App St @ ECU Preview:
Courtesy of PirateIllustrated
Quarterback
East Carolina
At quarterback for the Pirates in 2009 is 6th year senior Patrick Pinkney. Not noted for his statistical production, it is his experience and familiarity with Holtz's system that makes him such an asset to the team. Patrick Pinkney has a good enough arm to get it to his playmakers on the outside, and can tuck it and run if the pocket collapses. Pinkney has big wins against Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and a conference championship to go along with his resume.
Appalachian State
It's unlikely that Walter Payton award winner Armanti Edwards (2,902 yards passing 30 td's, 941 yards rushing 11 td's ) will be able to play in the season opener. Edwards is suffering from a foot injury that occurred in a lawn mower accident. If Armanti Edwards is not able to go for the game, then the Mountaineers will turn to sophomore DeAndre Presley. Presley is talented, but he is no Armanti Edwards. Although Presley has looked good in the time he has seen, experience is not on his side and he could use it come Saturday.
Advantage: East Carolina With the untimely injury of Armanti Edwards East Carolina gets the advantage for quarterback. Pinkney doesn't need to go out and be an All-American; he just needs to manage the game.
Running backs
East Carolina
Senior Dominique Lindsay (5-10 202) and sophomore transfer from Kentucky Brandon Jackson (5-10 195) will handle the majority of the carries for the Pirates. Jackson had a great summer camp and has proven to Coach Holtz that he can be an every down back for ECU this season. The Pirates can also count on junior Jonathon Williams (6-1 196) to get some carries assuming he stays out of Skip's doghouse. Last year's leading rusher (698 yards) Norman Whitley will also add depth to the already deep and talented backfield. Senior J.R. Rodgers has experience that will be called upon if injuries occur at the running back position down the road.
Appalachian State
Appalachian State is deep as well when it comes to the running back position. Appalachian State averaged 241.0 rushing yards per game last year. With the latest injury to Armanti Edwards the Mountaineers will certainly miss the 941 yards and 11 TD's that Armanti Edwards racked up in 2008. The weight of the running game will now fall on 5-11 225 lbs Robert Welton (544 yards 11 TD's) a power back that is great around the redzone. Appalachian State also has their speed back Devin Radford (6.9 YPC 4 TD's). Another tailback sure to get in the mix is RS-Fr Rod Chisolm who had a good spring and summer. Chisolm should expect to get some reps at tailback.
Advantage: Push If Armanti Edwards is healthy it's a push, but without Armanti in the line-up the advantage swings in East Carolina's favor.
Wide Receivers
East Carolina
The Pirates have a group of solid receivers that can score in a variety of ways. Senior Jamar Bryant (6-2, 208) will come in as the Pirates #1 receiver. Missing most of last season because of violating team rules, Bryant still managed to bring in 19 catches for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Bryant is a physical wide receiver that can stretch the field as well as go across the middle. Junior Dwayne Harris (6-0, 198) is back for ECU and will continue to touch the ball in a various amount of ways. His speed and shiftiness helped Harris grab a team high 58 catches for 654 yards and a touchdown, despite missing four games due to a foot injury. Harris also rushed the ball 19 times for 76 yards. Seniors Alex Taylor (6-4) and Reyn Willis (6-3) will give the Pirates an option around the redzone. Sophomores Joe Womack and Darryl Freeney will also be in the mix and add depth to this receiving core.
Appalachian State
Appalachian State returns playmakers at wide receiver for 2009. Junior CoCo Hillary is back after bringing in 56 receptions for 735 yards and 5 touchdowns. The best big play threat returns in sophomore Brian Quick (6-5, 210). Quick averaged 21.6 YPR on 496 yards and also caught 7 touchdowns. All-American tight end Ben Jordan (29 rec., 506 yards, 6 TDs, 17.4 YPR.) is back in the line-up giving this passing attack balance and the ability to attack the middle.
Advantage: East Carolina The speed and quickness of the Pirates receivers gives ECU the edge. A little space and Dwayne Harris and Jamar Bryant can take it the distance. The pirates also have a deeper group of receivers giving them more options to go with in certain situations.
