ECU Announces 22 Mid-Year Football Signees
January 23, 2026 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina Head Football Coach Blake Harrell officially announced 22 mid-year signees who have signed with the Pirates pushing the final 2026 signing class to 39 members.
In addition to the 22 mid-year enrollees, 14 freshmen and two redshirt junior signees from the Dec. 3-5 signing period are on campus and will participate in spring practice, which begins the week of March 16. Those individuals are OL Joshua Battle, QB Trey Burke, DB David Coleman Jr., OL Bryan Esser, LB Chad Fairchild, OL Ja'Vaughn Hargett, OL Christian Harris, DB Amare Mack, OL Xavier Massey, DB Djmon McLendon, LB LJ Porter, WR Dawson Quarterman, DE Zyon Ratchord, DL Kelton Smith, DL Terande Spencer and DL Ethan Wilson. Fall 2025 signee OL Preston Broadway is set to officially enroll in the summer.
Michael Allen, RB, 5-11, 206, R-Sr., Greenville, N.C. (Marshall)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Marshall who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-time letterman (2/NC State, 1/Marshall) … Appeared in 28 games making seven starts in collegiate career … Tallied 1,331 all-purpose yards (1,012 rush, 302 receiving, 17 special teams) … Scored eight total touchdowns (6 rush, 2 receiving) … Earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall in Dec. of 2025 … Marshall (2025): Played in eight games making four starts … Rushed for 385 yards on seven carries (5.0 ypr) with six touchdowns … Caught 12 passes for 139 yards (17.4 ypc) with one score … Registered first career 100-yard rushing game at Louisiana tallying 138 yards on 19 carries with a long of 68 … Scored five touchdowns (4 rush, 1 receiving) … Had rushing scores against Middle Tennessee (1/ 11 yards), Louisianna 2 (9 and 68) and Georgia State (1/ 4 yards) … Caught one touchdown pass out of the backfield for 49 yards … Established career-bests in rushes (21/ Middle Tennessee), rush yards (138/ Louisiana), rush TDs (2/ Louisiana), longest rush (68/ Louisiana), receptions (5/ Louisiana), receptions yards (55/ Old Dominion), longest reception (49/ Old Dominion), receiving touchdowns (1/ Old Dominion) … UNLV (2024): Played in three games for the Rebels … Rushed 19 times for 108 yards (5.7 ypr) … Carried the ball a season-best 10 times for 66 yards with a season long of 36 yards against Houston … Tallied 108 all-purpose yards … Registered 40 yards on eight carries against Utah Tech and three yards on a carry vs. Kansas … NC State (2023): Started three of 10 games played … Tallied 317 all-purpose yards (251 rush, 66 receiving) … Scored one touchdown (37 yards) against Marshall … Registered 11 explosive rushing plays of 10 or more yards … Ran for a season and game-high 70 yards on nine carries against the Thundering Herd … Had 47 yards against VMI and 36 yards the next game against Virginia … Caught 11 passes for 66 yards on the season … Hauled down a season-best three passes twice (UConn, VMI) with 27 yards against the Huskies … NC State (2022): As a true freshman, rushed for 208 yards on 53 carries (5.1 ypr) … Caught 11 passes for 97 yards with one score … In all, tallied 367 all-purpose yards … Played in seven games during initial year with the program … Led the team in rushing against Boston College with 77 yards on 14 carries … Early enrollee with the Pack in January of 2022 … Named to ACC Academic Honor Roll following fall semester … High School: Attended J.H. Rose High School playing for ECU Alum Will Bland … In his three-year varsity career, had 307 carries for 2,314 yards - an average of 7.6 yards a carry … Scored 30 rushing touchdowns and posted 12 games over 100 yards … Caught 70 passes for 965 yards and 14 touchdowns … Scored 45 career TDs … As a senior, rushed 158 times for 1,173 yards and 18 touchdowns and six 100+ yard games … Caught 38 passes for 610 yards and eight more TDs … Posted 121 kickoff return yards … Team finished with an 11-5 record and an appearance in the NC 3A state championship game … During junior campaign he was to two games due to injury … Averaged 117.5 yards rushing per contest … Also caught eight passes for 71 yards … Team posted a 6-1 record and advanced to the NC 3A state playoffs … As a sophomore, he rushed for 906 on 128 carries yards and scored 11 TDs … Tallied 24 receptions for 284 yards and five more TDs … Added 237 yards on kickoff returns, with one for a TD … Ranked as the No. 15 all-purpose running back nationally and the No. 10 player in the state of North Carolina by Rivals … Listed as the No. 20 running back nationally, the No. 6 player in the state of North Carolina, and a four-star recruit by 247Sports … Personal: Played baseball at J.H. Rose, winning a state championship as a junior … Also was a sprinter on the track team, running the 55m (6.28) and the 100m (10.7). Holds a 4.0 GPA.
Brandon Best, OL, 6-4, 313, R-Sr., Tucker, Ga. (Kennesaw State)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Kennesaw State who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman (2/Georgia Tech, 1/Kennesaw State) … Played in 43 career games with one start … Earned undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech in May of 2025 … Kennesaw State (2025): Named First-Team All-Conference USA … Played in all 14 games in his lone season with the Owls … Helped Kennesaw State to a 10-4 overall record that included a 7-1 league ledger with a Conference USA championship and faced Western Michigan in the Myrtle Beach Bowl …The Owls offense stood among NCAA leaders (Top 60) in first down offense (24th/301), passing yards per completion (24th/13.09), team pass efficiency (41st/144.13), total offense (49th/402.4 ypg) and passing offense (51st/243.1 pypg) … Opened up rushing lanes for four 100-plus yard rushing performances … Helped the offensive unit registered nine games of 350 or more yards of total offense (7 with 400-plus, 2 with 500-plus) … Offense tallied a season-high 579 yards of total offense against Jacksonville State … Ten times the offense ran for 150 or more yards, while on nine occasions they passed for 200 or more yards (300-plus twice) … Georgia Tech (2024): Played in 12 games on the offensive line in a reserve role … Helped the Yellow Jackets rank among FBS leaders (Top 55) in sacks allowed (third/0.69 pg), completion percentage (24th/65.), TFLs allowed (29th/4.54 pg), red zone (32nd/88.7 pct.), rushing offense (32nd/187.0 pg), total offense (35th/424.5 ypg), first downs (44th/281), fourth down conversion percentage (49th/57.1), team pass efficiency (52nd/138.47), passing offense (54th/237.5 ypg) and scoring (55th/28.9 ppg) … Member of an offensive line unit that had five 100-plus rushing performances … The offensive unit tallied 500 or more yards of total offense on three occasions including a season-high 572 vs. VMI (400 or more six times) … Passed block for seven 250-plus yards in the air (300 or more twice) and opened holes for eight games with 190 or more yards on the ground with a season-best 371 vs. North Carolina … Georgia Tech (2023): Appeared in eight games as a reserve offensive lineman … Compiled an impressive 72.1 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus over 13 offensive snaps … Georgia Tech (2022): Played in four games before redshirting … High School: Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN … Ranked as the No. 31 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 66 overall prospect in the state of Georgia by Rivals … Team captain helped lead Milton to 2021 Georgia 7A state championship game as a senior … Helped pave the way for Milton QB Devin Farrell to throw for more than 2,000 yards and rush for nearly 1,000 and for RB Jordan McDonald to rush for 1,500-plus yards and 26 touchdowns in 2021 … Invited to participate in 2020 Georgia Elite Classic, 2019 Georgia Coaches Association All-Star Football Classic and 2018 B2C All-America game … Coached at Milton by Adam Clack.
Jaylen Bowden, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr., Charlotte, N.C. (Minnesota)
Mid-year transfer from Minnesota who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Two-time letterman at N.C. Central (2023-24) … Played in 23 career games making 10 starts (all in 2024) … Recorded 26 tackles (22 solo) … Intercepted one pass (no return) in 2024 … Credited with seven pass breakups … Registered at least one tackle in 12 of 23 career games (multiple eight times) … Established career-high in tackles (four) twice in 2024 … Minnesota (2025): Played in three games during lone season with the Gophers … Tallied three tackles (all solo) … Made season debut against Northwestern State registering two tackles (both solo) … Did not record any stats at Ohio State … Booked one stop (solo) against Nebraska … N.C. Central (2024): Started all 10 games played for the Eagles … Tallied 19 tackles (15 solo) … Picked off one pass vs. N.C. A&T (no return) … Credited with seven pass breakups (1/Elon, 2/N.C. A&T, 2/Norfolk State, 1/South Carolina State, 1/Howard) … Booked at least one tackle in eight of 10 games (multiple five times) … Registered a career-best four stops on two occasions (North Carolina and Norfolk State) … N.C. Central (2023): As a freshman, played in 10 games … Recorded four tackles (all solo) … Tallied a season-high two tackles against Winston-Salem State … Registered on tackle against Richmond in the FCS Playoffs … High School: Attended Mallard Creek in Charlotte, N.C. … Earned all-conference honors his senior season … Invited to the Elite Underclassmen Camp … Personal: Son of Nina Bowden and Mansfield Hyatt.
Hayes Creel, OL, 6-7, 320, R-Sr., Mt. Hermon, La. (Southern Miss)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Southern Miss who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year starter and letterman (2/McNeese, 1/Southern Miss) … Started 33 of 35 career games including a current streak of 33 consecutive entering first year with the Pirates … Logged over 1,300 snaps during two seasons at McNeese … Earned undergraduate degree from Southern Miss in December of 2025 … Southern Miss (2025): Started all 13 games during lone season … Helped the Golden Eagles to a 7-6 record which included a bowl game against Western Kentucky (25th Annual New Orleans Bowl) … USM's offense registered two games with 500 or more yards of total offense with a season-high 528 vs. Arkansas State … Opened up running lanes for an offense that had 100-plus ground yards in a game 12 times (season-best 225 vs. Jacksonville State) … Golden Eagles passed for over 250 yards in a game six times (300-plus on three occasions) with a season-high 400 against South Alabama … Member of an offensive unit that ranked among FBS (Top 60) leaders in passing offense (25th/266.1 pg), first down offense (42nd/282), team passing efficiency (49th/141.71), total offense (52nd/402.1), passing yards per completion (55th/11.97), TFLs allowed (55th/5.08 pg), sacks allowed (55th/1.69 pg), scoring offense (57th/28.8 ppg) … McNeese (2024): Started all 12 games played … Logged nearly 800 snaps on offense helping the squad average 25.0 points per game … Helped the Cowboys rank among the FCS leaders (Top 50) in red zone offense (18th/87.8 pct.), TFLs allowed (20th/4.42 pg), rushing offense (22nd/191.7 pg), passing yards per completion (37th/12.81), fourth down conversion percentage (39th/55.0) and total offense (42nd/387.0 pg) … Named Preseason Third Team All-Southland by Phil Steele Magazine … McNeese (2023): Appeared in 10 games making eight starts to close out the season … Credited with 541 total snaps … The offensive unit stood among FCS leaders in passing yards per completion (39th/12.32), while leading the Southland Conference in red zone offense (80.0 pct.) … They averaged 321.9 yards of total offense a game (131.0 rush, 190.9 passing) … McNeese (2022): Redshirted during initial year with the program … High School: Prepped at St. Paul's School, where he was First-Team All-District 6-5A and All-Parish … Earned Second-Team Class 5A All-State and an Academic All-State selection … Team finished 8-3 overall and 6-1 in district play and played in the Louisiana Division I semifinals, falling by one point to the eventual state champion … Academic All-State selection … Personal: Son of Brandon and Ellen Creel … Has two siblings (Hampton and Harrison Creel) … Enjoys playing the piano.
Ismael Flores, TE, 6-5, 255, R-Jr., Crowley, Texas (UTRGV)
Mid-year transfer from UTRGV who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned first varsity letter in 2025 … Appeared in 14 career games making nine starts (all at UTRGV) … Signed with Nebraska out of high school and was a member of the 2023 and 2024 Huskers team where he played linebacker … Caught 20 passes for 244 yards with six touchdowns in 2025 for the Vaqueros … UTRGV (2025): Started nine of 12 games at tight end … Caught 20 passes for 244 yards (12.2 ypc) with six touchdowns … Stood 60th in FCS and seventh in the Southland in receiving touchdowns … Caught at least one pass in eight of 12 contests (multiple seven times) … Hauled down a career-best four receptions on two occasions (Southeastern Louisiana and East Texas A&M) … Scored touchdowns against Sul Ross State, Southeastern Louisiana, Houston Christian, UIW (two) and East Texas A&M … Had a career-best 68 yards receiving against UIW which included a career-long 43-yard reception … Had two rushing attempts … Nebraska (2024): Played in two games as a member of the Cornhuskers defensive unit … Tallied one tackle (solo), which was a four-yard loss in his collegiate debut against UTEP … Also experienced action against Northern Iowa … Earned Academic All-Big 10 and Tom Osborne Citizenship Team honors … Nebraska (2023): Redshirted during initial season with Cornhuskers … Began career at tight end before switching to linebacker … High School: Attended Arlington Martin High School under head coach Bob Wagner … Three-star prospect by On3 and one of the nation's Top 30 tight ends … Caught 16 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns as a senior … Led the team with 40.8 receiving yards per game and ranked second with 22.9 yards per catch … Led team to district title and state playoffs every year of his prep career … Also played basketball, earning all-state honors as a senior … Personal: Son of Laura and Leroy … Father is an Iowa Athletics Hall of Famer after playing there from 1989-91 … Leroy recorded 18 sacks in 1991, the third most in Big 10 history and a record at the time enroute to consensus All-American defensive lineman and Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year honors … Godfather, Danan Hughes, also played at Iowa before spending six seasons in the NFL ... Cousin, Ka'Lial Glaud, played for Tampa Bay Buccaneers while other cousin, Deion Jennings, currently plays for Bucs … Has one brother, Israel, and one sister, Brisa.
