: Full name is Michael Goubron Brooks ... Born August 28, 1991 at Durham, N.C. ... Son of David and Vicentia Brooks ... Would like to major in criminal justice.
Jordan Davis, OL, 6-3, 290, Fr., Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Choctawhatchee) Highlights
High School: A team captain, three-year starter and three-year letterman for coach Greg Thomas's Indians at Choctawhatchee High School ... Earned All-Northwest Daily News (Fort Walton Beach) honors in 2007 and 2008, and was also selected as area's offensive lineman-of-the-year as a senior ... Chosen as a 2008 Pensacola Sports Association All-Star and played in Pensacola All-Star game ... Recipient of Coaches Award after final campaign ... Member of the 2008 "Dandy Dozen" list ... Received prestigious FCA Challenger Award for Choctawhathree in recognition of character, leadership, integrity and excellence ... Prep coach was former Pirate offensive lineman who also enjoyed a successful tenure as head coach at Greenville's J.H. Rose High School ... Earned three additional letters as member of CHS's weight-lifting squad, a recognized sport program in the state of Florida. Personal: Full name is Ronnie Jordan Davis ... Born February 9, 1991 at Fort Walton Beach, Fla. ... Son of Ronnie and Jennifer Davis ... Hobbies include fishing and producing films ... Intends to major in communications with an emphasis in graphic design (video).
Michael Dobson, RB/DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Mount Airy, N.C. (Mount Airy) Highlights
High School: Averaged 11.3 yards per carry as a senior, rushing for 1,758 yards and 35 touchdowns on 156 attempts to help lead Mount Airy to a 16-0 record and Class I-A state championship ... Ran for 1,638 yards on 153 carries (10.7 ypr) as a junior, scoring 33 touchdowns to help lead the Bears to 13-1 record and a conference title ... Racked up 1,380 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2006 as a sophomore as MAHS compiled a 10-5 mark ... On the other side of the ball, credited with 35 tackles as a safety during his final campaign, which included a 37-14 victory over Williamston in the championship game ... Collected a career-best 82 stops as a junior and finished career with 12 interceptions ... An all-state selection (all divisions) during last two seasons of prep career ... Also chosen to the all-area squad in 2007 ... Additionally, was named Northwest Conference Offensive Player-of-the-Year and was an All-Northwest Team selection by the Winston-Salem Journal as a junior ... Rated as 25th-best athlete according to ESPN.com ...Also was an all-conference performer in track, earning a first-place finish in the regional 100-meter dash ... Academically, a member of the school's Honor Roll. Personal: Full name is Michael Allen Dobson, Jr. ... Born June 24, 1991 at Mount Airy, N.C. ... Son of Michael and Sharon Dobson ... Undecided on college major ... Lists Randy Moss as favorite NFL player and Kobe Bryant as favorite overall athlete to watch ... Credits parents as most influential people on the development of his career.
Ty Holmes, LB, 6-1, 213, Fr., Lexington, N.C. (Lexington) Highlights
High School: Earned eight varsity letters during prep career, four each as a football and track standout ... Selected to all-county and all-conference teams as a senior linebacker for coach Chris Deal ... Posted 75 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions during junior year after averaging nearly 15 stops per contest in 2006 as a sophomore ... A two-year all-conference and all-county track performer ... Served as team captain for both Yellow Jacket programs in 2008-09 ... Competed in the 200 meters, 4x100 relay, 880 relay and mile relay ... Finished second at the Davidson County Elite Athlete Challenge ... Member of the A/B Honor Roll at LHS for work in the classroom. Personal: Full name is Ty Kentlin Holmes ... Born May 18, 1991 at Lexington, N.C. ... Son of Charles and Evette Holmes ... Plans to major in sports medicine ...Father played football and ran track at Livingstone College ... Cousin was a center in the Winston-Salem State program while godfather Joe McIntosh was a member of the N.C. State Wolfpack squad (running back), who earned Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie-of-the-Year honors in 1991 ... Hobbies include video games, dancing and movies ... Picks Indianapolis Colts' defensive back Bob Sanders as favorite NFL player ... Lists father, cousin and uncle as most influential figures in career.