Offensive Line
East Carolina
The Pirates offense shouldn't miss a beat in 2009, and that in large part is thanks to a stellar performance from its offensive line. Leading the way up front is Senior and Second Team All-Conference Center Sean Allen. Versatile linemen Terence Campbell rotated between both Tackle positions last season and can also play guard. Campbell admirably played through a heart ailment last season.
Offense
Junior Left Guard Cory Dowless is a player to watch this upcoming season. A good pass protector who started all 14 games last season, Dowless could be up for All-Conference honors at season's end. The Pirates biggest linemen (6'6 320) is junior Tackle D.J. Scott. Teammates noted his improved technique over the 10 games he started last season. The biggest question mark is Doug Palmer. Palmer is among the best of the guards in the conference, but must stay out of trouble. He is tentatively on the depth chart, but must earn Coach Holtz's trust to re-earn playing time. T.J. Harper and Willie Smith will both contribute as well.
Appalachian State
Appalachian State starters on an offensive line that helped produce one of the most prolific offenses in recent FCS division history. Senior FCS All-American candidate Mario Acitelli leads the way for the Mountaineers at Left Guard. Juniors Daniel Kilgore (RT) and last years Center Brett Irvin both All-Conference last year also return. Irvin could see some time at guard. A slew of underclassmen are competing for spots.
Advantage: East Carolina The Pirates linemen are much stronger then the Mountaineers and protect Pinkney as well as any quarterback in the conference. Although the Mountaineers offensive lines is one, if not the top in the FCS division, they will have a tough time handling the front seven of the Pirates.
Defense
Defensive Line
East Carolina
College Football News calls this group ACC caliber. Opposing Offensive Coordinators cram all night wondering how to penetrate this seemingly brick wall of defenders. And Skip Holtz has called this unit the heartbeat of the team. Yes were talking about the big boys up front: The Defensive Line. The Line is led by Preseason All-Conference Defensive Player of the year C.J. Wilson. The senior Defensive End basically lived in opponent's backfield last season, registering 10.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for a loss and an astounding 70 tackles for an end. If the Pirates perform the way they are expected to on Defense, Wilson could be a valid All-American pick come Bowl Season. As great as Wilson is, the Pirates might be even better at Defensive Tackle. Senior Jay Ross (6'3 306 pounder) is a run stuffer who also has great speed for his size. With 5 sacks last year, Ross also has no problem getting to the Quarterback. Former University of Florida recruit, Linval Joseph is the other starting DT. A slimmer (now 6'6 300) and quicker Joseph arrived at camp looking to improve on his 43 tackles. Both Ross and Joseph were All-Conference USA honorable mention and there's no reason both can't improve this season. The one question mark will be replacing Zack Slate. Senior Scotty Robinson is now thrust into a starting spot after being a reserve for most of his career. If he can make teams pay for double teaming C.J. Wilson, the Pirates won't have problems at all. Robinson only has 4 career sacks. Junior Western Carolina transfer Josh Smith should also see time at DT.
Appalachian State
With a rotation of 9 solid players, the Mountaineers Line is one of the top in the FCS. The Mountaineers get a playmaker back at Defensive End this season with the return of Tony Robertson. Missing last season with a shoulder injury (he was able to medical redshirt) Robertson was a huge factor in App. State's last national championship team and even earned All-American honorable mention. Sophomore Lanston Tanyi held down Robertson's job with 6 sacks as a freshman. But Tanyi will return to his reserve rotation role to make room for All-American candidate Jabari Fletcher. A former linebacker, Fletcher has been a menace on the outside and had 12.5 tackles for a loss in 2008. Sr. Anthony Williams and So. Gordy Witte return as solid options inside against the run.
Advantage: East Carolina. App. State has a great D-Line for FCS, but the Pirates have one of the most talented lines in the country. If they are able to dictate the tempo early and often, it could be a long day for the Mountaineer Offense. Just ask Pat White.
Linebackers
East Carolina
Back in the middle for ECU is senior linebacker Nick Johnson. Not the prototypical MLB at 6-1 217, Johnson displays a nose for the football and a great football IQ. Johnson had a team-high 102 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and two interceptions. One OLB spot belongs to senior Jeremy Chambliss (6-0, 227). Chambliss is a good athlete that benefited because of the injuries to the linebackers in 2008. He notched 60 tackles with six tackles for loss. The other OLB spot will be occupied by senior Chris Mattocks (6-0, 210). A onetime defensive back, Mattocks is quick enough to match up with receivers, but also physical enough to make the play at the point of attack.