Zyeir Gamble, DB, 5-10, 195, R-Jr., Sumter, S.C. (Appalachian State)
Mid-year transfer from Appalachian State, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Two-time letterman at Appalachian State (2024-25) … Played in 21 games making 14 starts to close out Mountaineer career … Recorded 100 tackles (49 solo) … Tallied 3.5 TFLs (-6 yards) … Registered three interceptions (15 return yards) … Credited with two forced fumbles and eight pass breakups … Booked at least one tackle in 17 of 21 games played (multiple 17 times) … Recorded a personal-best 13 stops (seven solo) against Old Dominion in 2025 … Appalachian State (2025): Started all 12 games played earning second varsity letter (did not play vs. Southern Miss) … Stood second on the team in tackles with 76 (37 solo) … Tallied 3.5 TFLs (-6 yards) … Tied for second in interceptions with two (15 return yards) … Credited with four pass breakups and two forced fumbles … Booked at least one tackle in all 12 contests played (multiple 12 times) … Registered a team single-game best 13 tackles (seven solo) against Old Dominion … Made game-sealing interception in final 30 seconds of a win against Oregon State … Also had an interception at Old Dominion … Credited with TFLs against Charlotte (1.0/-2 yards), Boise State (0.5/0 yards), Old Dominion (1.0/-3 yards) and Georgia Southern (1.0/-1 yard) which came in the JLab Birmingham Bowl … Appalachian State (2024): Appeared in nine games making a pair of starts at safety … Recorded 24 tackles (12 solo) … Booked at least one tackle in five of nine contests (multiple five times) … Credited with a season-best seven tackles vs. Coastal Carolina (three solo) … Picked of first career pass against Old Dominion (no return) while also registering a pass breakup … Booked six stops against JMU (three solo) in first collegiate start … Followed that with four tackles (three solo) in second start at Georgia Southern … Also had three tackles at Louisiana and four versus Old Dominion … Appalachian State (2023): Redshirted during initial year with the program … High School: Attended Sumter High School under head coach Mark Barnes … Helped the program to a 39-6 four-year record … Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports … As a senior safety for an 11-2 team that reached the Class 5-A semifinals, recorded 71 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks … All-state selection and Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas pick as a senior … Totaled a school-record 18 interceptions with 354 return yards in his prep career, including nine interceptions with 209 return yards as a junior … Defended 15 passes as a junior and 23 over his final two seasons … Also totaled 179 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, five fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles as a prep standout … Had a three-interception game as a junior … Totaled more than 1,000 all-purpose yards with 14 TDs as a junior and nearly 900 yards with five TDs as a senior.
Ashton Gray, RB, 6-0, 208, R-So., Marion, Ark. (North Texas)
Mid-year transfer from North Texas who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned first varsity letter from North Texas in 2025 … Played in 15 career games (3/2024, 12/2025) … Rushed for 383 yards on 58 carries with five touchdowns … Recorded first career 100-yard rushing game against San Diego State (152 yards) in 2025 Isleta New Mexico Bowl … North Texas (2025): Played in 12 games during second year with the program (did not play vs. Western Michigan, South Alabama) … Rushed for 383 yards on 58 carries (6.5 ypr) … Tallied five rushing touchdowns which was tied for second-best on the team … Caught one pass out of the backfield for nine yards … Scored 32 points on the season including a two-point conversion (rush) … Stood fourth on the team in total offense (377) on 59 offensive plays … Recorded 386 all-purpose yards … Against San Diego State in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl, set established personal-bests in carries (16), rushing yards (152), touchdowns (two) and longest rush (51) … Notched his first career 100-yard rushing game against the Aztecs … Scored on runs of 17 yards (1Q) and 51 yards (2Q) in the bowl game … Also rushing scores on the season against Charlotte (32 yards), Rice (11 yards) and Tulane (9 yards) which was in the American Conference Championship Game … Tallied 161 total yards against San Diego State (152 rush, 9 rcv) … North Texas (2024): Appeared in three games as a member of special teams' unit during redshirt season … High School: Attended Marion High School playing quarterback … Named the Little Rock Touchdown Club State Player of the Year and an All-State selection in 2023 … Amassed 3,251 total yards (1,332 passing. 1,919 rushing) with 43 touchdowns (30 rushing, 19 passing) in his senior season …First player in school history to earn All-Arkansas Preps Player of the Week … Finished his career second in school history at Marion in both passing yards and touchdowns.
Mitch Griffis, QB, 6-0, 195, R-Sr., Ashburn, Va. (Texas Tech)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Texas Tech, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned undergraduate degree from Wake Forest (elementary education) in May of 2024 … Three-year time letterman (1/Texas Tech, 2/Wake Forest) … Has played in 30 career games making 10 starts … Completed 183 of 299 passes (61.2 pct.) for 2,314 yards … Thrown 17 touchdowns to just eight interceptions … Owns a 129.62 passing efficiency … Averaged 77.13 passing yards per game and 12.65 per completion … On the ground has rushed for 263 yards on 137 carries (1.2 ypr) … Scored three ground touchdowns … Tallied 2,484 yards of total offense on 436 plays (5.7 yards per play) … Texas Tech (2025): Played in seven games coming off the bench … Completed 26 of 36 passes (72.2 pct.) for 357 yards … Three a pair of touchdown passes … Rushed for 29 yards on 14 carries (2.1 ypr) scoring one touchdown … Caught one pass for nine yards vs. UCF … Tallied 386 yards of total offense (357 pass, 29 rush) on 50 plays … Averaged 55.1 yards of total offense per game … Recorded 38 all-purpose yards (29 rush, 9 rcv) … Completed 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards with a touchdown against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in his Red Raider debut … Against Oklahoma State, completed 9 of 13 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown … Threw for 145 yards on 13 of 17 passing against UCF … Ran for a season-high 13 yards against Kent State on two carries … Also had 10 ground yards against UCF … Scored lone rushing touchdown against Oklahoma State … Marshall (2024): Initially transferred into the program but opted to step away from football that following June … Wake Forest (2020-23): Played in 19 games (10 starts) during four seasons with the Demon Deacons … Completed 157 of 263 passes (59.7 pct.) with 15 touchdowns to eight interceptions … Rushed for 141 yards on 123 carries (1.1 ypc) with two scores … Ranks among all-time score leaders in career completion percentage (sixth) … career passing efficiency (fourth/134.9) … Wake Forest (2023): Started all nine games for the Demon Deacons … Selected as a co-captain … Completed 124 of 207 passes (60.0 pct.) for 1,553 yards … Threw nine touchdowns to seven interceptions … Rushed for 128 yards on 106 carries (1.2 ypr) with two touchdowns … Completed 15 or more passes in a game six times … Passed for 241 yards or more in a game three times (300-plus twice) … Registered 329 yards in the air against Elon with three scores completing 19 of 30 passes … Tallied 312 passing yards versus Old Dominion with three arial scores on 24 of 41 passes with two interceptions … Connected on a four-yard pass with 6:48 remaining against ODU resulting fourth quarter comeback win, 27-24 … All nine passing scores came in the first four games of the season in which he played (3/Elon, 2/Vanderbilt, 3/Old Dominion, 1/Georgia Tech) … Made 106 rush attempts for 128 yards with two rushing touchdowns … Ran for a season-high 55 yards on 19 carries at Duke where he scored twice … Ranked among the ACC leaders in passing yards per completion (seventh/12.5), completions per game (eighth/13.8), passing yards per game (eighth/172.6), yards per pass attempt (eighth/7.5), completion percentage (ninth/60 pct.) and passing efficiency (ninth/130.5) … Stood 41st in the nation in passing yards per completion … Wake Forest (2022): Played in six games, making one start … Finished the season connecting on 29 of 41 passes (70.7 pct.) for 348 yards with five touchdowns and just one interception … Member of a team that played in its seventh consecutive bowl game and back-to-back wins with a victory over Missouri in the Gasparilla Bowl … Rushed 15 times for 14 yards (.93 ypr) … In his first career start vs. VMI, threw for 288 yards on 21 of 29 passing (72.4 pct.) with three scores … Also completed passes against Army (2 of 3, 21 yards) and Louisville (6 of 9m 39 yards) … Had passing touchdowns against VMI (3), Army (1) and Louisville (1) … Wake Forest (2021): Experienced action in four games preserving redshirt … Played against Old Dominion, the ACC Atlantic Division clincher against Boston College, the ACC Championship Game against Pitt and the Gator Bowl victory over Rutgers ... Finished the season 0-of-2 in pass attempts … Wake Forest (2020): Participated in four games during initial year with the program ... Completed 4 of 13 passes for 56 yards and one score … Passed for 28 yards with a touchdown vs. Clemson in his collegiate debut … Played against Wisconsin in the Duke's May Bowl passing for 28 yards on two completions … High School: Attended Broad Run High School … Named team captain … Led Spartans to four-year record of 43-7 including consecutive 12-1 records his last two seasons ... Earned all-state honors and was his region's Player of the Year ... Owns every school passing record and total offense record ... Won more games as starting QB than any other player in Broad Run HS history ... Threw for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior ... Earned All-Met honors ... Threw for four touchdowns in a 56-7 win over Urbana ... Completed 24 of 34 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns against Tuscarora while also rushing for a touchdown ... Threw for 411 yards in a win at Heritage and passed for 367 yards and three touchdowns in a win at Stonebridge ... Named 2018 All-Region Offense Player of the Year ... Second team All-Virginia by USA Today ... Led the Spartans to a 12-1 record and the conference championship ... Completed 188 of 275 passes for 2,598 yards and 31 touchdowns ... Threw for 268 yards and four scores against Washington ... As a sophomore, completed 124 of 193 passes for 1,636 yards and 14 TDs with just four interceptions ... Carried 56 times for 414 yards and four TDs … Personal: Son of Matt and Robyn Griffis ... Father is the head football coach at Broad Run ... Two-time All-ACC Academic selection (2022-23).
Ja'Keith Hamilton, WR, 6-2, 206, R-Jr., Shelby, N.C. (Furman)
Mid-year transfer from Furman who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Two-year letterman for the Paladins (2024-25) … Earned Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll status twice (2024-25) … Played in 21 career games making nine starts … Caught 49 passes for 588 yards (12.0 ypc) … Scored five touchdowns – all in 2025 … Registered at least one reception in 16 of 21 games (multiple eight times) … Established career-highs in receptions (11), receiving yards (141) and touchdowns (2) against East Tennessee State in 2025 … Tallied two 100-plus yard receiving games (141/ETSU, 105/Campbell) both in 2025 … Furman (2025): Started nine of 11 games played for the Paladins garnering his second varsity letter (did not play vs. Wofford) … Caught 40 passes for 545 yards (13.6 ypc) with five touchdowns … Stood second on the team in yards and touchdowns, while ranking third in receptions … Hauled in at least one reception in all 11 contests (multiple seven times) … Established career-highs in receptions (11), receiving yards (141) and touchdowns (two) against East Tennessee State … First career 100-plus yard receiving game came against Campbell (105) on seven catches … Scored touchdowns against Campbell (1), Samford (1), East Tennessee State (2) and Mercer (1) … Career-long reception of 64 yards was against Mercer that resulted in his fifth score of the season … Registered eight catches for 97 yards against VMI … Furman (2024): Played in 10 games, all as a reserve earning first varsity letter … Caught nine passes for 43 yards (4.8 ypc) … Hauled in at least one pass in five of 10 contests (multiple twice) … Had a season-high four receptions for 28 yards against Chattanooga … Added a two-catch performance versus Wofford … Registered single catches against Western Carolina (6 yards), VMI (4 yards) and East Tennessee State (6 yards) … Season-long reception came against Chattanooga for 13 yards … Named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll for the 2024-25 academic year … Furman (2023): Appeared in one game during true freshman season securing a redshirt … Made collegiate debut against VMI but did not record any stats … Named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll for the 2023-24 academic year … High School: Attended Shelby High School and played for head coach Mike Wilbanks … Played at wide receiver … Caught 62 passes for 899 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior in 2022 on team that finished 7-5 ... Earned all-conference and all-state honors ... Represented North Carolina in the Shrine Bowl ... Credited with 49 receptions for 933 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior year on squad that went 15-1 and won state championship over Wallace Rose Hill, 55-34 … Also played basketball … Personal: Full name is Ja'Keith Daquan Hamilton...Born in Shelby, N.C. ... Son of Iris and Rufus Hamiton ... Has two siblings (Ja'Mya Hamilton, Ja'Quaylan Woodruff).
Kanen Hamlett, TE, 6-4, 235, R-Sr., Madison, Ala. (Appalachian State)
Mid-year transfer from Appalachian State, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman for the Mountaineers (2023-25) … Played in 38 career games making three starts … Caught 17 passes for 177 yards (10.4 ypc) with four touchdowns … Caught at least one pass in 10 of 38 contests (multiple three times) … Established career-highs in receptions (six) and receiving yards (72) against Old Dominion in 2025 … Career-long reception was 45 yards for a touchdown against Old Dominion … Also scored touchdowns against Georgia Southern (1/'24), Old Dominion (1/'24) and Charlotte (1/'25) …. Appalachian State (2025): Played in all 13 games making one start (Marshall) for his third varsity letter … Caught 13 passes for 142 yards (10.9 ypc) with two scores … Hauled in at least one pass in seven of 13 contests (multiple twice) … Established career-bests in receptions (six) and receiving yards (72) against Old Dominion … Career-long catch was 45 yards for a score against the Monarchs in the fourth quarter … Had a receiving touchdown versus Charlotte going for 19 yards in the third quarter … Tallied a pair of receptions for 27 against Georgia Southern in regular season conference play … Also caught single passes against Lindenwood (16 yards), Oregon State (-3 yards), Arkansas State (6 yards) and Georgia Southern (5 yards), which was in the JLab Birmingham Bowl … Appalachian State (2024): Started two of 11 games played receiving second varsity letter … Starts came against Old Dominion and Coastal Carolina … Caught four passes for 35 yards (8.8 ypc) with two touchdowns … First collegiate reception was against East Carolina (8 yards) … Hauled in a four-yard touchdown pass versus Georgia Southern in the fourth quarter with 1:51 remaining to erase a one-point deficit … Also had two receptions for 23 yards with a score (4 yards) against Old Dominion … Had a season-long 19-yard reception against the Monarchs on a third and 6 play to extend the drive before his four-yard score … Appalachian State (2023): Appeared in 13 games (no starts) earning first varsity letter … Played as a member of tight ends group and on special teams, but did not record any stats … Did not play in the season opener … Appalachian State (2022): Played in one game as a true freshman securing a redshirt … Made collegiate debut against Robert Morris … High School: Attended Madison Academy playing for coach Bob Godsey … Three-star prospect by 247Sports … As a standout tight end and linebacker, had two touchdown catches while blocking for a run-oriented Madison Academy team that went 12-2 and reached the AHSAA 4-A state semifinals during his senior season … Also averaged more than seven tackles per game and picked off four passes in his senior year … All-region player as a junior … Helped the Mustangs go 22-3 over his final two prep seasons.