Torrance Hunt, WR, 5-8, 160, Fr., Durham, N.C. (Jordan) Highlights
High School: Played on both sides of the ball during prep career, but finished as one of the region's top all-purpose backs during senior campaign ... Compiled 622 rushing yards and 238 reception yards on 12 catches ... Was also program's top kickoff return specialist, racking up over 300 yards and three touchdowns (95, 96 and 98-yard returns) ... In all, was responsible for 10 touchdowns in 2008 for coach Mike Briggs at C.E. Jordan High School ... Logged 71 tackles, five interceptions and 14 pass breakups as a member of the Falcons' secondary as a junior in 2007 and was chosen to the all-conference team ... Earned two varsity letters and was program's team captain as a senior ... Top prep effort was a 21-carry, 221-yard performance against Riverside High School in 2008 ... Invited to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game ... Racked up over 1,200 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns as a sophomore on program's junior varsity squad ... Helped lead JV unit to consecutive conference titles as the Offensive MVP ... A track letterman who posted a 4.25 time in the 40-yard dash - the fastest clip recorded at the Nike Combine this year ... Also booked a school-record 6.38 clip in the 55-meter sprint during the indoor season, which ranked as the fourth-fastest time nationally ... Owns a 41-inch vertical jump and a 4.37 20-yard shuttle time ... Earned MVP honors at the Nike Sparq Athletic Combine ... Stands No. 44 among all cornerbacks according to ESPN.com. Personal: Full name is Torrance Antonio Hunt ... Born January 28, 1991 at Durham, N.C. ... Son of Terry Hunt and Samantha Leak ... Indicated an interest of entering the sports sciences academic program at ECU with a business management minor ... Lists current Tennessee Titans' running back Chris Johnson as favorite all-time Pirate player ... Has worn No. 34 on a uniform since age six ... Says reptiles are a "hobby" of choice ... Names former running back great Emmitt Smith as favorite NFL player ... Identifies his parents as the most influential people on his career.
Rio Johnson, QB, 6-2, 185, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Sandy Creek) Highlights
High School: Played vital role in leading Patriots to a regional championship in 2008 ... Completed 128-of-208 (61.5 percent) passes for 1,770 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior for coach Chip Walker ... Possessed an interception percentage of just 1.44 (three in 208 attempts) ... Passed for 1,810 yards and 14 scores during junior campaign in 2007 ... Completed 122-of-220 passes and suffered just five interceptions ... Earned a total of three varsity letters and served as team captain as a senior ... Named among the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Top 150 prospects in the state of Georgia ... A first-team all-state performer in 2008 ... An Honor Roll performer in the classroom. Personal: Full name is Rio Arman Johnson ... Born August 19, 1991 at Atlanta, Ga. ... Son of Tony Johnson and Kala Gates ... Expects to major in business with a finance minor ... Godfather is former Buffalo Bills' cornerback Nate Odoms.
Justin Jones, TE, 6-8, 252, Fr., Conyers, Ga. (Heritage) Highlights
High School: A three-year football letterman who played on both sides of the ball during his prep career at Heritage High School ... Anchored a Patriots defense for coach Chad Frazier in 2008 with 71 tackles, which included 22 for lost yardage ... Also netted 10.5 sacks, forced five fumbles and recovered four - returning one for a touchdown ... Selected as program's team captain during senior campaign ... As a tight end, had 11 receptions for 115 yards and five touchdowns ... A defensive all-state selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Associated Press, and an all-county choice by the Rockdale Citizen ... Member of the AJC's Top 150 and Super Southern 100 ... Chosen to the Nike/Rivals and Atlanta All-Nike Combine Teams in 2008, while earning selection to the Under Armour All-Combine squad in 2009 ... Lists game-winning TD catch against Cedar Shoals in 2007 as most memorable football moment to date ... Also picked up three basketball letters as a center and team captain, averaging 10.2 points, 13.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots per contest as a junior in 2007-08. Personal: Full name is Justin William-Bryant Jones ... Born September 25, 1991 at Beach Park, Illinois ... Son of Dee Jones ... Hobbies include video games and basketball ... Lists current Tennessee Titans' running back Chris Johnson and recently-graduated tight end Davon Drew as favorite all-time Pirate players ... Did not play competitive football until the ninth grade ... Cites Larry Fitzgerald as favorite NFL player ... Credits mother and prep coach as most influential on career.