Appalachian State
Anchoring the defense for the Mountaineers is senior MLB Jacque Roman. At 6-1 240 lbs Roman earned SoCon defensive player of the year after racking up a league best 130 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. Jacque Roman enters this season as the SoCon's active career leader in tackles with 301. Junior outside linebacker D.J. Smith returns for Appalachian St. D.J. Smith (6-1, 220) is a quick OLB that is able to play sideline to sideline football. In 2008 Smith registered 123 tackles and two sacks. It's uncertain who will maintain the other OLB spot.
Advantage: East Carolina Appalachian State has two very talented players in Jacque Roman and D.J. Smith but the solid play from the ECU linebackers as a unit gives ECU the advantage.
Secondary
The Pirate secondary led Conference USA with 22 interceptions last season. Anchoring the unit is ball hawking free safety Van Eskridge. The senior was last years team Defensive MVP and 1st team All-Conference with 4 interceptions and 97 tackles. An NFL scout (Robert Haines) told me he has a reasonable chance to be an NFL player. The other safety spot will be occupied by Senior Levin Neal to start, but look for Sophomore Derek Blacknall to play a lot as well. Primarily a Special Teams player and backup Corner last year, Blacknall has great coverage skills for a safety but must improve his physicality. Junior Cornerback Dekota Marshall started 12 games last year and looked as if he improved each week. At 6'1 he has the size to be physical and has solid hands for a corner. Fellow Junior Travis Simmons will join Marshall at Cornerback. Although Simmons only started 4 games last year, he came up huge in the C-USA championship game, taking an interception to pay-dirt. Simmons will be feeling the heat all-season from his backup Emanuel Davis. The sophomore was on the Rivals.com 1st team All-American Freshman squad with 4 interceptions and 45 tackles.
Darryl Reynolds should see time as well. This Unit is above-average at best, but will benefit greatly from a superb pass rush.
Appalachian State returns 3 starters in the secondary for the 2009 season. Junior Mark LeGree who was nominated for the top Defensive Back award last season, looks to continue his success. LeGree set a school record with 10 interceptions last season. Senior Cortez Gilbert will line up on the other side at Corner and Sophomore Ed Gainey will see plenty of action as well. Gainey earned All-Freshman team accolades last season filling in for injured starters. The Mountaineers are a little thin at safety and hope to replace Leonard Love with either Freshman Dominique McDuffie or Junior Jared Reine. Both had less than 10 tackles each last season and if there's one weakness on this strong defense, it is Safety.
Advantage: East Carolina Although Mark LeGree is an outstanding playmaker for the Mountaineers, East Carolina is much deeper in the Secondary. The Pirates also have a ball-hawking Safety which is something the Mountaineers are lacking this season.
Special Teams
East Carolina
At kicker for the Pirates will once again be Ben Hartman. In 2008 Hartman went 21-31 in field goals with a long of 51 yards. With the ability to score anytime the ball touches his hands, Dwayne Harris will take care of the kick returns as well as the punt returns. Travis Simmons and Dominique Lindsay will also get reps at kick returner and punt returner. East Carolina is happy to have back Ray Guy Award Watch List punter Matt Dodge. Dodge averaged 43.9 yards a punt in 2008 with 25 of his boots going 50 yards or longer.
Appalachian State
Jason Vitaris will handle the kicking duties again. Last year Vitaris went 8-12 in field goals with a long of 46 yards. The return responsibilities will most likely fall on WR CoCo Hillary. Despite only playing college football for two seasons, Hillary only needs 13 more kickoffs and 139 kickoff return yards to become the all-time leader for Appalachian St. in each of those categories. The Mountaineers have lost their all conference punter Neil Young to graduation, so now the job belongs to redshirt freshman Sam Martin.
Advantage: East Carolina Dwayne Harris returning punts and kicks for the Pirates and the punting of Matt Dodge gives ECU the edge in Special Teams.