Elliot Huether, P, 6-3, 211, Sr., Minnetonka, Minn. (St. Thomas)
Mid-year transfer from St. Thomas, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman for the Tommies (2023-25) … Played in 35 career games serving as the primary punter and kickoff specialist … Punted 144 times for 6,105 yards (42.4 avg.) with 13 touchbacks and landing 28 inside the opponents 20-yard line … Thirty-three (33) punts have gone for 50 or more yards with a career long of 72 at Drake during his freshman season … Kicked off 35 times for 3,897 yards (55.7 avg.) with 15 touchbacks … Connected on 2 of 6 field goals (33.3 pct.) during the 2025 season … Two-time Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll selection (2023-24) … St. Thomas (2025): Played in all 12 games serving as the primary punter and kickoff specialist garnering third varsity letter … Punted 37 times for 1,752 yards for a career-best 47.4 average … Landed 13 punts inside the 20 yard line and tallied 17 punts for 50 or more yards … Registered a season-long 69 yard punt at Davidson … Registered at least three punts in a game on seven occasions with a season-high eight at North Dakota State … Also had a career single-game high 397 yards against North Dakota State … Kicked off 54 times for 3,156 yards (58.4 avg.) with 14 touchbacks … Tallied a career-high 10 kickoffs for 591 yards against Valparaiso … Also logged nine kickoffs for 525 yards at Stetson … Connected on 2 of 6 field goal attempts hitting a 44 yarder at Idaho and a 25 yarder versus Marist … Made 10 of 12 PATs hitting a single-game best 5 of 5 in the season opener versus Lindenwood … In all, tallied 16 points for the Tommies … Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll selection … St. Thomas (2024): Played in all 12 games earning second varsity letter … Booted 59 balls for 2,463 yards (41.8 avg.) … Landed eight punts inside the opponents 20-yard line … Tallied 13 punts of 50 or more yards with a season-long of 66 at Morehead State … Established new single-game highs in punts (9) and yards (388) vs. Black Hills State … Registered new single-season highs in punts, yards and average … In seven of 12 contests had at least five punts … Tallied 200 or more yards in a game on seven occasions, 300 or more twice … Three times on the season was credited with a 60-yard plus punt … Kicked off twice vs. Drake for 66 yards … Connected on lone PAT versus Dayton in the season finale … Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll selection … St. Thomas (2023): Played in 11 games as the Tommies primary punter earning first varsity letter … Punted 48 times for 1,890 yards (39.4 avg.) … Landed seven punts inside the 20-yard line, had four touchbacks and booted three punts of 50 or more yards … First punter in DI era with over 300 yards (328 at Dayton) in a St. Thomas victory … Program record-holder in single-season in punts (48) and yards (1,890) … Became the second punter in DI era to punt over 200 yards in a game (235 vs. South Dakota) … Second punter in D1 era to punt for 1,000 or more yards in a season … Ranks second all-time in single-game punting yards (328) … Had four games with 200-plus punting yards in a game … Established career-bests in punts (8) and yards (328) at Dayton … Booted career-best 72-yard punt at Drake … Also registered a 57-yard punt (at Harvard) and a 52 yarder (at Dayton) … High School: Attended Benilde-St. Margaret's … Three-sport athlete for the Knights … Captain of football and basketball team … Metro West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, an all-state punter, a two-time Benilde-St. Margaret's special teams' player of the year, Coaches Award for track being the highest point scorer, and a Red Knight Award for leadership in basketball … Six-time member of the highest honor roll, and awarded academic all-state for football … Personal: Son of Kris and Shane … Has one sibling (Elizabeth).
Ray Ray Joseph, WR, 5-10, 180, R-Jr., Miami, Fla. (Miami)
Mid-year transfer from Miami, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Two-year letterman for Hurricanes (2023-24) … Played in 27 career games over last three seasons … Has experienced action at wide receiver, on kick and punt returns … Caught 14 passes for 135 yards (9.6 ypc) … Returned nine kickoffs (all in 2023) for 185 yards (20.6 avg.) … Registered 20 punt returns for 167 yards (8.3 avg.) … In all, has tallied 487 all-purpose yards (18.0 pg) … Hauled in at least one reception. In seven of 27 games (multiple six times) … Career-high three receptions vs. Bethune-Cookman (2023) … Personal-best 52 receiving yards vs. Ball State (2024) … Miami, Fla. (2025): Played in four games securing his redshirt season … Caught a pair of passes for 25 yards (12.5 ypc) … Both receptions came against Bethune-Cookman with a season-long of 18 yards … Returned one punt for nine yards vs. Bethune-Cookman … Also experienced action against Notre Dame, South Florida and at Ohio State during second round action of the CFP Playoffs … Miami, Fla. (2024): Appeared in 13 games and served as the team's primary punt returner earning second varsity letter … Caught six passes for 74 yards (8.5 ypc) … Returned 17 punts for 128 yards (.5 avg.) … Established career-long punt return of 20 yards against Florida A&M … Also set personal highs in punt returns (4) and yards (37) versus FAMU … Caught at least one pass in three of 13 contests (multiple three times) … Had a personal-best 52 receiving yards against Ball State … Added two grabs against Iowa State for 17 yards in the Pop-Tarts Bowl … Tallied 202 all-purpose yards … Returned at least one punt in eight games (multiple five times) … Miami, Fla. (2023): Played in 10 games during first collegiate season earning first varsity letter … Caught three passes for 36 yards (6.0 ypc) … Returned nine kickoffs for 185 yards (18.5 avg.) standing second on the team … Registered a pair of punt returns for 30 yards (15.0 avg.), also second on the team … Finished the season with 251 all-purpose yards … Caught at least one pass in three games (multiple twice) … Season-high three grabs against Bethune-Cookman and 28 reception yards against Temple … Registered punt returns against Clemson (14 yards) and Florida State (16 yards) … Returned at least one kickoff in six contests with season-highs in returns (3) and yards (75) versus Virginia … Made collegiate debut in season opener against Miami (Ohio) recording one reception … Closed out season with 36 yards on two punt returns against Rutgers in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl … High School: Attended Miami Edison High School … Consensus four-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN … Listed as No. 90 overall and 15 wide receiver in nation by Rivals … Checked in as 132 overall nationally in 247Sports Composite rankings … Rated as No. 21 wide receiver by 247Sports and ESPN … Ranked No. 147 overall in ESPN300 … Selected to All-American Bowl … Caught 33 passes for 632 yards and five touchdowns during junior season … Scored on two punt returns and 75-yard kickoff return in 2021 … Tabbed 2020 Miami Herald All-Dade 5A-IND first-team selection after totaling over 1,200 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns in first season at Edison … Racked up over 500 receiving yards as freshman at Miami Christian … Got snaps on varsity as an eighth grader and tallied six touchdowns.
Ethan Kramer, OL, 6-4, 300, R-Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo. (Northern Arizona)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Northern Arizona, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman (2/Northern Arizona, 1/Northern Colorado) … Earned undergraduate degree in December of 2024 from Northern Arizona … Appeared in 34 career games making 29 starts … Named Second-Team All-Big Sky in 2025 … Northern Arizona (2025): Started all 12 games at left guard earning third career varsity letter … Voted as one of five team captains … Named Second-Team All-Big Sky … Member of an offensive unit that tallied 4,916 yards of total offense (2,036 rush, 3,176 pass) with 49 touchdowns and averaged 31.7 points per game … The Lumberjacks ranked among the FCS leaders (Top 40) in passing offense (14th/264.7 pg), time of possession (17th/31:43), completion percentage (22nd/65.5 pct.), red zone offense (24th/87.2 pct.), team passing efficiency (27th/146.57), scoring offense (29th), total offense (31st) and first down offense (39th/252) … Five times the offensive line provided holes for rushing games over 150 yards including two with at least 200 yards (253 vs. Portland State) … On seven occasions, the Lumberjacks passed for over 250 yards with a season-high 366 versus Southern Utah … Provided running lanes for a pair of 100-plus yard rushing efforts … Northern Arizona (2024): Made 13 starts at right tackle … Offensive unit tallied 5,185 yards of total offense (2,593 rush, 2,818 passing) while averaging 28.3 points per game with 47 touchdowns … Helped the Lumberjacks rush for over 200 yards four times in a contest (300-plus twice) with a season-high 339 against Utah Tech … On four occasions, the offense passed for over 250 yards with a season-best 352 versus Eastern Washington … Opened rushing lanes for three individual 100-plus rushing efforts … Member of an offensive unit that stood among the FCS leaders (Top 40) in first down offense (19th/270), team passing efficiency (20th/148.53), completion percentage (24th/64.6), rushing offense (31st/180.2 pg), third down conversion percentage (32nd/43.1) and total offense (36th) … Northern Arizona (2023): Did not play during initial year with the program securing redshirt … Northern Colorado (2022): Appeared in one game in a reserve role … Northern Colorado (2021): Played in eight games making four starts as a true freshman receiving first varsity letter … Primarily played at tackle … Helped team lead the Big Sky and rank 15th nationally allowing just 1.18 sacks per game … High School: Played for Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs ... Earned 4A Southern League First-Team All-Conference honors in 2019 and second team in 2018 ... Helped team win state titles in 2016 and 2019 and four Southern League titles.
Cade Law, LB, 6-1, 225, R-Sr., Nashville, Tenn. (Memphis)
Mid-year transfer from Memphis, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Spent one season at Memphis (2025) and two at North Carolina (2023-24) … Played in 25 career games (2/Memphis, 13/North Carolina) … Recorded three total tackles (all solo), which included a sack in 2024 (six yards) … Began collegiate career at Vanderbilt as a member of its baseball program … Memphis (2025): Experienced action in two games securing redshirt … Played against Chattanooga and Tulsa, but did not record any stats … North Carolina (2024): Played in 12 games in a reserve role … Booked two tackles (both solo), which included a six-yard sack against UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl … Recorded first tackle of the season (solo) versus N.C. Central … North Carolina (2023): Played in 11 games during first year with the program … Registered lone tackle against Syracuse (solo) … Primarily played as a member of special teams unit … Named to ACC All-Academic Team … Vanderbilt (2022): Member of the Commodores baseball team before transferring to North Carolina to play football … Rated the No. 22 overall prospect and No. 3 catcher from Tennessee out of high school by Perfect Game … High School: Attended Christ Presbyterian Academy where he was a two-sport athlete (football, baseball) … Was a three-time all-state performer as a quarterback/athlete … Two-time team captain … Won a pair of state titles and was named state championship MVP … Two-time state runner-up … Tallied 4,900 passing yards, 1,800 rushing yards and scored 90 total touchdowns during a prep career … Threw for 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,505 yards and 14 scores as a senior … As a junior, notched 1,182 passing yards with 17 touchdowns to go along with 800 rushing yards and 11 additional touchdowns … On the diamond, earned four varsity letters as a catcher/outfielder … Two-time all-state selection … Two-time team captain and a state champion … Coaches by Ingle Martin … Personal: Full name is Harrison Cade Law … Son of Amy and Brian Law … Had a brother Crews and a sister Creed … Crew is a member of the 2026 East Carolina football squad … Father played baseball at Austin Peay.
Crews Law, LB, 6-1, 225, R-So., Nashville, Tenn. (Memphis)
Mid-year transfer from Memphis, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Spent one season at Memphis (2025) and one at North Carolina (2024) … Played in 11 career games tallying 25 tackles (13 solo), that includes 3.5 TFLs (-16 yards) and 1.5 sacks (-12 yards) … Credited with a forced fumble and a pass breakup … Memphis (2025): Played in nine games as a reserve member of defensive unit and special teams … Recorded 25 tackles (13 solo) … Registered 3.5 TFLs (-16 yards) that included 1.5 sacks (-12) yards … Credited with at least one tackle in nine contests (multiple eight times) … Established career-highs in tackles (5 vs. Chattanooga), TFLs (1.0, 3 times) and sacks (1.0 vs. Arkansas) … Forced a fumble against Tulsa and was credited with a pass breakup at Troy … Registered at least a half TFL against Chattanooga (1.0/-2 yards), Georgia State (0.5/-3 yards), Arkansas (1.0/-9 yards) and NC State (1.0/-2 yards) which was in the Gasparilla Bowl … Registered a half sack against Georgia State (0.5/-3 yards) and a full sack against Arkansas (-9 yards) … North Carolina (2024): Experienced action in two games securing redshirt … Played against Charlotte and N.C. Central but did not record any stats … High School: Attended Christ Presbyterian Academy where he was a two-sport athlete (football, baseball) … Three-star prospect ranked as the nation's 23rd-best linebacker and the No. 12 player in Tennessee by Rivals … Two-time all-state and three-time all-region performer … Two-time state champion and a state championship game MVP … Tabbed Tennessee Titans Mr. Football … Named region MVP … Tallied 269 tackles, 20 sacks and 19 TFL during his four-year career on defense … Rushed for 641 yards and 23 TDs over his last two seasons … Posted 96 tackles and 10 TFL on defense, while rushing for 460 yards and 14 TDs on offense as a senior … Notched 111 tackles and nine TFL and rushed for 181 yards and nine TDs as a junior … Added 60 tackles as a sophomore … Also played baseball … Honor roll student … Personal: Full name is Landen Crews Law … Son of Amy and Brian Law … Had a brother Cade and a sister Creed … Cade is a member of the 2026 East Carolina football squad … Father played baseball at Austin Peay.
Ashton Levells-Mitchell, DB, 6-1, 170, R-Sr., DeSoto, Texas (Florida International)
Mid-year transfer from Florida International, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Spent two years at Florida International (2024-25) … Also played one season at Butler (2023) and one at UT Permian Basin (2022) … Played in 42 career games making four starts at the FBS level at FIU in 2025 … Tallied 63 tackles (53 solo), which includes 2.5 TFLs (-6 yards) … Picked off three passes for eight yards, while being credited with eight pass breakups and three blocked kicks … Florida International (2025): Started four of 13 games (Bethune-Cookman, Delaware, UConn, UTSA) … Booked 20 tackles (13 solo) … Recorded a half TLF for minus one year versus Bethune-Cookman … Credited with four pass breakups (Florida Atlantic, Delaware, UConn, Middle Tennessee State) … Tallied at least one tackle in seven of 13 contests with a season-high against Bethune-Cookman and Penn State … Also had multiple stops against Florida Atlantic (3), Delaware (3), UConn (2) and UTSA (3) which came in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl … Florida International (2024): Appeared in nine game during initial year with the program … Did not record any statistics … Butler (2023): Experienced action in nine games for the Grizzlies … Recorded 24 tackles (19 solo) … Tallied 2.0 TFLs for minus five yards …. Picked off one pass returning it eight yards … Credited with three pass breakups and three blocks … Earned KJCCC Special Teams Player of the Week after tallying two blocks (PAT, FGA) against Independence … Also has a blocked PAT during the season opener at No. 8 Garden City … Booked at least one tackle in eight of nine contests (multiple five times) … Registered a season-best five stops (four solo) against Highland … Tallied a four-yard TFL versus No. 2 Iowa Western and a 1-yard TFL against No. 9 Dodge City … UT Permian Basin (2022): Played in 11 games for the Falcons … Recorded 19 tackles (two solo) … Picked off two passes and credited with five pass breakups … Tallied at least one stop in eight of 11 contests (multiple five times) … Booked a season-high five tackles (four solo) versus Simon Fraser … Also had multiple stops against Southwest Baptist (2), Western Colorado (3), Western Oregon (4) and Midwestern State (2) … Intercepted passes against Western Colorado and Simon Fraser … Credited with pass breakups versus Western Colorado, Western Oregon, West Texas A&M, Simon Fraser and Central Washington … UT Permian Basin (2021): Played in two games during redshirt season, but did not record any stats … High School: Attended DeSoto High School … Named Texas Sports Writers Association All-State 6A Honorable Mention and All-District 11-6A Second Team Defensive Back.