Lamar McLendon, LB, 6-0, 200, Fr., Fayetteville, N.C. (Seventy-First) Highlights
High School: A two-time first-team all-region and all-conference performer for coach Bob Paroli at Seventy-First High School ... Helped lead Falcons to a 14-2 record and state title as a senior team captain in 2008 ... A three-year starter ... Selected to represent North Carolina and participated in the 2008 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game ... Lettered in track (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles and 4x400 relay team) ... Member of school's A/B Honor Roll for work in the classroom. Personal: Full name is Lamar Harold McLendon ... Born June 5, 1991 at Springfield, Pa. ... Son of Eric and Phyllis Mosley ... Undecided on projected college major ... Lists drawing and exercise as top hobbies of choice.
Matt Milner, DE, 6-4, 235, Fr., Raleigh, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons) Highlights
High School: A two-way starter as a senior and overall four-year letterman for coach Mike Sheehan's Crusaders ... Named to the Mid-State All-Conference squad as a junior and senior ... Selected as defensive lineman-of-the-year and co-player-of-the-year in 2008 ... Was also program's choice as team MVP at conclusion of senior campaign ... Booked 104 tackles, 37 resulting in lost yardage, a team-best eight sacks, two batted passes and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2008 ... On the offensive side of the ball as a tight end, was credited with 64 knock-down blocks and was not charged with a sack allowed as a team captain ... Helped lead Cardinal Gibbons to a 7-6 record in 2008 ... Tallied 111 stops, six sacks, three pass deflections and three overall blocked kicks as a junior in 2007 ... Rates among the top 50 defensive ends according to ESPN.com ... Picked up one track letter and earned all-conference designation as a shotput and discus thrower ... Turned in power numbers of 330 pounds (bench press) and 575 pounds (squat) ... Named "Overall MVP" of the Schuman's National Underclassmen Combine in Ohio ... Also enjoyed an illustrious academic career with National Honor Society membership ... A two-time scholar-athlete selection who served student body as both a vice-president (2007-08) and president (2008-09) ... Currently resides in the top five percent of his class (Junior Marshall) with a 3.95 grade point average ... Participant in the Principal's Leadership Conference. Personal: Full name is Matthew P. Milner ... Born June 7, 1991 at Raleigh, N.C. ... Son of Andy and Ann Milner ... Father played college football at Allegheny College while grandfather (Emil Milner) is a football letterman at Delaware ... Hobbies include hunting, reading and snow skiing ... Also plays the piano ... Picks prep coach as favorite all-time Pirate player (Sheehan lettered as an OL at ECU in 1998) ... Lists Pittsburgh Steelers' Hines Ward as favorite current NFL player ... Credits parents and coaches as most influential on career.
Zico Pasut, TE, 6-3, 245, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Ardrey Kell) Highlights
High School: Helped play a key role in building the foundation of a new Ardrey Kell program during junior and senior seasons ... In all, earned three letters but led Knights to a 9-4 record in 2007 after a one-win campaign a season earlier ... Recorded 26 catches for 308 yards as a junior and was selected to the all-conference unit and All-Charlotte Observer squad ... Also credited with 18 pancake blocks in 2007 for coach Marty Woolbright ... Suffered injury midway through senior year which limited production to seven receptions and 89 yards ... Chosen as team captain ... Also served as a starting defensive tackle as a junior and senior ... Opened prep varsity career with a seven-catch, 150-yard performance as a sophomore ... Among the top 100 tight ends according to ESPN.com ... Picked up three additional letters as an outfielder on Knights' baseball team, leading club to a regional title and state championship appearance in 2008 ... Earned All-Mecklenburg County honors on the diamond. Personal: Full name is Anthony Alessandro Pasut, but goes by Zico (pronounced ZEEK-oh) ... Born November 1, 1990 at Charlotte, N.C. ... Son of Holly Pasut ... Intends to major in construction management.
