Anthony Watley

Height:
6-3
Weight:
240
Class:
Senior
Hometown:
Jacksonville, Fla.
High School:
Atlantic Coast
Major:
Communication

Projected to open his senior season as the Pirates’ starting tight end, a role which promises to be much more utilized (philosophically) by ECU’s new coaching staff … Closed spring workouts by earning a spot on ECU’s preseason depth chart for the third consecutive year … Could also experience additional duty on various special teams unit as a possible perimeter blocking specialist (punt and placekicking squads) depending on offensive responsibilities … Did not record any receptions during the first two spring scrimmages, but had a six-yard catch during the Purple-Gold Game on April 13.

2018: Played in five contests (USF, Old Dominion, Temple, Houston and UCF) during junior campaign … Made only start of the season against the Knights in what turned out to be his last appearance of the season … Did not play in the Pirates’ first two games and also did not experience action in final five clashes (injury) … Totaled 10 receptions for 77 yards … Caught at least one pass in all five contests … Established career-highs in catches (4) and reception yardage (44) vs. UCF at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, while also adding a career-long grab (15-yarder) against the Knights … Recorded other multiple-reception outings vs. the Bulls (2-13) and Monarchs (2-9) … First career catch against USF at Raymond James Stadium came in the second quarter on a 2nd-and-4 play (10-yarder from Reid Herring) … Hauled in single passes against Temple (4 yards) and Houston (7) … Three receptions covered 10 or more yards … Targeted 11 times (90.9 catch success rate).

2017: Experienced action in six games as a sophomore … Opened year as veteran Stephen Baggett’s top understudy, thus offensive repetitions were limited … Did not record any pass catching statistics (for the second consecutive year) … Played in contests vs. James Madison, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, BYU, Houston and Memphis in primarily a special teams capacity.

2016: Played in 11 of 12 games as a true freshman … Sat out the opener vs. Western Carolina before coaching staff made the decision to forego redshirt campaign … Did not record any offensive statistics, but was an active participant on special teams units … Member of former head coach Scottie Montgomery’s inaugural ECU recruiting class, signing with the Pirates in February.

High School: Led all Atlantic Coast High School pass catchers with 170 yards (and one touchdown) on 20 receptions during senior season … Helped guide the Stingrays to a 6-4 record under coach Matt Elliot in 2015 … Selected to participate in the 2015 North Florida Football Coaches Association All-Star game, competing for Team Boost … Included on In The Game Magazine’s Preseason Elite Offensive Team prior to start of senior campaign … A three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … Same recruiting website ranked him among the nation’s top 90 tight ends … Reportedly was clocked at 4.8 in the 40-yard dash as a senior … Also played basketball at ACHS … Initially began prep career at University Christian HS, but transferred to Atlantic Christian prior to senior football season … Also recruited by Marshall, Appalachian State and UCF, and drew additional interest from Miami (Fla.) before committing to the East Carolina program on February 1, 2016.

Personal: Full name is Anthony Watley … Son of Denita Williford … A communication major.