Jeremiah Melvin, WR, 6-4, 195, R-So., Fayetteville, N.C. (Wake Forest)
Mid-year transfer from Wake Forest, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Lettered at Wake Forest in 2025 … Played in 11 games catching three passes for 39 yards with one touchdown … Caught career-high two passes for 30 yards against Western Carolina (2025) … Scored first career touchdown versus the Catamounts on a 27-yard grab in the third quarter … Wake Forest (2025): Appeared in 11 games during second year with the program earning first varsity letter … Caught three passes for 39 yards (13.0 ypc) with a touchdown … First collegiate reception was for three yards against Western Carolina … Second catch of the game was a 27-yard touchdown in the third quarter versus the Catamounts … Caught one pass nine yards against N.C. State … Wake Forest (2024): Played in three games for the Demon Deacons during redshirt season … Tallied 22 snaps throughout the season … Recorded a season-high 10 snaps against N.C. A&T … Also saw action Clemson and Miami (Fla.) … High School: Attended Cape Fear High School … A four-star recruit by 247Sports and the No. 207 recruit in the country according to 247Sports … Rated as the 14th-highest Wake Forest recruit in the 247Sports composite era … Four-star recruit according to On3 and the No. 265 overall recruit in the country by the site … Recorded 91 receptions for 1,615 receiving yards with 25 touchdowns over his career … Earned first team all-conference honors as a senior … Posted 54 receptions for 1,014 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 92.2 yards per game and 18.8 yards per catch while also leading Cape Fear to a playoff berth with a 9-3 record … Also played basketball … Averaged 16.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists during junior basketball season in Winter 2022-23 … Finished sophomore hoops season averaging 10.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks in Winter 2021-22 … Debuted on varsity basketball squad as a freshman, averaging 3.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game across a dozen contests … Personal: Son of Canisha Melvin and Melina Moore.
Rae'mon Mosby, DB, 6-0, 190, R-So., Marrero, La. (Louisville)
Mid-year transfer from Louisville, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Lettered at Louisville in 2025 … Played in 17 career games (no starts) … Recorded eight tackles (five solo) … Booked at least one tackle in four of 17 contests (multiple once) … Registered career-high five tackles (four solo) against Washington in the 2024 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl … Louisville (2025): Played in 12 games (did not play vs. SMU) earning first varsity letter … Booked two tackles (both assisted) … Registered a half tackle in the season opener against Eastern Kentucky … Second stop (assisted) was against Bowling Green … Louisville (2024): Appeared in five games during redshirt season … Booked six tackles (five solo) … Registered career-high five tackles (four solo) in a win over Washington in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl … High School: Attended Westlake High School playing under head coach Rico Zackery, East Carolina's outside linebackers coach … Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 116 cornerback nationally and No. 141 player in Georgia by 247Sports Composite … Finished the season at 9-3 … Began his prep career in Louisiana … Transferred to Westlake during his junior season … Recorded eight tackles in season-opener vs. North Cobb … Returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown vs. Crisp County … Totaled two tackles and a fumble recovery vs. Cedar Grove … Two tackles and an interception vs. Campbell … Booked 17 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one tackle for loss as a junior.
Christian Peterson, DB, 5-10, 185, Jr., Dothan, Ala. (UCF)
Mid-year transfer from UCF, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Lettered UCF in 2025 … Played in 97 career games (no starts) … Booked two tackles (one solo) … Returned six kickoffs for 77 yards (12.8 avg.) all in 2024 … UCF (2025): Appeared in 12 games in a reserve defensive role and member of special teams units … UCF (2024): Played in seven games during true freshman season … Recorded two tackles (one solo) against BYU … Returned six kickoffs for 77 yards (12.8 avg.) … In collegiate debut, returned a kickoff for 16 yards against Cincinnati … Returned two at Iowa State for 38 yards with a season-long of 23 … Followed that with two kickoff returns against BYU for 22 yards and another at Arizona State for one yard … High School: Attended Westlake High School playing under head coach Rico Zackery, East Carolina's outside linebackers coach … Teammate of current ECU Pirate Rae'mon Mosby at Westlake … Rated four-star prospect by ESPN and 56th player in Georgia by Rivals … Second-team wide receiver on Georgia Region 2-7A team for 2023 … Made 14 tackles, one TFL and two INTs for 20 yards as senior in 2023 … Caught 17 passes for 196 yards and four TDs in 2023 … Helped Westlake to second round of 2023 Georgia 7A playoffs and 9-3 record … Worked at multiple spots in secondary as junior in 2022 for Lions team that went 9-4 in Georgia's highest classification … Made 18 tackles, got some snaps as wildcat QB and made impact in return game with 311 kickoff return yards … Opened junior season of track and field with 11.54 in 100-meter dash.
Myles Pollard, DB, 6-2, 190, R-Sr., Nashville, Tenn. (Memphis)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Memphis, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman at Michigan (2022-24) … Played in 10 career games (no starts) … Booked two tackles (both solo) … Memphis (2025): Did not play during lone season with the Tigers due to an injury … Michigan (2024): Appeared in six games earning third varsity letter in a defensive and special teams role … Tallied one tackle (solo) against Arkansas State … Experienced game action against Fresno State, Texas, Arkansas State, Minnesota, Oregon and Indiana … Michigan (2023): Played in two games (UNLV, Bowling Green) earning second varsity letter … Made one solo stop against Bowling Green … Michigan (2022): Appeared in a pair of games (Colorado State, UConn) in initial year with the program receiving first career varsity letter … Did not record any statistics … Named Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week for his role in preparing the offense for Rutgers … Made collegiate debut in the secondary against Colorado State … High School: Attended Ravenwood High School coached by Will Hester as senior and Matt Daniels as a sophomore and junior … As a senior, helped Ravenwood go 10-3 with an appearance in the state quarterfinals … Helped the team to a 7-5 record as a junior in 2020 and a state runner-up finish as a sophomore in 2019 … Also lettered in basketball for the Raptors … Two-way player for the Raptors who lined up at wide receiver and cornerback … Returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown during his senior season … Credited with 35 tackles for loss including three for loss, with four pass breakups as a junior in 2020 … Earned a 247Sports Composite ranking of three stars; the No. 477 overall player nationally, the No. 46 cornerback and the No. 16 player in Tennessee … Named a three-star prospect by 247Sports; the No. 59 cornerback in the nation and the No. 21 player in the state of Tennessee … Rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN, the No. 326 overall player in his region, the No. 72 cornerback and the No. 23 player in Tennessee … Rivals.com three-star prospect, the No. 47 cornerback in the nation and the No. 14 player in the state of Tennessee … On3.com three-star consensus rating, the No. 573 player in the nation, the No. 50 cornerback and the No. 20 player in Tennessee … On3.com rating of three stars, the No. 60 cornerback and the No. 21 player in the state of Tennessee … First-team all-region selection as a senior … Ranked No. 7 in the Tennessean's Dandy Dozen top recruits … Personal: Son of Greg and Shante' Pollard.
Landon Sides, WR, 5-11, 190, Sr., Denton, Texas (North Texas)
Mid-year transfer from North Texas, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman at North Texas (2023-25) … Played in 36 career games making 18 starts (15 consecutive to end 2025 season) … Caught 88 passes for 1,092 yards (12.4 ypc) … Scored six receiving touchdowns … Rushed four times for 25 yards (6.3 ypr) all in 2023 … Returned seven punts for 21 yards (3.0 avg.) … Recorded one tackle (solo) … Caught at least one pass in 33 of 36 games (multiple 20 times) … Registered two 100-plus yard receiving contests (100 vs. UAB'23, 114 vs. Charlotte/'25) … Set career-highs in receptions with six on two occasions (UAB '23, Army '25) … Scored two touchdowns against UAB (2023) … Established career-highs in punt returns (5 vs. UTSA'25) and punt return yards (21 vs. Charlotte'25) … North Texas (2025): Started 13 of the Mean Green's 14 games (did not play vs. Lamar) earning third varsity letter … Caught 34 passes for 449 yads (13.2 ypc) with one touchdown … Returned five punts for 18 yards (3.6 avg.) … Hauled in at least one reception in 12 of 13 contests (multiple eight times) … Tied career-high with six receptions against Army … Set new career-high in reception yards (114) versus Charlotte … Tallied five catches against Charlotte and San Diego State, the last in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl … Caught a career-long pass of 60 yards against the 49ers … Returned a career-best four punts against UTSA for 18 yards … Other punt return went for no yards at Charlotte … Booked one tackle (solo) versus Temple … Named to 2025 All-State AFCA Good Works Team nominee … Preseason Fourth Team All-American Conference selection by Athlon … North Texas (2024): Played in 12 games making three starts earning second varsity letter … Made 24 catches for 280 yards (11.7 ypc) … Scored on touchdown against Texas State in the SERPRO First Responder Bowl … Caught at least on pass in 10 of 12 contests (multiple five times) … Had two games with five receptions (Wyoming, Texas State) … Registered a season-high 89 yards against Texas State with a season-long reception of 42 yards … Also had 61 receiving yards on three grabs at Memphis … North Texas (2023): Experienced action in 11 games making a pair of starts initial varsity letter … Caught 30 passes for 363 yads (12.1 ypc) with four touchdowns … Rushed four times for 25 yards (6.3 ypr) … Returned two punts for three yards … Hauled in one pass in all 11 games (multiple seven times) … Made collegiate debut at Florida International catching one pass for five yards … Caught career-best six passes for his first 100-yard receiving game with a pair of scores (career-high) against UAB in the season finale … Had five receptions for 61 yards in third career game against Abilene Christian … Also had touchdowns against Tulane and Tulsa … Carried the ball once against Tulane (8 yards), Memphis (7 yards), SMU (6 yards) and UAB (4 yards) … Both punt returns came versus UTSA … High School: Attended Denton Guyer High School for coach Reed Heim … Led team to 14-1 record, including 7-0 in district as a senior ... Helped team average 46.0 ppg … Finished the season with 60 receptions for 1,358 yards and 16 touchdowns ... Multiple touchdowns in six games ... Set Guyer single-season record for receiving yards … Season-high 183 yards on five catches and two TD against McKinney ... All-State honoree ... First team all-district selection ... Dallas Morning-News All-Area pick … Made 14 catches for 295 yards and four scores during his junior season in 2021 … Rated three stars by 247 Sports … Also competes in track and field … Ran junior 100-meter times of 10.54 and 10.98 in Spring 2022 … Texas 6A regional qualifier in the 300 hurdles (38.52PR) … Long jumped 22-9.5 and triple jumped 42-1 ... Rated three stars by Dave Campbell's Texas Football ... Earned three stars from 247Sports ... No. 228 in Texas … Three-star prospect according to On3 … No. 100 in Texas.
Emory Williams, QB, 6-5, 225, R-Jr., Milton, Fla. (Miami)
Mid-year transfer from Miami, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned first varsity letter at Miami in 2023 … Played in 12 career games making two starts (both in 2023) … Thrown for 813 yards completing 73 of 116 (62.9 pct.) with four touchdowns and two interceptions … Rushed 11 times for two yards (0.2 ypr) … 2025 (Miami): Played in five games in a reserve role at quarterback … Completed 13 of 19 passes (68.4 pct.) with no touchdowns … Rushed four times for 19 yards (3.8 ypr) … Set season-highs against Bethune-Cookman in completions (8), pass attempts (12), passing yards (77) and rushing attempts (3) … Completed both pass attempts against South Florida for 31 yards .. Attempted two passes completing one for 16 yards against Stanford … Played against Syracuse but did not record any stats … Connected on 2 of 3 passes for 32 yards with a long of 25 in final game of his redshirt sophomore year versus NC State … Member of squad that played in the CFP Championship against Indiana … 2024 (Miami): Experienced action in two games as a reserve … Completed 16 of 26 passes (61.5 pct.) for 187 years with a touchdown and one interceptions … In first game he participated in, threw for a season-best 161 yards completing 11 of 12 passes (91.7 pct.) with a touchdown … Against Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, completed 5 of 14 passes for 26 yards (35.7 pct.) with an interception … 2023 (Miami): Played in five games making a pair of starts earning first varsity letter … Started games against Clemson and at Florida State … Passed for 470 yards on 44 of 71 attempts (62.0 pct.) with three touchdowns and an interception … Had seven carries for minus 17 yards … In collegiate debut completed all three passes for 42 yards against Miami (Ohio) … Followed initial game completed 9 of 11 passes (81.8 pct.) for 102 yards … At Temple attempted one pass (incomplete) … Made first collegiate start against Clemson leading the Hurricanes to a 28-20 victory in two overtimes … Set career-highs in completions (24) and attempts (33) … Passed for 151 yards with his first touchdown and an interception versus the Tigers … At Florida State he completed 8 of 23 passes (34.8 pct.) for a career-high 175 yards with a pair of touchdowns (career-high) which included a career-long pass of 85 yards before suffering season-ending arm injury … High School: Attended Milton High School … Listed as a four-star prospect by ESPN … Three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … Rated as No. 14 pocket-passing quarterback nationally by ESPN … Completed 161 of 257 pass attempts (62.6 pct.) for 2,049 yards with 21 touchdowns and four interceptions as senior … Tabbed 2021 Pensacola News Journal All-Area Second-Team selection … Totaled 63 percent completion percentage with 2,168 yards and 16 touchdowns.