Marke Powell, LB, 6-3, 198, Fr., Troy, N.C. (West Montgomery) Highlights
High School: A three-sport athlete at West Montgomery High School ... Was a two-year football letterman who completed his prep career with 166 total tackles for coach Elbert Thomas ... Booked 68 stops, recovered one fumble and accounted for three touchdowns as a senior team captain ... Enjoyed standout performance as a junior, helping the Warriors establish a No. 1 state defensive ranking and state finals appearance ... Credited with 98 tackles, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries ... Earned program's "Big Hit" award for tackle against Albemarle High School ... Also lettered in track as an all-conference performer and state qualifier (400 relay) ... Other letter came as shortstop in WMHS's baseball program. Personal: Full name is Marke Quansha Powell ... Born August 17, 1991 at Pinehurst, N.C. ... Son of Chris and Rowena Powell ... Intends to major in sports management ... Says current Tennessee Titans' running back Chris Johnson is favorite all-time Pirate player ... Video games and working out are top hobbies ... Lists Philadelphia Eagles' Brian Dawkins as favorite NFL player ... Acknowledges parents as most influential people in his career.
Mike Price, WR, 6-1, 165, Fr., New Bern, N.C. (New Bern) Highlights
High School: A two-year letterman for a New Bern program which captured its latest state championship in 2007 ... Prior to earning second letter as a team captain in 2008, helped lead the Bears to a 14-2 record and title after a 28-17 victory over Charlotte Independence High School ... Tallied 104 receiving yards, including the go-ahead touchdown on a 37-yarder in championship game triumph ... Completed senior campaign with 39 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns ... Chosen to represent North Carolina in the 2008 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game ... As a junior, caught 33 passes for 796 yards and six touchdowns ... Named to the New Bern Sun Journal's All-Area team as a junior ... Also contributed as a punter, defensive back and running back for the Bears ... Member of NBHS's 10-0 junior varsity squad as a sophomore in 2006 ... Says victory over Millbrook serves as most memorable football moment to date ... Picked up two additional letters as a long jump specialist in track program ... Won the state indoor long jump championship as a junior with a leap of 23 feet, 7 ¼ inches. Personal: Full name is Michael Huston Price, Jr. ... Born May 14, 1991 at Greenville, N.C. ... Son of Pamela Gaylor ... Undecided on college major ... Lists former New Bern standout and former ECU tight end Davon Drew as favorite all-time Pirate player and selects Tennessee Titans' running back and former East Carolina All-America performer Chris Johnson as his top current NFL player to follow ... Also a fan of Cardinals' receiver Larry Fitzgerald ... Credits mother, grandmother, uncles and friends as influential in career.
Korey Reynolds, TE, 6-2, 240, Jr., Hoover, Ala. (Northwest Mississippi CC) Highlights
Officially signed a grant-in-aid with East Carolina ... Originally signed a national letter-of-intent with Hawai'i in February, 2007, but transferred out of the Warriors' program at the conclusion of the 2007-08 academic year. Junior College: Helped lead Northwest Mississippi Community College to a Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) North Division runner-up standing as a sophomore ... Served as team captain for coach Ricky Woods ... Selected to play in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star Game. High School: A 2007 graduate of Hoover High School in Alabama (Birmingham) ... A three-year letterman who was a two-year starter at tight end and defensive end ... Helped HHS to state titles in 2004 and 2005 ... As a senior team captain in 2006, recorded 105 tackles and six sacks while also catching one touchdown pass out of the tight end position to earn all-state honors ... An All-America selection by Max Emfinger Scouting and was tabbed to play in the '06 Max Emfinger All-American Bowl ... Also lettered as a pitcher and outfielder in Hoover's baseball program ... Excelled in the classroom, earning Honor Roll inclusion as a sophomore, junior and senior. Personal: Full name is Korey James Reynolds ... Born September 9, 1988 at Knoxville, Tenn. ... Son of Ron and Mary Reynolds ... High school football program was featured on MTV's "Two-A-Day" show ... Father played offensive guard at Tennessee Tech ... Considered Boston College before electing to join the Pirate program.