Courtesy of PirateIllustrated
Quarterback
East Carolina
At quarterback for the Pirates in 2009 is 6th year senior Patrick Pinkney. Not noted for his statistical production, it is his experience and familiarity with Holtz's system that makes him such an asset to the team. Patrick Pinkney has a good enough arm to get it to his playmakers on the outside, and can tuck it and run if the pocket collapses. Pinkney has big wins against Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and a conference championship to go along with his resume.
Appalachian State
It's unlikely that Walter Payton award winner Armanti Edwards (2,902 yards passing 30 td's, 941 yards rushing 11 td's ) will be able to play in the season opener. Edwards is suffering from a foot injury that occurred in a lawn mower accident. If Armanti Edwards is not able to go for the game, then the Mountaineers will turn to sophomore DeAndre Presley. Presley is talented, but he is no Armanti Edwards. Although Presley has looked good in the time he has seen, experience is not on his side and he could use it come Saturday.
Advantage: East Carolina With the untimely injury of Armanti Edwards East Carolina gets the advantage for quarterback. Pinkney doesn't need to go out and be an All-American; he just needs to manage the game.
Running backs
East Carolina
Senior Dominique Lindsay (5-10 202) and sophomore transfer from Kentucky Brandon Jackson (5-10 195) will handle the majority of the carries for the Pirates. Jackson had a great summer camp and has proven to Coach Holtz that he can be an every down back for ECU this season. The Pirates can also count on junior Jonathon Williams (6-1 196) to get some carries assuming he stays out of Skip's doghouse. Last year's leading rusher (698 yards) Norman Whitley will also add depth to the already deep and talented backfield. Senior J.R. Rodgers has experience that will be called upon if injuries occur at the running back position down the road.
Appalachian State
Appalachian State is deep as well when it comes to the running back position. Appalachian State averaged 241.0 rushing yards per game last year. With the latest injury to Armanti Edwards the Mountaineers will certainly miss the 941 yards and 11 TD's that Armanti Edwards racked up in 2008. The weight of the running game will now fall on 5-11 225 lbs Robert Welton (544 yards 11 TD's) a power back that is great around the redzone. Appalachian State also has their speed back Devin Radford (6.9 YPC 4 TD's). Another tailback sure to get in the mix is RS-Fr Rod Chisolm who had a good spring and summer. Chisolm should expect to get some reps at tailback.
Advantage: Push If Armanti Edwards is healthy it's a push, but without Armanti in the line-up the advantage swings in East Carolina's favor.
Wide Receivers
East Carolina
The Pirates have a group of solid receivers that can score in a variety of ways. Senior Jamar Bryant (6-2, 208) will come in as the Pirates #1 receiver. Missing most of last season because of violating team rules, Bryant still managed to bring in 19 catches for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Bryant is a physical wide receiver that can stretch the field as well as go across the middle. Junior Dwayne Harris (6-0, 198) is back for ECU and will continue to touch the ball in a various amount of ways. His speed and shiftiness helped Harris grab a team high 58 catches for 654 yards and a touchdown, despite missing four games due to a foot injury. Harris also rushed the ball 19 times for 76 yards. Seniors Alex Taylor (6-4) and Reyn Willis (6-3) will give the Pirates an option around the redzone. Sophomores Joe Womack and Darryl Freeney will also be in the mix and add depth to this receiving core.
Appalachian State
Appalachian State returns playmakers at wide receiver for 2009. Junior CoCo Hillary is back after bringing in 56 receptions for 735 yards and 5 touchdowns. The best big play threat returns in sophomore Brian Quick (6-5, 210). Quick averaged 21.6 YPR on 496 yards and also caught 7 touchdowns. All-American tight end Ben Jordan (29 rec., 506 yards, 6 TDs, 17.4 YPR.) is back in the line-up giving this passing attack balance and the ability to attack the middle.
Advantage: East Carolina The speed and quickness of the Pirates receivers gives ECU the edge. A little space and Dwayne Harris and Jamar Bryant can take it the distance. The pirates also have a deeper group of receivers giving them more options to go with in certain situations.