In addition to the 22 mid-year enrollees, 14 freshmen and two redshirt junior signees from the Dec. 3-5 signing period are on campus and will participate in spring practice, which begins the week of March 16. Those individuals are OL Joshua Battle, QB Trey Burke, DB David Coleman Jr., OL Bryan Esser, LB Chad Fairchild, OL Ja'Vaughn Hargett, OL Christian Harris, DB Amare Mack, OL Xavier Massey, DB Djmon McLendon, LB LJ Porter, WR Dawson Quarterman, DE Zyon Ratchord, DL Kelton Smith, DL Terande Spencer and DL Ethan Wilson. Fall 2025 signee OL Preston Broadway is set to officially enroll in the summer.
Michael Allen, RB, 5-11, 206, R-Sr., Greenville, N.C. (Marshall)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Marshall who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-time letterman (2/NC State, 1/Marshall) … Appeared in 28 games making seven starts in collegiate career … Tallied 1,331 all-purpose yards (1,012 rush, 302 receiving, 17 special teams) … Scored eight total touchdowns (6 rush, 2 receiving) … Earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall in Dec. of 2025 … Marshall (2025): Played in eight games making four starts … Rushed for 385 yards on seven carries (5.0 ypr) with six touchdowns … Caught 12 passes for 139 yards (17.4 ypc) with one score … Registered first career 100-yard rushing game at Louisiana tallying 138 yards on 19 carries with a long of 68 … Scored five touchdowns (4 rush, 1 receiving) … Had rushing scores against Middle Tennessee (1/ 11 yards), Louisianna 2 (9 and 68) and Georgia State (1/ 4 yards) … Caught one touchdown pass out of the backfield for 49 yards … Established career-bests in rushes (21/ Middle Tennessee), rush yards (138/ Louisiana), rush TDs (2/ Louisiana), longest rush (68/ Louisiana), receptions (5/ Louisiana), receptions yards (55/ Old Dominion), longest reception (49/ Old Dominion), receiving touchdowns (1/ Old Dominion) … UNLV (2024): Played in three games for the Rebels … Rushed 19 times for 108 yards (5.7 ypr) … Carried the ball a season-best 10 times for 66 yards with a season long of 36 yards against Houston … Tallied 108 all-purpose yards … Registered 40 yards on eight carries against Utah Tech and three yards on a carry vs. Kansas … NC State (2023): Started three of 10 games played … Tallied 317 all-purpose yards (251 rush, 66 receiving) … Scored one touchdown (37 yards) against Marshall … Registered 11 explosive rushing plays of 10 or more yards … Ran for a season and game-high 70 yards on nine carries against the Thundering Herd … Had 47 yards against VMI and 36 yards the next game against Virginia … Caught 11 passes for 66 yards on the season … Hauled down a season-best three passes twice (UConn, VMI) with 27 yards against the Huskies … NC State (2022): As a true freshman, rushed for 208 yards on 53 carries (5.1 ypr) … Caught 11 passes for 97 yards with one score … In all, tallied 367 all-purpose yards … Played in seven games during initial year with the program … Led the team in rushing against Boston College with 77 yards on 14 carries … Early enrollee with the Pack in January of 2022 … Named to ACC Academic Honor Roll following fall semester … High School: Attended J.H. Rose High School playing for ECU Alum Will Bland … In his three-year varsity career, had 307 carries for 2,314 yards - an average of 7.6 yards a carry … Scored 30 rushing touchdowns and posted 12 games over 100 yards … Caught 70 passes for 965 yards and 14 touchdowns … Scored 45 career TDs … As a senior, rushed 158 times for 1,173 yards and 18 touchdowns and six 100+ yard games … Caught 38 passes for 610 yards and eight more TDs … Posted 121 kickoff return yards … Team finished with an 11-5 record and an appearance in the NC 3A state championship game … During junior campaign he was to two games due to injury … Averaged 117.5 yards rushing per contest … Also caught eight passes for 71 yards … Team posted a 6-1 record and advanced to the NC 3A state playoffs … As a sophomore, he rushed for 906 on 128 carries yards and scored 11 TDs … Tallied 24 receptions for 284 yards and five more TDs … Added 237 yards on kickoff returns, with one for a TD … Ranked as the No. 15 all-purpose running back nationally and the No. 10 player in the state of North Carolina by Rivals … Listed as the No. 20 running back nationally, the No. 6 player in the state of North Carolina, and a four-star recruit by 247Sports … Personal: Played baseball at J.H. Rose, winning a state championship as a junior … Also was a sprinter on the track team, running the 55m (6.28) and the 100m (10.7). Holds a 4.0 GPA.
Brandon Best, OL, 6-4, 313, R-Sr., Tucker, Ga. (Kennesaw State)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Kennesaw State who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman (2/Georgia Tech, 1/Kennesaw State) … Played in 43 career games with one start … Earned undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech in May of 2025 … Kennesaw State (2025): Named First-Team All-Conference USA … Played in all 14 games in his lone season with the Owls … Helped Kennesaw State to a 10-4 overall record that included a 7-1 league ledger with a Conference USA championship and faced Western Michigan in the Myrtle Beach Bowl …The Owls offense stood among NCAA leaders (Top 60) in first down offense (24th/301), passing yards per completion (24th/13.09), team pass efficiency (41st/144.13), total offense (49th/402.4 ypg) and passing offense (51st/243.1 pypg) … Opened up rushing lanes for four 100-plus yard rushing performances … Helped the offensive unit registered nine games of 350 or more yards of total offense (7 with 400-plus, 2 with 500-plus) … Offense tallied a season-high 579 yards of total offense against Jacksonville State … Ten times the offense ran for 150 or more yards, while on nine occasions they passed for 200 or more yards (300-plus twice) … Georgia Tech (2024): Played in 12 games on the offensive line in a reserve role … Helped the Yellow Jackets rank among FBS leaders (Top 55) in sacks allowed (third/0.69 pg), completion percentage (24th/65.), TFLs allowed (29th/4.54 pg), red zone (32nd/88.7 pct.), rushing offense (32nd/187.0 pg), total offense (35th/424.5 ypg), first downs (44th/281), fourth down conversion percentage (49th/57.1), team pass efficiency (52nd/138.47), passing offense (54th/237.5 ypg) and scoring (55th/28.9 ppg) … Member of an offensive line unit that had five 100-plus rushing performances … The offensive unit tallied 500 or more yards of total offense on three occasions including a season-high 572 vs. VMI (400 or more six times) … Passed block for seven 250-plus yards in the air (300 or more twice) and opened holes for eight games with 190 or more yards on the ground with a season-best 371 vs. North Carolina … Georgia Tech (2023): Appeared in eight games as a reserve offensive lineman … Compiled an impressive 72.1 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus over 13 offensive snaps … Georgia Tech (2022): Played in four games before redshirting … High School: Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN … Ranked as the No. 31 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 66 overall prospect in the state of Georgia by Rivals … Team captain helped lead Milton to 2021 Georgia 7A state championship game as a senior … Helped pave the way for Milton QB Devin Farrell to throw for more than 2,000 yards and rush for nearly 1,000 and for RB Jordan McDonald to rush for 1,500-plus yards and 26 touchdowns in 2021 … Invited to participate in 2020 Georgia Elite Classic, 2019 Georgia Coaches Association All-Star Football Classic and 2018 B2C All-America game … Coached at Milton by Adam Clack.
Jaylen Bowden, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr., Charlotte, N.C. (Minnesota)
Mid-year transfer from Minnesota who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Two-time letterman at N.C. Central (2023-24) … Played in 23 career games making 10 starts (all in 2024) … Recorded 26 tackles (22 solo) … Intercepted one pass (no return) in 2024 … Credited with seven pass breakups … Registered at least one tackle in 12 of 23 career games (multiple eight times) … Established career-high in tackles (four) twice in 2024 … Minnesota (2025): Played in three games during lone season with the Gophers … Tallied three tackles (all solo) … Made season debut against Northwestern State registering two tackles (both solo) … Did not record any stats at Ohio State … Booked one stop (solo) against Nebraska … N.C. Central (2024): Started all 10 games played for the Eagles … Tallied 19 tackles (15 solo) … Picked off one pass vs. N.C. A&T (no return) … Credited with seven pass breakups (1/Elon, 2/N.C. A&T, 2/Norfolk State, 1/South Carolina State, 1/Howard) … Booked at least one tackle in eight of 10 games (multiple five times) … Registered a career-best four stops on two occasions (North Carolina and Norfolk State) … N.C. Central (2023): As a freshman, played in 10 games … Recorded four tackles (all solo) … Tallied a season-high two tackles against Winston-Salem State … Registered on tackle against Richmond in the FCS Playoffs … High School: Attended Mallard Creek in Charlotte, N.C. … Earned all-conference honors his senior season … Invited to the Elite Underclassmen Camp … Personal: Son of Nina Bowden and Mansfield Hyatt.
Hayes Creel, OL, 6-7, 320, R-Sr., Mt. Hermon, La. (Southern Miss)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Southern Miss who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year starter and letterman (2/McNeese, 1/Southern Miss) … Started 33 of 35 career games including a current streak of 33 consecutive entering first year with the Pirates … Logged over 1,300 snaps during two seasons at McNeese … Earned undergraduate degree from Southern Miss in December of 2025 … Southern Miss (2025): Started all 13 games during lone season … Helped the Golden Eagles to a 7-6 record which included a bowl game against Western Kentucky (25th Annual New Orleans Bowl) … USM's offense registered two games with 500 or more yards of total offense with a season-high 528 vs. Arkansas State … Opened up running lanes for an offense that had 100-plus ground yards in a game 12 times (season-best 225 vs. Jacksonville State) … Golden Eagles passed for over 250 yards in a game six times (300-plus on three occasions) with a season-high 400 against South Alabama … Member of an offensive unit that ranked among FBS (Top 60) leaders in passing offense (25th/266.1 pg), first down offense (42nd/282), team passing efficiency (49th/141.71), total offense (52nd/402.1), passing yards per completion (55th/11.97), TFLs allowed (55th/5.08 pg), sacks allowed (55th/1.69 pg), scoring offense (57th/28.8 ppg) … McNeese (2024): Started all 12 games played … Logged nearly 800 snaps on offense helping the squad average 25.0 points per game … Helped the Cowboys rank among the FCS leaders (Top 50) in red zone offense (18th/87.8 pct.), TFLs allowed (20th/4.42 pg), rushing offense (22nd/191.7 pg), passing yards per completion (37th/12.81), fourth down conversion percentage (39th/55.0) and total offense (42nd/387.0 pg) … Named Preseason Third Team All-Southland by Phil Steele Magazine … McNeese (2023): Appeared in 10 games making eight starts to close out the season … Credited with 541 total snaps … The offensive unit stood among FCS leaders in passing yards per completion (39th/12.32), while leading the Southland Conference in red zone offense (80.0 pct.) … They averaged 321.9 yards of total offense a game (131.0 rush, 190.9 passing) … McNeese (2022): Redshirted during initial year with the program … High School: Prepped at St. Paul's School, where he was First-Team All-District 6-5A and All-Parish … Earned Second-Team Class 5A All-State and an Academic All-State selection … Team finished 8-3 overall and 6-1 in district play and played in the Louisiana Division I semifinals, falling by one point to the eventual state champion … Academic All-State selection … Personal: Son of Brandon and Ellen Creel … Has two siblings (Hampton and Harrison Creel) … Enjoys playing the piano.
Ismael Flores, TE, 6-5, 255, R-Jr., Crowley, Texas (UTRGV)
Mid-year transfer from UTRGV who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned first varsity letter in 2025 … Appeared in 14 career games making nine starts (all at UTRGV) … Signed with Nebraska out of high school and was a member of the 2023 and 2024 Huskers team where he played linebacker … Caught 20 passes for 244 yards with six touchdowns in 2025 for the Vaqueros … UTRGV (2025): Started nine of 12 games at tight end … Caught 20 passes for 244 yards (12.2 ypc) with six touchdowns … Stood 60th in FCS and seventh in the Southland in receiving touchdowns … Caught at least one pass in eight of 12 contests (multiple seven times) … Hauled down a career-best four receptions on two occasions (Southeastern Louisiana and East Texas A&M) … Scored touchdowns against Sul Ross State, Southeastern Louisiana, Houston Christian, UIW (two) and East Texas A&M … Had a career-best 68 yards receiving against UIW which included a career-long 43-yard reception … Had two rushing attempts … Nebraska (2024): Played in two games as a member of the Cornhuskers defensive unit … Tallied one tackle (solo), which was a four-yard loss in his collegiate debut against UTEP … Also experienced action against Northern Iowa … Earned Academic All-Big 10 and Tom Osborne Citizenship Team honors … Nebraska (2023): Redshirted during initial season with Cornhuskers … Began career at tight end before switching to linebacker … High School: Attended Arlington Martin High School under head coach Bob Wagner … Three-star prospect by On3 and one of the nation's Top 30 tight ends … Caught 16 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns as a senior … Led the team with 40.8 receiving yards per game and ranked second with 22.9 yards per catch … Led team to district title and state playoffs every year of his prep career … Also played basketball, earning all-state honors as a senior … Personal: Son of Laura and Leroy … Father is an Iowa Athletics Hall of Famer after playing there from 1989-91 … Leroy recorded 18 sacks in 1991, the third most in Big 10 history and a record at the time enroute to consensus All-American defensive lineman and Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year honors … Godfather, Danan Hughes, also played at Iowa before spending six seasons in the NFL ... Cousin, Ka'Lial Glaud, played for Tampa Bay Buccaneers while other cousin, Deion Jennings, currently plays for Bucs … Has one brother, Israel, and one sister, Brisa.