Giavanni Ruffin, RB, 6-1, 215, Jr., Virginia Beach, Va. (College of the Sequoias, Calif.) Highlights
Junior College: Rushed for 463 yards and five touchdowns on 76 carries (6.1 ypr) as a sophomore in a four-Division I running back rotation for coach Curtis Allen at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, Calif. ... Also posted 201 receiving yards and a TD on 18 catches out of the backfield for the Falcons ... Averaged 153.6 ground yards per game as a freshman at West Hills Community College in Coalinga, Calif. ... Rushed for 768 yards and 11 TDs in limited action (five contests). High School: A one-year football letterman and senior year team captain at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Va. ... Helped Hawks to a victory against Oscar Smith High School, a program which earned a rating as the Tidewater area's "team-of-the-decade" ... Did not play competitive football in high school until senior year ... Also earned letters in track and basketball. Personal: Full name is Giavanni Ruffin, but prefers to go by Gee ... Born July 7, 1988 at Albany, New York ... Son of Rebecca Hawley and Dorzier Ruffin ... Intended major is communications with a minor in business ... Chose ECU over South Florida ... Lists former ECU running back and current Tennessee Titan Chris Johnson as favorite all-time Pirate player ... Also a fan of Minnesota Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson ... Cites mother and grandparents as most influential sources during career.
Will Simmons, OL, 6-5, 280, Fr., Ahoskie, N.C. (Hertford County) Highlights
High School: A four-year starter and letterman for coach Diego Hasty at Hertford County High School ... Served as team captain during junior and senior seasons and received Captain's Award in 2008 ... Earned all-conference and all-state honors as a junior and senior ... Selected as program and conference's offensive lineman-of-the-year in 2007 ... Chosen to represent North Carolina in the 2008 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game ... Picked up additional letters as a thrower (shot put, discus) on track team and was chosen as the most outstanding athlete as a sophomore ... Helped squad to conference championship during 2006-07 season ... Member of HCHS's Honor Roll for work in the classroom. Personal: Full name is William Michael Simmons, but is referred to as Will ... Born January 31, 1991 at Ahoskie, N.C. ... Son of Thomas and Lorrie Simmons ... Would like to major in physical training/fitness ... Reportedly lost a total of approximately 100 pounds from frame during his high school career ... Lists parents as people who have had the most influence on career.
DaMonte Terry, RB, 6-1, 203, Fr., Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland) Highlights
High School: Accounted for 3,895 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns during his career at Scotland High School ... A four-year letterman and starter who also served as a two-time team captain for coach Chip Williams ... Also netted 781 all-time receiving yards for the Fighting Scots ... Represented North Carolina with play in the 2008 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game ... Enjoyed his top statistical season as a junior with 1,221 ground yards (15 TD) and 331 receiving yards (two TD) ... Ran for 981 yards (five TD) and hauled in 215 reception yards during senior campaign in 2008 ... As a sophomore, rushed for 897 yards and 13 scores while adding 115 yards and a touchdown on the receiving end ... Opened prep career with a 796-yard rushing effort and a 120-yard reception performance in 2005 despite experiencing action at linebacker as well ... Became only the second SHS player since 1992 to earn a starting nod as a freshman ... Also ran track as a freshman, competing in the 100-meter and 200-meter events. Personal: Full name is DaMonte Lamarr Terry ... Preferred name is Monte ... Born January 15, 1991 at Laurinburg, N.C. ... Son of Richard and Patricia Terry ... Intends to major in business (marketing) ... Also considered N.C. State among others before signing with East Carolina ... Lists current Pirate tailback Norman Whitley as the best athlete he's faced (as a high school freshman) ... Fan of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson ... Hobbies include reading, working out and swimming ... Lists Dr. Lou (Holtz) as favorite sports announcer ... Credits mother and coaches as positive role models and influences on career.
Kyle Tudor, LB, 6-3, 195, Fr., Augusta, Ga. (Lakeside) Highlights
Officially enrolled early at ECU in January of 2009 and will join Pirates for spring drills, thus signed a grant-in-aid with the program instead of a letter-of-intent (per NCAA policy) ... A December, 2008 graduate of Lakeside High School. High School: A senior team captain and four-year letterman for coach Jody Grooms ... An all-county performer as a junior in 2007 after logging 109 tackles (32 solo) and three interceptions for the Panthers before suffering a knee injury during senior campaign ... Still registered 60 stops in 2008 after making move to linebacker ... An all-area choice by the Augusta Chronicle in 2007 ... Tallied a unit-best 97 stops and picked off four passes as a sophomore in 2006 ... Also lettered twice as a baseball outfielder and once as a basketball forward. Personal: Full name is Kyle Haynes Tudor ... Born January 11, 1991 at Augusta, Ga. ... Son of John and Denice Tudor ... Major is pre-med ... Says Tennessee Titans' running back Chris Johnson is his favorite all-time Pirate player ... Lists working out as top hobby and John Madden as top football commentator.