Offensive Line
East Carolina
The Pirates offense shouldn't miss a beat in 2009, and that in large part is thanks to a stellar performance from its offensive line. Leading the way up front is Senior and Second Team All-Conference Center Sean Allen. Versatile linemen Terence Campbell rotated between both Tackle positions last season and can also play guard. Campbell admirably played through a heart ailment last season.
Offense
Junior Left Guard Cory Dowless is a player to watch this upcoming season. A good pass protector who started all 14 games last season, Dowless could be up for All-Conference honors at season's end. The Pirates biggest linemen (6'6 320) is junior Tackle D.J. Scott. Teammates noted his improved technique over the 10 games he started last season. The biggest question mark is Doug Palmer. Palmer is among the best of the guards in the conference, but must stay out of trouble. He is tentatively on the depth chart, but must earn Coach Holtz's trust to re-earn playing time. T.J. Harper and Willie Smith will both contribute as well.
Appalachian State
Appalachian State starters on an offensive line that helped produce one of the most prolific offenses in recent FCS division history. Senior FCS All-American candidate Mario Acitelli leads the way for the Mountaineers at Left Guard. Juniors Daniel Kilgore (RT) and last years Center Brett Irvin both All-Conference last year also return. Irvin could see some time at guard. A slew of underclassmen are competing for spots.
Advantage: East Carolina The Pirates linemen are much stronger then the Mountaineers and protect Pinkney as well as any quarterback in the conference. Although the Mountaineers offensive lines is one, if not the top in the FCS division, they will have a tough time handling the front seven of the Pirates.
Defense
Defensive Line
East Carolina
College Football News calls this group ACC caliber. Opposing Offensive Coordinators cram all night wondering how to penetrate this seemingly brick wall of defenders. And Skip Holtz has called this unit the heartbeat of the team. Yes were talking about the big boys up front: The Defensive Line. The Line is led by Preseason All-Conference Defensive Player of the year C.J. Wilson. The senior Defensive End basically lived in opponent's backfield last season, registering 10.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for a loss and an astounding 70 tackles for an end. If the Pirates perform the way they are expected to on Defense, Wilson could be a valid All-American pick come Bowl Season. As great as Wilson is, the Pirates might be even better at Defensive Tackle. Senior Jay Ross (6'3 306 pounder) is a run stuffer who also has great speed for his size. With 5 sacks last year, Ross also has no problem getting to the Quarterback. Former University of Florida recruit, Linval Joseph is the other starting DT. A slimmer (now 6'6 300) and quicker Joseph arrived at camp looking to improve on his 43 tackles. Both Ross and Joseph were All-Conference USA honorable mention and there's no reason both can't improve this season. The one question mark will be replacing Zack Slate. Senior Scotty Robinson is now thrust into a starting spot after being a reserve for most of his career. If he can make teams pay for double teaming C.J. Wilson, the Pirates won't have problems at all. Robinson only has 4 career sacks. Junior Western Carolina transfer Josh Smith should also see time at DT.
Appalachian State
With a rotation of 9 solid players, the Mountaineers Line is one of the top in the FCS. The Mountaineers get a playmaker back at Defensive End this season with the return of Tony Robertson. Missing last season with a shoulder injury (he was able to medical redshirt) Robertson was a huge factor in App. State's last national championship team and even earned All-American honorable mention. Sophomore Lanston Tanyi held down Robertson's job with 6 sacks as a freshman. But Tanyi will return to his reserve rotation role to make room for All-American candidate Jabari Fletcher. A former linebacker, Fletcher has been a menace on the outside and had 12.5 tackles for a loss in 2008. Sr. Anthony Williams and So. Gordy Witte return as solid options inside against the run.
Advantage: East Carolina. App. State has a great D-Line for FCS, but the Pirates have one of the most talented lines in the country. If they are able to dictate the tempo early and often, it could be a long day for the Mountaineer Offense. Just ask Pat White.
Linebackers
East Carolina
Back in the middle for ECU is senior linebacker Nick Johnson. Not the prototypical MLB at 6-1 217, Johnson displays a nose for the football and a great football IQ. Johnson had a team-high 102 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and two interceptions. One OLB spot belongs to senior Jeremy Chambliss (6-0, 227). Chambliss is a good athlete that benefited because of the injuries to the linebackers in 2008. He notched 60 tackles with six tackles for loss. The other OLB spot will be occupied by senior Chris Mattocks (6-0, 210). A onetime defensive back, Mattocks is quick enough to match up with receivers, but also physical enough to make the play at the point of attack.