Zyeir Gamble, DB, 5-10, 195, R-Jr., Sumter, S.C. (Appalachian State)
Mid-year transfer from Appalachian State, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Two-time letterman at Appalachian State (2024-25) … Played in 21 games making 14 starts to close out Mountaineer career … Recorded 100 tackles (49 solo) … Tallied 3.5 TFLs (-6 yards) … Registered three interceptions (15 return yards) … Credited with two forced fumbles and eight pass breakups … Booked at least one tackle in 17 of 21 games played (multiple 17 times) … Recorded a personal-best 13 stops (seven solo) against Old Dominion in 2025 … Appalachian State (2025): Started all 12 games played earning second varsity letter (did not play vs. Southern Miss) … Stood second on the team in tackles with 76 (37 solo) … Tallied 3.5 TFLs (-6 yards) … Tied for second in interceptions with two (15 return yards) … Credited with four pass breakups and two forced fumbles … Booked at least one tackle in all 12 contests played (multiple 12 times) … Registered a team single-game best 13 tackles (seven solo) against Old Dominion … Made game-sealing interception in final 30 seconds of a win against Oregon State … Also had an interception at Old Dominion … Credited with TFLs against Charlotte (1.0/-2 yards), Boise State (0.5/0 yards), Old Dominion (1.0/-3 yards) and Georgia Southern (1.0/-1 yard) which came in the JLab Birmingham Bowl … Appalachian State (2024): Appeared in nine games making a pair of starts at safety … Recorded 24 tackles (12 solo) … Booked at least one tackle in five of nine contests (multiple five times) … Credited with a season-best seven tackles vs. Coastal Carolina (three solo) … Picked of first career pass against Old Dominion (no return) while also registering a pass breakup … Booked six stops against JMU (three solo) in first collegiate start … Followed that with four tackles (three solo) in second start at Georgia Southern … Also had three tackles at Louisiana and four versus Old Dominion … Appalachian State (2023): Redshirted during initial year with the program … High School: Attended Sumter High School under head coach Mark Barnes … Helped the program to a 39-6 four-year record … Rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports … As a senior safety for an 11-2 team that reached the Class 5-A semifinals, recorded 71 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks … All-state selection and Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas pick as a senior … Totaled a school-record 18 interceptions with 354 return yards in his prep career, including nine interceptions with 209 return yards as a junior … Defended 15 passes as a junior and 23 over his final two seasons … Also totaled 179 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, five fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles as a prep standout … Had a three-interception game as a junior … Totaled more than 1,000 all-purpose yards with 14 TDs as a junior and nearly 900 yards with five TDs as a senior.
Ashton Gray, RB, 6-0, 208, R-So., Marion, Ark. (North Texas)
Mid-year transfer from North Texas who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned first varsity letter from North Texas in 2025 … Played in 15 career games (3/2024, 12/2025) … Rushed for 383 yards on 58 carries with five touchdowns … Recorded first career 100-yard rushing game against San Diego State (152 yards) in 2025 Isleta New Mexico Bowl … North Texas (2025): Played in 12 games during second year with the program (did not play vs. Western Michigan, South Alabama) … Rushed for 383 yards on 58 carries (6.5 ypr) … Tallied five rushing touchdowns which was tied for second-best on the team … Caught one pass out of the backfield for nine yards … Scored 32 points on the season including a two-point conversion (rush) … Stood fourth on the team in total offense (377) on 59 offensive plays … Recorded 386 all-purpose yards … Against San Diego State in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl, set established personal-bests in carries (16), rushing yards (152), touchdowns (two) and longest rush (51) … Notched his first career 100-yard rushing game against the Aztecs … Scored on runs of 17 yards (1Q) and 51 yards (2Q) in the bowl game … Also rushing scores on the season against Charlotte (32 yards), Rice (11 yards) and Tulane (9 yards) which was in the American Conference Championship Game … Tallied 161 total yards against San Diego State (152 rush, 9 rcv) … North Texas (2024): Appeared in three games as a member of special teams' unit during redshirt season … High School: Attended Marion High School playing quarterback … Named the Little Rock Touchdown Club State Player of the Year and an All-State selection in 2023 … Amassed 3,251 total yards (1,332 passing. 1,919 rushing) with 43 touchdowns (30 rushing, 19 passing) in his senior season …First player in school history to earn All-Arkansas Preps Player of the Week … Finished his career second in school history at Marion in both passing yards and touchdowns.
Mitch Griffis, QB, 6-0, 195, R-Sr., Ashburn, Va. (Texas Tech)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Texas Tech, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned undergraduate degree from Wake Forest (elementary education) in May of 2024 … Three-year time letterman (1/Texas Tech, 2/Wake Forest) … Has played in 30 career games making 10 starts … Completed 183 of 299 passes (61.2 pct.) for 2,314 yards … Thrown 17 touchdowns to just eight interceptions … Owns a 129.62 passing efficiency … Averaged 77.13 passing yards per game and 12.65 per completion … On the ground has rushed for 263 yards on 137 carries (1.2 ypr) … Scored three ground touchdowns … Tallied 2,484 yards of total offense on 436 plays (5.7 yards per play) … Texas Tech (2025): Played in seven games coming off the bench … Completed 26 of 36 passes (72.2 pct.) for 357 yards … Three a pair of touchdown passes … Rushed for 29 yards on 14 carries (2.1 ypr) scoring one touchdown … Caught one pass for nine yards vs. UCF … Tallied 386 yards of total offense (357 pass, 29 rush) on 50 plays … Averaged 55.1 yards of total offense per game … Recorded 38 all-purpose yards (29 rush, 9 rcv) … Completed 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards with a touchdown against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in his Red Raider debut … Against Oklahoma State, completed 9 of 13 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown … Threw for 145 yards on 13 of 17 passing against UCF … Ran for a season-high 13 yards against Kent State on two carries … Also had 10 ground yards against UCF … Scored lone rushing touchdown against Oklahoma State … Marshall (2024): Initially transferred into the program but opted to step away from football that following June … Wake Forest (2020-23): Played in 19 games (10 starts) during four seasons with the Demon Deacons … Completed 157 of 263 passes (59.7 pct.) with 15 touchdowns to eight interceptions … Rushed for 141 yards on 123 carries (1.1 ypc) with two scores … Ranks among all-time score leaders in career completion percentage (sixth) … career passing efficiency (fourth/134.9) … Wake Forest (2023): Started all nine games for the Demon Deacons … Selected as a co-captain … Completed 124 of 207 passes (60.0 pct.) for 1,553 yards … Threw nine touchdowns to seven interceptions … Rushed for 128 yards on 106 carries (1.2 ypr) with two touchdowns … Completed 15 or more passes in a game six times … Passed for 241 yards or more in a game three times (300-plus twice) … Registered 329 yards in the air against Elon with three scores completing 19 of 30 passes … Tallied 312 passing yards versus Old Dominion with three arial scores on 24 of 41 passes with two interceptions … Connected on a four-yard pass with 6:48 remaining against ODU resulting fourth quarter comeback win, 27-24 … All nine passing scores came in the first four games of the season in which he played (3/Elon, 2/Vanderbilt, 3/Old Dominion, 1/Georgia Tech) … Made 106 rush attempts for 128 yards with two rushing touchdowns … Ran for a season-high 55 yards on 19 carries at Duke where he scored twice … Ranked among the ACC leaders in passing yards per completion (seventh/12.5), completions per game (eighth/13.8), passing yards per game (eighth/172.6), yards per pass attempt (eighth/7.5), completion percentage (ninth/60 pct.) and passing efficiency (ninth/130.5) … Stood 41st in the nation in passing yards per completion … Wake Forest (2022): Played in six games, making one start … Finished the season connecting on 29 of 41 passes (70.7 pct.) for 348 yards with five touchdowns and just one interception … Member of a team that played in its seventh consecutive bowl game and back-to-back wins with a victory over Missouri in the Gasparilla Bowl … Rushed 15 times for 14 yards (.93 ypr) … In his first career start vs. VMI, threw for 288 yards on 21 of 29 passing (72.4 pct.) with three scores … Also completed passes against Army (2 of 3, 21 yards) and Louisville (6 of 9m 39 yards) … Had passing touchdowns against VMI (3), Army (1) and Louisville (1) … Wake Forest (2021): Experienced action in four games preserving redshirt … Played against Old Dominion, the ACC Atlantic Division clincher against Boston College, the ACC Championship Game against Pitt and the Gator Bowl victory over Rutgers ... Finished the season 0-of-2 in pass attempts … Wake Forest (2020): Participated in four games during initial year with the program ... Completed 4 of 13 passes for 56 yards and one score … Passed for 28 yards with a touchdown vs. Clemson in his collegiate debut … Played against Wisconsin in the Duke's May Bowl passing for 28 yards on two completions … High School: Attended Broad Run High School … Named team captain … Led Spartans to four-year record of 43-7 including consecutive 12-1 records his last two seasons ... Earned all-state honors and was his region's Player of the Year ... Owns every school passing record and total offense record ... Won more games as starting QB than any other player in Broad Run HS history ... Threw for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior ... Earned All-Met honors ... Threw for four touchdowns in a 56-7 win over Urbana ... Completed 24 of 34 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns against Tuscarora while also rushing for a touchdown ... Threw for 411 yards in a win at Heritage and passed for 367 yards and three touchdowns in a win at Stonebridge ... Named 2018 All-Region Offense Player of the Year ... Second team All-Virginia by USA Today ... Led the Spartans to a 12-1 record and the conference championship ... Completed 188 of 275 passes for 2,598 yards and 31 touchdowns ... Threw for 268 yards and four scores against Washington ... As a sophomore, completed 124 of 193 passes for 1,636 yards and 14 TDs with just four interceptions ... Carried 56 times for 414 yards and four TDs … Personal: Son of Matt and Robyn Griffis ... Father is the head football coach at Broad Run ... Two-time All-ACC Academic selection (2022-23).
Ja'Keith Hamilton, WR, 6-2, 206, R-Jr., Shelby, N.C. (Furman)
Mid-year transfer from Furman who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Two-year letterman for the Paladins (2024-25) … Earned Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll status twice (2024-25) … Played in 21 career games making nine starts … Caught 49 passes for 588 yards (12.0 ypc) … Scored five touchdowns – all in 2025 … Registered at least one reception in 16 of 21 games (multiple eight times) … Established career-highs in receptions (11), receiving yards (141) and touchdowns (2) against East Tennessee State in 2025 … Tallied two 100-plus yard receiving games (141/ETSU, 105/Campbell) both in 2025 … Furman (2025): Started nine of 11 games played for the Paladins garnering his second varsity letter (did not play vs. Wofford) … Caught 40 passes for 545 yards (13.6 ypc) with five touchdowns … Stood second on the team in yards and touchdowns, while ranking third in receptions … Hauled in at least one reception in all 11 contests (multiple seven times) … Established career-highs in receptions (11), receiving yards (141) and touchdowns (two) against East Tennessee State … First career 100-plus yard receiving game came against Campbell (105) on seven catches … Scored touchdowns against Campbell (1), Samford (1), East Tennessee State (2) and Mercer (1) … Career-long reception of 64 yards was against Mercer that resulted in his fifth score of the season … Registered eight catches for 97 yards against VMI … Furman (2024): Played in 10 games, all as a reserve earning first varsity letter … Caught nine passes for 43 yards (4.8 ypc) … Hauled in at least one pass in five of 10 contests (multiple twice) … Had a season-high four receptions for 28 yards against Chattanooga … Added a two-catch performance versus Wofford … Registered single catches against Western Carolina (6 yards), VMI (4 yards) and East Tennessee State (6 yards) … Season-long reception came against Chattanooga for 13 yards … Named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll for the 2024-25 academic year … Furman (2023): Appeared in one game during true freshman season securing a redshirt … Made collegiate debut against VMI but did not record any stats … Named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll for the 2023-24 academic year … High School: Attended Shelby High School and played for head coach Mike Wilbanks … Played at wide receiver … Caught 62 passes for 899 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior in 2022 on team that finished 7-5 ... Earned all-conference and all-state honors ... Represented North Carolina in the Shrine Bowl ... Credited with 49 receptions for 933 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior year on squad that went 15-1 and won state championship over Wallace Rose Hill, 55-34 … Also played basketball … Personal: Full name is Ja'Keith Daquan Hamilton...Born in Shelby, N.C. ... Son of Iris and Rufus Hamiton ... Has two siblings (Ja'Mya Hamilton, Ja'Quaylan Woodruff).
Kanen Hamlett, TE, 6-4, 235, R-Sr., Madison, Ala. (Appalachian State)
Mid-year transfer from Appalachian State, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman for the Mountaineers (2023-25) … Played in 38 career games making three starts … Caught 17 passes for 177 yards (10.4 ypc) with four touchdowns … Caught at least one pass in 10 of 38 contests (multiple three times) … Established career-highs in receptions (six) and receiving yards (72) against Old Dominion in 2025 … Career-long reception was 45 yards for a touchdown against Old Dominion … Also scored touchdowns against Georgia Southern (1/'24), Old Dominion (1/'24) and Charlotte (1/'25) …. Appalachian State (2025): Played in all 13 games making one start (Marshall) for his third varsity letter … Caught 13 passes for 142 yards (10.9 ypc) with two scores … Hauled in at least one pass in seven of 13 contests (multiple twice) … Established career-bests in receptions (six) and receiving yards (72) against Old Dominion … Career-long catch was 45 yards for a score against the Monarchs in the fourth quarter … Had a receiving touchdown versus Charlotte going for 19 yards in the third quarter … Tallied a pair of receptions for 27 against Georgia Southern in regular season conference play … Also caught single passes against Lindenwood (16 yards), Oregon State (-3 yards), Arkansas State (6 yards) and Georgia Southern (5 yards), which was in the JLab Birmingham Bowl … Appalachian State (2024): Started two of 11 games played receiving second varsity letter … Starts came against Old Dominion and Coastal Carolina … Caught four passes for 35 yards (8.8 ypc) with two touchdowns … First collegiate reception was against East Carolina (8 yards) … Hauled in a four-yard touchdown pass versus Georgia Southern in the fourth quarter with 1:51 remaining to erase a one-point deficit … Also had two receptions for 23 yards with a score (4 yards) against Old Dominion … Had a season-long 19-yard reception against the Monarchs on a third and 6 play to extend the drive before his four-yard score … Appalachian State (2023): Appeared in 13 games (no starts) earning first varsity letter … Played as a member of tight ends group and on special teams, but did not record any stats … Did not play in the season opener … Appalachian State (2022): Played in one game as a true freshman securing a redshirt … Made collegiate debut against Robert Morris … High School: Attended Madison Academy playing for coach Bob Godsey … Three-star prospect by 247Sports … As a standout tight end and linebacker, had two touchdown catches while blocking for a run-oriented Madison Academy team that went 12-2 and reached the AHSAA 4-A state semifinals during his senior season … Also averaged more than seven tackles per game and picked off four passes in his senior year … All-region player as a junior … Helped the Mustangs go 22-3 over his final two prep seasons.