Reese Wiggins, WR, 5-11, 181, Fr., Durham, N.C. (Southern Durham) Highlights
High School: Accounted for 1,174 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns as a senior for coach Adrian Jones at Southern Durham High School ... As a team captain, helped guide Spartans to a 9-4 overall record, a 7-1 conference mark and a PAC-6 title in 2008 ... Registered 659 reception yards (four TDs) on 44 catches and 515 kick return yards (four TDs) to earn all-conference, all-area and all-state honors ... Represented North Carolina in the prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game ... Picked up 212 return yards and over 491 reception yards and five scores during junior campaign which also resulted in a PAC-6 championship and an overall record of 10-5 ... Among the kickoff return yards was a 98-yarder for a touchdown ... Opened prep varsity career with 214 receiving yards and three TDs during conference-winning sophomore season ... In all, earned three letters, helped lead SDHS to three consecutive conference titles and racked up 2,091 all-purpose yards during high school varsity career ... Played quarterback and wide receiver position on junior varsity squad as a freshman ... Also lettered twice in basketball (small forward) and track (200 meters) ... Strong performer in classroom with selection as the Durham County AVID Male Scholarship recipient, inclusion on the Honor Roll and membership in the National Achievers Honor Society ... Recipient of WRAL-TV's "Extra Effort Award" and was chosen as a Carolina Panthers Community Captain ... Has volunteered over 100 hours since 2006 with the Department of Social Services, beginning program in the sixth grade. Personal: Full name is Kendrick Maurice Wiggins ... Prefers to go by Reese ... Born May 5, 1991 at Durham, N.C. ... Son of Kenneth and Mary Wiggins ... Has not decided on major ... Played in same high school program that produced current Jacksonville Jaguar and former East Carolina quarterback standout David Garrard ... Lists Garrard as favorite all-time Pirate player ... Mother was a decorated high school (three-sport) and college athlete while father played prep basketball ... Also considered Virginia before signing with East Carolina ... Member of local Boy Scout troop while growing up and did not play competitive football until the eighth grade ... Fan of NFL receiver Chad Johnson ... Hobbies include video games, all sports and spending time with family members ... Says parents and grandparents are strong influences on career ... Lists former North Carolina Governor Mike Easley as one of the most impressive people he has met ... Plays the drums.
ADDED NEWCOMER
Matt Millisor, PK, 6-0, 185, Fr., Greensboro, N.C. (Page) Highlights
Will join the East Carolina program in the fall as an "invited" walk-on (non-NLI/non-scholarship prospect) ... Per NCAA release requirements, has officially declared his intent and commitment to attend ECU after completing admission procedures. High School: A three-year letterman for coach Kevin Gillespie's Pirates at Page High School ... Was program's top placekicker and punter as a sophomore, junior and senior and earned all-conference distinction each campaign ... Also named to the all-area and all-state squads in 2007 and 2008 ... Invited to play in the prestigious Shine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star Game ... Was 74-of-79 on extra-point attempts during junior and senior seasons ... Connected on 18 career field goals (three in 2006, seven in 2007 and eight in 2008), with a long of 40 on two occasions ... Averaged 40.0 yards per punt as a junior and 43.0 yards per boot as a senior, with a long of 63 and 69, respectively ... Lists defeating rival Grimsley High School 24-23 during junior campaign as most memorable playing moment to date ... Also earned varsity letter in soccer ... Owns a 4.2 grade point average and is a member of the school's Honor Roll and National Honor Society ... President of PHS's student body who was also a recipient of the Freshman Latin Award. Personal: Full name is Matthew James Millisor ... Born October 26, 1990 at Greensboro, N.C. ... Son of Chuck and Karen Millisor ... Undecided on college major ... Hobbies of choice are watching sports and lifting weights ... Cites game-day atmosphere at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium as one of the best things about the Pirate football program ... Mulled over collegiate soccer scholarship offers before deciding to join ECU football family ... Picks Steve Smith as favorite NFL player and Tiger Woods as top professional athlete ... Sports announcer of choice is college basketball analyst Dick Vitale ... Credits father and prep coach as most influential in development of career.