Appalachian State
Anchoring the defense for the Mountaineers is senior MLB Jacque Roman. At 6-1 240 lbs Roman earned SoCon defensive player of the year after racking up a league best 130 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. Jacque Roman enters this season as the SoCon's active career leader in tackles with 301. Junior outside linebacker D.J. Smith returns for Appalachian St. D.J. Smith (6-1, 220) is a quick OLB that is able to play sideline to sideline football. In 2008 Smith registered 123 tackles and two sacks. It's uncertain who will maintain the other OLB spot.
Advantage: East Carolina Appalachian State has two very talented players in Jacque Roman and D.J. Smith but the solid play from the ECU linebackers as a unit gives ECU the advantage.
Secondary
The Pirate secondary led Conference USA with 22 interceptions last season. Anchoring the unit is ball hawking free safety Van Eskridge. The senior was last years team Defensive MVP and 1st team All-Conference with 4 interceptions and 97 tackles. An NFL scout (Robert Haines) told me he has a reasonable chance to be an NFL player. The other safety spot will be occupied by Senior Levin Neal to start, but look for Sophomore Derek Blacknall to play a lot as well. Primarily a Special Teams player and backup Corner last year, Blacknall has great coverage skills for a safety but must improve his physicality. Junior Cornerback Dekota Marshall started 12 games last year and looked as if he improved each week. At 6'1 he has the size to be physical and has solid hands for a corner. Fellow Junior Travis Simmons will join Marshall at Cornerback. Although Simmons only started 4 games last year, he came up huge in the C-USA championship game, taking an interception to pay-dirt. Simmons will be feeling the heat all-season from his backup Emanuel Davis. The sophomore was on the Rivals.com 1st team All-American Freshman squad with 4 interceptions and 45 tackles.
Darryl Reynolds should see time as well. This Unit is above-average at best, but will benefit greatly from a superb pass rush.
Appalachian State returns 3 starters in the secondary for the 2009 season. Junior Mark LeGree who was nominated for the top Defensive Back award last season, looks to continue his success. LeGree set a school record with 10 interceptions last season. Senior Cortez Gilbert will line up on the other side at Corner and Sophomore Ed Gainey will see plenty of action as well. Gainey earned All-Freshman team accolades last season filling in for injured starters. The Mountaineers are a little thin at safety and hope to replace Leonard Love with either Freshman Dominique McDuffie or Junior Jared Reine. Both had less than 10 tackles each last season and if there's one weakness on this strong defense, it is Safety.
Advantage: East Carolina Although Mark LeGree is an outstanding playmaker for the Mountaineers, East Carolina is much deeper in the Secondary. The Pirates also have a ball-hawking Safety which is something the Mountaineers are lacking this season.
Special Teams
East Carolina
At kicker for the Pirates will once again be Ben Hartman. In 2008 Hartman went 21-31 in field goals with a long of 51 yards. With the ability to score anytime the ball touches his hands, Dwayne Harris will take care of the kick returns as well as the punt returns. Travis Simmons and Dominique Lindsay will also get reps at kick returner and punt returner. East Carolina is happy to have back Ray Guy Award Watch List punter Matt Dodge. Dodge averaged 43.9 yards a punt in 2008 with 25 of his boots going 50 yards or longer.
Appalachian State
Jason Vitaris will handle the kicking duties again. Last year Vitaris went 8-12 in field goals with a long of 46 yards. The return responsibilities will most likely fall on WR CoCo Hillary. Despite only playing college football for two seasons, Hillary only needs 13 more kickoffs and 139 kickoff return yards to become the all-time leader for Appalachian St. in each of those categories. The Mountaineers have lost their all conference punter Neil Young to graduation, so now the job belongs to redshirt freshman Sam Martin.
Advantage: East Carolina Dwayne Harris returning punts and kicks for the Pirates and the punting of Matt Dodge gives ECU the edge in Special Teams.