Elliot Huether, P, 6-3, 211, Sr., Minnetonka, Minn. (St. Thomas)
Mid-year transfer from St. Thomas, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman for the Tommies (2023-25) … Played in 35 career games serving as the primary punter and kickoff specialist … Punted 144 times for 6,105 yards (42.4 avg.) with 13 touchbacks and landing 28 inside the opponents 20-yard line … Thirty-three (33) punts have gone for 50 or more yards with a career long of 72 at Drake during his freshman season … Kicked off 35 times for 3,897 yards (55.7 avg.) with 15 touchbacks … Connected on 2 of 6 field goals (33.3 pct.) during the 2025 season … Two-time Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll selection (2023-24) … St. Thomas (2025): Played in all 12 games serving as the primary punter and kickoff specialist garnering third varsity letter … Punted 37 times for 1,752 yards for a career-best 47.4 average … Landed 13 punts inside the 20 yard line and tallied 17 punts for 50 or more yards … Registered a season-long 69 yard punt at Davidson … Registered at least three punts in a game on seven occasions with a season-high eight at North Dakota State … Also had a career single-game high 397 yards against North Dakota State … Kicked off 54 times for 3,156 yards (58.4 avg.) with 14 touchbacks … Tallied a career-high 10 kickoffs for 591 yards against Valparaiso … Also logged nine kickoffs for 525 yards at Stetson … Connected on 2 of 6 field goal attempts hitting a 44 yarder at Idaho and a 25 yarder versus Marist … Made 10 of 12 PATs hitting a single-game best 5 of 5 in the season opener versus Lindenwood … In all, tallied 16 points for the Tommies … Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll selection … St. Thomas (2024): Played in all 12 games earning second varsity letter … Booted 59 balls for 2,463 yards (41.8 avg.) … Landed eight punts inside the opponents 20-yard line … Tallied 13 punts of 50 or more yards with a season-long of 66 at Morehead State … Established new single-game highs in punts (9) and yards (388) vs. Black Hills State … Registered new single-season highs in punts, yards and average … In seven of 12 contests had at least five punts … Tallied 200 or more yards in a game on seven occasions, 300 or more twice … Three times on the season was credited with a 60-yard plus punt … Kicked off twice vs. Drake for 66 yards … Connected on lone PAT versus Dayton in the season finale … Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll selection … St. Thomas (2023): Played in 11 games as the Tommies primary punter earning first varsity letter … Punted 48 times for 1,890 yards (39.4 avg.) … Landed seven punts inside the 20-yard line, had four touchbacks and booted three punts of 50 or more yards … First punter in DI era with over 300 yards (328 at Dayton) in a St. Thomas victory … Program record-holder in single-season in punts (48) and yards (1,890) … Became the second punter in DI era to punt over 200 yards in a game (235 vs. South Dakota) … Second punter in D1 era to punt for 1,000 or more yards in a season … Ranks second all-time in single-game punting yards (328) … Had four games with 200-plus punting yards in a game … Established career-bests in punts (8) and yards (328) at Dayton … Booted career-best 72-yard punt at Drake … Also registered a 57-yard punt (at Harvard) and a 52 yarder (at Dayton) … High School: Attended Benilde-St. Margaret's … Three-sport athlete for the Knights … Captain of football and basketball team … Metro West Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, an all-state punter, a two-time Benilde-St. Margaret's special teams' player of the year, Coaches Award for track being the highest point scorer, and a Red Knight Award for leadership in basketball … Six-time member of the highest honor roll, and awarded academic all-state for football … Personal: Son of Kris and Shane … Has one sibling (Elizabeth).
Ray Ray Joseph, WR, 5-10, 180, R-Jr., Miami, Fla. (Miami)
Mid-year transfer from Miami, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Two-year letterman for Hurricanes (2023-24) … Played in 27 career games over last three seasons … Has experienced action at wide receiver, on kick and punt returns … Caught 14 passes for 135 yards (9.6 ypc) … Returned nine kickoffs (all in 2023) for 185 yards (20.6 avg.) … Registered 20 punt returns for 167 yards (8.3 avg.) … In all, has tallied 487 all-purpose yards (18.0 pg) … Hauled in at least one reception. In seven of 27 games (multiple six times) … Career-high three receptions vs. Bethune-Cookman (2023) … Personal-best 52 receiving yards vs. Ball State (2024) … Miami, Fla. (2025): Played in four games securing his redshirt season … Caught a pair of passes for 25 yards (12.5 ypc) … Both receptions came against Bethune-Cookman with a season-long of 18 yards … Returned one punt for nine yards vs. Bethune-Cookman … Also experienced action against Notre Dame, South Florida and at Ohio State during second round action of the CFP Playoffs … Miami, Fla. (2024): Appeared in 13 games and served as the team's primary punt returner earning second varsity letter … Caught six passes for 74 yards (8.5 ypc) … Returned 17 punts for 128 yards (.5 avg.) … Established career-long punt return of 20 yards against Florida A&M … Also set personal highs in punt returns (4) and yards (37) versus FAMU … Caught at least one pass in three of 13 contests (multiple three times) … Had a personal-best 52 receiving yards against Ball State … Added two grabs against Iowa State for 17 yards in the Pop-Tarts Bowl … Tallied 202 all-purpose yards … Returned at least one punt in eight games (multiple five times) … Miami, Fla. (2023): Played in 10 games during first collegiate season earning first varsity letter … Caught three passes for 36 yards (6.0 ypc) … Returned nine kickoffs for 185 yards (18.5 avg.) standing second on the team … Registered a pair of punt returns for 30 yards (15.0 avg.), also second on the team … Finished the season with 251 all-purpose yards … Caught at least one pass in three games (multiple twice) … Season-high three grabs against Bethune-Cookman and 28 reception yards against Temple … Registered punt returns against Clemson (14 yards) and Florida State (16 yards) … Returned at least one kickoff in six contests with season-highs in returns (3) and yards (75) versus Virginia … Made collegiate debut in season opener against Miami (Ohio) recording one reception … Closed out season with 36 yards on two punt returns against Rutgers in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl … High School: Attended Miami Edison High School … Consensus four-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN … Listed as No. 90 overall and 15 wide receiver in nation by Rivals … Checked in as 132 overall nationally in 247Sports Composite rankings … Rated as No. 21 wide receiver by 247Sports and ESPN … Ranked No. 147 overall in ESPN300 … Selected to All-American Bowl … Caught 33 passes for 632 yards and five touchdowns during junior season … Scored on two punt returns and 75-yard kickoff return in 2021 … Tabbed 2020 Miami Herald All-Dade 5A-IND first-team selection after totaling over 1,200 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns in first season at Edison … Racked up over 500 receiving yards as freshman at Miami Christian … Got snaps on varsity as an eighth grader and tallied six touchdowns.
Ethan Kramer, OL, 6-4, 300, R-Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo. (Northern Arizona)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Northern Arizona, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman (2/Northern Arizona, 1/Northern Colorado) … Earned undergraduate degree in December of 2024 from Northern Arizona … Appeared in 34 career games making 29 starts … Named Second-Team All-Big Sky in 2025 … Northern Arizona (2025): Started all 12 games at left guard earning third career varsity letter … Voted as one of five team captains … Named Second-Team All-Big Sky … Member of an offensive unit that tallied 4,916 yards of total offense (2,036 rush, 3,176 pass) with 49 touchdowns and averaged 31.7 points per game … The Lumberjacks ranked among the FCS leaders (Top 40) in passing offense (14th/264.7 pg), time of possession (17th/31:43), completion percentage (22nd/65.5 pct.), red zone offense (24th/87.2 pct.), team passing efficiency (27th/146.57), scoring offense (29th), total offense (31st) and first down offense (39th/252) … Five times the offensive line provided holes for rushing games over 150 yards including two with at least 200 yards (253 vs. Portland State) … On seven occasions, the Lumberjacks passed for over 250 yards with a season-high 366 versus Southern Utah … Provided running lanes for a pair of 100-plus yard rushing efforts … Northern Arizona (2024): Made 13 starts at right tackle … Offensive unit tallied 5,185 yards of total offense (2,593 rush, 2,818 passing) while averaging 28.3 points per game with 47 touchdowns … Helped the Lumberjacks rush for over 200 yards four times in a contest (300-plus twice) with a season-high 339 against Utah Tech … On four occasions, the offense passed for over 250 yards with a season-best 352 versus Eastern Washington … Opened rushing lanes for three individual 100-plus rushing efforts … Member of an offensive unit that stood among the FCS leaders (Top 40) in first down offense (19th/270), team passing efficiency (20th/148.53), completion percentage (24th/64.6), rushing offense (31st/180.2 pg), third down conversion percentage (32nd/43.1) and total offense (36th) … Northern Arizona (2023): Did not play during initial year with the program securing redshirt … Northern Colorado (2022): Appeared in one game in a reserve role … Northern Colorado (2021): Played in eight games making four starts as a true freshman receiving first varsity letter … Primarily played at tackle … Helped team lead the Big Sky and rank 15th nationally allowing just 1.18 sacks per game … High School: Played for Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs ... Earned 4A Southern League First-Team All-Conference honors in 2019 and second team in 2018 ... Helped team win state titles in 2016 and 2019 and four Southern League titles.
Cade Law, LB, 6-1, 225, R-Sr., Nashville, Tenn. (Memphis)
Mid-year transfer from Memphis, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Spent one season at Memphis (2025) and two at North Carolina (2023-24) … Played in 25 career games (2/Memphis, 13/North Carolina) … Recorded three total tackles (all solo), which included a sack in 2024 (six yards) … Began collegiate career at Vanderbilt as a member of its baseball program … Memphis (2025): Experienced action in two games securing redshirt … Played against Chattanooga and Tulsa, but did not record any stats … North Carolina (2024): Played in 12 games in a reserve role … Booked two tackles (both solo), which included a six-yard sack against UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl … Recorded first tackle of the season (solo) versus N.C. Central … North Carolina (2023): Played in 11 games during first year with the program … Registered lone tackle against Syracuse (solo) … Primarily played as a member of special teams unit … Named to ACC All-Academic Team … Vanderbilt (2022): Member of the Commodores baseball team before transferring to North Carolina to play football … Rated the No. 22 overall prospect and No. 3 catcher from Tennessee out of high school by Perfect Game … High School: Attended Christ Presbyterian Academy where he was a two-sport athlete (football, baseball) … Was a three-time all-state performer as a quarterback/athlete … Two-time team captain … Won a pair of state titles and was named state championship MVP … Two-time state runner-up … Tallied 4,900 passing yards, 1,800 rushing yards and scored 90 total touchdowns during a prep career … Threw for 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,505 yards and 14 scores as a senior … As a junior, notched 1,182 passing yards with 17 touchdowns to go along with 800 rushing yards and 11 additional touchdowns … On the diamond, earned four varsity letters as a catcher/outfielder … Two-time all-state selection … Two-time team captain and a state champion … Coaches by Ingle Martin … Personal: Full name is Harrison Cade Law … Son of Amy and Brian Law … Had a brother Crews and a sister Creed … Crew is a member of the 2026 East Carolina football squad … Father played baseball at Austin Peay.
Crews Law, LB, 6-1, 225, R-So., Nashville, Tenn. (Memphis)
Mid-year transfer from Memphis, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Spent one season at Memphis (2025) and one at North Carolina (2024) … Played in 11 career games tallying 25 tackles (13 solo), that includes 3.5 TFLs (-16 yards) and 1.5 sacks (-12 yards) … Credited with a forced fumble and a pass breakup … Memphis (2025): Played in nine games as a reserve member of defensive unit and special teams … Recorded 25 tackles (13 solo) … Registered 3.5 TFLs (-16 yards) that included 1.5 sacks (-12) yards … Credited with at least one tackle in nine contests (multiple eight times) … Established career-highs in tackles (5 vs. Chattanooga), TFLs (1.0, 3 times) and sacks (1.0 vs. Arkansas) … Forced a fumble against Tulsa and was credited with a pass breakup at Troy … Registered at least a half TFL against Chattanooga (1.0/-2 yards), Georgia State (0.5/-3 yards), Arkansas (1.0/-9 yards) and NC State (1.0/-2 yards) which was in the Gasparilla Bowl … Registered a half sack against Georgia State (0.5/-3 yards) and a full sack against Arkansas (-9 yards) … North Carolina (2024): Experienced action in two games securing redshirt … Played against Charlotte and N.C. Central but did not record any stats … High School: Attended Christ Presbyterian Academy where he was a two-sport athlete (football, baseball) … Three-star prospect ranked as the nation's 23rd-best linebacker and the No. 12 player in Tennessee by Rivals … Two-time all-state and three-time all-region performer … Two-time state champion and a state championship game MVP … Tabbed Tennessee Titans Mr. Football … Named region MVP … Tallied 269 tackles, 20 sacks and 19 TFL during his four-year career on defense … Rushed for 641 yards and 23 TDs over his last two seasons … Posted 96 tackles and 10 TFL on defense, while rushing for 460 yards and 14 TDs on offense as a senior … Notched 111 tackles and nine TFL and rushed for 181 yards and nine TDs as a junior … Added 60 tackles as a sophomore … Also played baseball … Honor roll student … Personal: Full name is Landen Crews Law … Son of Amy and Brian Law … Had a brother Cade and a sister Creed … Cade is a member of the 2026 East Carolina football squad … Father played baseball at Austin Peay.
Ashton Levells-Mitchell, DB, 6-1, 170, R-Sr., DeSoto, Texas (Florida International)
Mid-year transfer from Florida International, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Spent two years at Florida International (2024-25) … Also played one season at Butler (2023) and one at UT Permian Basin (2022) … Played in 42 career games making four starts at the FBS level at FIU in 2025 … Tallied 63 tackles (53 solo), which includes 2.5 TFLs (-6 yards) … Picked off three passes for eight yards, while being credited with eight pass breakups and three blocked kicks … Florida International (2025): Started four of 13 games (Bethune-Cookman, Delaware, UConn, UTSA) … Booked 20 tackles (13 solo) … Recorded a half TLF for minus one year versus Bethune-Cookman … Credited with four pass breakups (Florida Atlantic, Delaware, UConn, Middle Tennessee State) … Tallied at least one tackle in seven of 13 contests with a season-high against Bethune-Cookman and Penn State … Also had multiple stops against Florida Atlantic (3), Delaware (3), UConn (2) and UTSA (3) which came in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl … Florida International (2024): Appeared in nine game during initial year with the program … Did not record any statistics … Butler (2023): Experienced action in nine games for the Grizzlies … Recorded 24 tackles (19 solo) … Tallied 2.0 TFLs for minus five yards …. Picked off one pass returning it eight yards … Credited with three pass breakups and three blocks … Earned KJCCC Special Teams Player of the Week after tallying two blocks (PAT, FGA) against Independence … Also has a blocked PAT during the season opener at No. 8 Garden City … Booked at least one tackle in eight of nine contests (multiple five times) … Registered a season-best five stops (four solo) against Highland … Tallied a four-yard TFL versus No. 2 Iowa Western and a 1-yard TFL against No. 9 Dodge City … UT Permian Basin (2022): Played in 11 games for the Falcons … Recorded 19 tackles (two solo) … Picked off two passes and credited with five pass breakups … Tallied at least one stop in eight of 11 contests (multiple five times) … Booked a season-high five tackles (four solo) versus Simon Fraser … Also had multiple stops against Southwest Baptist (2), Western Colorado (3), Western Oregon (4) and Midwestern State (2) … Intercepted passes against Western Colorado and Simon Fraser … Credited with pass breakups versus Western Colorado, Western Oregon, West Texas A&M, Simon Fraser and Central Washington … UT Permian Basin (2021): Played in two games during redshirt season, but did not record any stats … High School: Attended DeSoto High School … Named Texas Sports Writers Association All-State 6A Honorable Mention and All-District 11-6A Second Team Defensive Back.
Jeremiah Melvin, WR, 6-4, 195, R-So., Fayetteville, N.C. (Wake Forest)
Mid-year transfer from Wake Forest, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Lettered at Wake Forest in 2025 … Played in 11 games catching three passes for 39 yards with one touchdown … Caught career-high two passes for 30 yards against Western Carolina (2025) … Scored first career touchdown versus the Catamounts on a 27-yard grab in the third quarter … Wake Forest (2025): Appeared in 11 games during second year with the program earning first varsity letter … Caught three passes for 39 yards (13.0 ypc) with a touchdown … First collegiate reception was for three yards against Western Carolina … Second catch of the game was a 27-yard touchdown in the third quarter versus the Catamounts … Caught one pass nine yards against N.C. State … Wake Forest (2024): Played in three games for the Demon Deacons during redshirt season … Tallied 22 snaps throughout the season … Recorded a season-high 10 snaps against N.C. A&T … Also saw action Clemson and Miami (Fla.) … High School: Attended Cape Fear High School … A four-star recruit by 247Sports and the No. 207 recruit in the country according to 247Sports … Rated as the 14th-highest Wake Forest recruit in the 247Sports composite era … Four-star recruit according to On3 and the No. 265 overall recruit in the country by the site … Recorded 91 receptions for 1,615 receiving yards with 25 touchdowns over his career … Earned first team all-conference honors as a senior … Posted 54 receptions for 1,014 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 92.2 yards per game and 18.8 yards per catch while also leading Cape Fear to a playoff berth with a 9-3 record … Also played basketball … Averaged 16.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists during junior basketball season in Winter 2022-23 … Finished sophomore hoops season averaging 10.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks in Winter 2021-22 … Debuted on varsity basketball squad as a freshman, averaging 3.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game across a dozen contests … Personal: Son of Canisha Melvin and Melina Moore.
Rae'mon Mosby, DB, 6-0, 190, R-So., Marrero, La. (Louisville)
Mid-year transfer from Louisville, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Lettered at Louisville in 2025 … Played in 17 career games (no starts) … Recorded eight tackles (five solo) … Booked at least one tackle in four of 17 contests (multiple once) … Registered career-high five tackles (four solo) against Washington in the 2024 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl … Louisville (2025): Played in 12 games (did not play vs. SMU) earning first varsity letter … Booked two tackles (both assisted) … Registered a half tackle in the season opener against Eastern Kentucky … Second stop (assisted) was against Bowling Green … Louisville (2024): Appeared in five games during redshirt season … Booked six tackles (five solo) … Registered career-high five tackles (four solo) in a win over Washington in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl … High School: Attended Westlake High School playing under head coach Rico Zackery, East Carolina's outside linebackers coach … Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked as the No. 116 cornerback nationally and No. 141 player in Georgia by 247Sports Composite … Finished the season at 9-3 … Began his prep career in Louisiana … Transferred to Westlake during his junior season … Recorded eight tackles in season-opener vs. North Cobb … Returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown vs. Crisp County … Totaled two tackles and a fumble recovery vs. Cedar Grove … Two tackles and an interception vs. Campbell … Booked 17 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one tackle for loss as a junior.
Christian Peterson, DB, 5-10, 185, Jr., Dothan, Ala. (UCF)
Mid-year transfer from UCF, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Lettered UCF in 2025 … Played in 97 career games (no starts) … Booked two tackles (one solo) … Returned six kickoffs for 77 yards (12.8 avg.) all in 2024 … UCF (2025): Appeared in 12 games in a reserve defensive role and member of special teams units … UCF (2024): Played in seven games during true freshman season … Recorded two tackles (one solo) against BYU … Returned six kickoffs for 77 yards (12.8 avg.) … In collegiate debut, returned a kickoff for 16 yards against Cincinnati … Returned two at Iowa State for 38 yards with a season-long of 23 … Followed that with two kickoff returns against BYU for 22 yards and another at Arizona State for one yard … High School: Attended Westlake High School playing under head coach Rico Zackery, East Carolina's outside linebackers coach … Teammate of current ECU Pirate Rae'mon Mosby at Westlake … Rated four-star prospect by ESPN and 56th player in Georgia by Rivals … Second-team wide receiver on Georgia Region 2-7A team for 2023 … Made 14 tackles, one TFL and two INTs for 20 yards as senior in 2023 … Caught 17 passes for 196 yards and four TDs in 2023 … Helped Westlake to second round of 2023 Georgia 7A playoffs and 9-3 record … Worked at multiple spots in secondary as junior in 2022 for Lions team that went 9-4 in Georgia's highest classification … Made 18 tackles, got some snaps as wildcat QB and made impact in return game with 311 kickoff return yards … Opened junior season of track and field with 11.54 in 100-meter dash.
Myles Pollard, DB, 6-2, 190, R-Sr., Nashville, Tenn. (Memphis)
Mid-year graduate transfer from Memphis, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman at Michigan (2022-24) … Played in 10 career games (no starts) … Booked two tackles (both solo) … Memphis (2025): Did not play during lone season with the Tigers due to an injury … Michigan (2024): Appeared in six games earning third varsity letter in a defensive and special teams role … Tallied one tackle (solo) against Arkansas State … Experienced game action against Fresno State, Texas, Arkansas State, Minnesota, Oregon and Indiana … Michigan (2023): Played in two games (UNLV, Bowling Green) earning second varsity letter … Made one solo stop against Bowling Green … Michigan (2022): Appeared in a pair of games (Colorado State, UConn) in initial year with the program receiving first career varsity letter … Did not record any statistics … Named Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week for his role in preparing the offense for Rutgers … Made collegiate debut in the secondary against Colorado State … High School: Attended Ravenwood High School coached by Will Hester as senior and Matt Daniels as a sophomore and junior … As a senior, helped Ravenwood go 10-3 with an appearance in the state quarterfinals … Helped the team to a 7-5 record as a junior in 2020 and a state runner-up finish as a sophomore in 2019 … Also lettered in basketball for the Raptors … Two-way player for the Raptors who lined up at wide receiver and cornerback … Returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown during his senior season … Credited with 35 tackles for loss including three for loss, with four pass breakups as a junior in 2020 … Earned a 247Sports Composite ranking of three stars; the No. 477 overall player nationally, the No. 46 cornerback and the No. 16 player in Tennessee … Named a three-star prospect by 247Sports; the No. 59 cornerback in the nation and the No. 21 player in the state of Tennessee … Rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN, the No. 326 overall player in his region, the No. 72 cornerback and the No. 23 player in Tennessee … Rivals.com three-star prospect, the No. 47 cornerback in the nation and the No. 14 player in the state of Tennessee … On3.com three-star consensus rating, the No. 573 player in the nation, the No. 50 cornerback and the No. 20 player in Tennessee … On3.com rating of three stars, the No. 60 cornerback and the No. 21 player in the state of Tennessee … First-team all-region selection as a senior … Ranked No. 7 in the Tennessean's Dandy Dozen top recruits … Personal: Son of Greg and Shante' Pollard.
Landon Sides, WR, 5-11, 190, Sr., Denton, Texas (North Texas)
Mid-year transfer from North Texas, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Three-year letterman at North Texas (2023-25) … Played in 36 career games making 18 starts (15 consecutive to end 2025 season) … Caught 88 passes for 1,092 yards (12.4 ypc) … Scored six receiving touchdowns … Rushed four times for 25 yards (6.3 ypr) all in 2023 … Returned seven punts for 21 yards (3.0 avg.) … Recorded one tackle (solo) … Caught at least one pass in 33 of 36 games (multiple 20 times) … Registered two 100-plus yard receiving contests (100 vs. UAB'23, 114 vs. Charlotte/'25) … Set career-highs in receptions with six on two occasions (UAB '23, Army '25) … Scored two touchdowns against UAB (2023) … Established career-highs in punt returns (5 vs. UTSA'25) and punt return yards (21 vs. Charlotte'25) … North Texas (2025): Started 13 of the Mean Green's 14 games (did not play vs. Lamar) earning third varsity letter … Caught 34 passes for 449 yads (13.2 ypc) with one touchdown … Returned five punts for 18 yards (3.6 avg.) … Hauled in at least one reception in 12 of 13 contests (multiple eight times) … Tied career-high with six receptions against Army … Set new career-high in reception yards (114) versus Charlotte … Tallied five catches against Charlotte and San Diego State, the last in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl … Caught a career-long pass of 60 yards against the 49ers … Returned a career-best four punts against UTSA for 18 yards … Other punt return went for no yards at Charlotte … Booked one tackle (solo) versus Temple … Named to 2025 All-State AFCA Good Works Team nominee … Preseason Fourth Team All-American Conference selection by Athlon … North Texas (2024): Played in 12 games making three starts earning second varsity letter … Made 24 catches for 280 yards (11.7 ypc) … Scored on touchdown against Texas State in the SERPRO First Responder Bowl … Caught at least on pass in 10 of 12 contests (multiple five times) … Had two games with five receptions (Wyoming, Texas State) … Registered a season-high 89 yards against Texas State with a season-long reception of 42 yards … Also had 61 receiving yards on three grabs at Memphis … North Texas (2023): Experienced action in 11 games making a pair of starts initial varsity letter … Caught 30 passes for 363 yads (12.1 ypc) with four touchdowns … Rushed four times for 25 yards (6.3 ypr) … Returned two punts for three yards … Hauled in one pass in all 11 games (multiple seven times) … Made collegiate debut at Florida International catching one pass for five yards … Caught career-best six passes for his first 100-yard receiving game with a pair of scores (career-high) against UAB in the season finale … Had five receptions for 61 yards in third career game against Abilene Christian … Also had touchdowns against Tulane and Tulsa … Carried the ball once against Tulane (8 yards), Memphis (7 yards), SMU (6 yards) and UAB (4 yards) … Both punt returns came versus UTSA … High School: Attended Denton Guyer High School for coach Reed Heim … Led team to 14-1 record, including 7-0 in district as a senior ... Helped team average 46.0 ppg … Finished the season with 60 receptions for 1,358 yards and 16 touchdowns ... Multiple touchdowns in six games ... Set Guyer single-season record for receiving yards … Season-high 183 yards on five catches and two TD against McKinney ... All-State honoree ... First team all-district selection ... Dallas Morning-News All-Area pick … Made 14 catches for 295 yards and four scores during his junior season in 2021 … Rated three stars by 247 Sports … Also competes in track and field … Ran junior 100-meter times of 10.54 and 10.98 in Spring 2022 … Texas 6A regional qualifier in the 300 hurdles (38.52PR) … Long jumped 22-9.5 and triple jumped 42-1 ... Rated three stars by Dave Campbell's Texas Football ... Earned three stars from 247Sports ... No. 228 in Texas … Three-star prospect according to On3 … No. 100 in Texas.
Emory Williams, QB, 6-5, 225, R-Jr., Milton, Fla. (Miami)
Mid-year transfer from Miami, who enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned first varsity letter at Miami in 2023 … Played in 12 career games making two starts (both in 2023) … Thrown for 813 yards completing 73 of 116 (62.9 pct.) with four touchdowns and two interceptions … Rushed 11 times for two yards (0.2 ypr) … 2025 (Miami): Played in five games in a reserve role at quarterback … Completed 13 of 19 passes (68.4 pct.) with no touchdowns … Rushed four times for 19 yards (3.8 ypr) … Set season-highs against Bethune-Cookman in completions (8), pass attempts (12), passing yards (77) and rushing attempts (3) … Completed both pass attempts against South Florida for 31 yards .. Attempted two passes completing one for 16 yards against Stanford … Played against Syracuse but did not record any stats … Connected on 2 of 3 passes for 32 yards with a long of 25 in final game of his redshirt sophomore year versus NC State … Member of squad that played in the CFP Championship against Indiana … 2024 (Miami): Experienced action in two games as a reserve … Completed 16 of 26 passes (61.5 pct.) for 187 years with a touchdown and one interceptions … In first game he participated in, threw for a season-best 161 yards completing 11 of 12 passes (91.7 pct.) with a touchdown … Against Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, completed 5 of 14 passes for 26 yards (35.7 pct.) with an interception … 2023 (Miami): Played in five games making a pair of starts earning first varsity letter … Started games against Clemson and at Florida State … Passed for 470 yards on 44 of 71 attempts (62.0 pct.) with three touchdowns and an interception … Had seven carries for minus 17 yards … In collegiate debut completed all three passes for 42 yards against Miami (Ohio) … Followed initial game completed 9 of 11 passes (81.8 pct.) for 102 yards … At Temple attempted one pass (incomplete) … Made first collegiate start against Clemson leading the Hurricanes to a 28-20 victory in two overtimes … Set career-highs in completions (24) and attempts (33) … Passed for 151 yards with his first touchdown and an interception versus the Tigers … At Florida State he completed 8 of 23 passes (34.8 pct.) for a career-high 175 yards with a pair of touchdowns (career-high) which included a career-long pass of 85 yards before suffering season-ending arm injury … High School: Attended Milton High School … Listed as a four-star prospect by ESPN … Three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … Rated as No. 14 pocket-passing quarterback nationally by ESPN … Completed 161 of 257 pass attempts (62.6 pct.) for 2,049 yards with 21 touchdowns and four interceptions as senior … Tabbed 2021 Pensacola News Journal All-Area Second-Team selection … Totaled 63 percent completion percentage with 2,168 yards and 16 touchdowns.
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/ Football123025 Inside Pirate Athletics
Tuesday, December 30
Mike "The Grinch" Wright Takes on Christmas
Thursday, December 25
ECU's Mike Wright at the Military Bowl Charity Event
Wednesday, December 24
2025 Military Bowl ECU Jacket Fittings
Tuesday, December 23
