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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 6-5 (3-3) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Steve Logan Returning starters: 14 (offense 6, defense 6) Outlook East Carolina has enough talent returning to make a run at contending for the Conference USA title. Much of the Pirates' hopes rely on the continued development of quarterback David Garrard, along with the switch over to an attacking defense. But East Carolina won't get any favors from its schedule -- it opens against West Virginia in Charlotte, N.C., and also must play Miami (Fla.) and North Carolina State. Offense With a little development, Garrard can assert himself as the second-best quarterback in the conference. As big as many linebackers, the 6-3, 240-pound sophomore also showed a deft touch by completing a school-record 61.6 percent of his passes. Garrard's strong spring ended any speculation that the Pirates would give many reps to Bobby Weaver, who still might be called on to run the option on occasion. Most of Weaver's playing time will come at H-back, although he did not take part in any contact drills this spring while recovering from the leg injury which ended his 1998 season. Garrard has two options out of the backfield -- junior Jamie Wilson and sophomore Leonard Henry. The pair put up almost identical numbers last season, combining for 1,281 yards and 8 rushing TDs. Top receiver Troy Smith is gone, but LaMont Chappell (36 catches, 584 yards, 6 TDs) returns. The line features two returning starters (right guard Sherwin Lacewell and right tackle Samein Jones) but just one senior is projected to start -- tackle Derrick Gamble. Shawn Bryson, who was expected to start at tight end in place of the departed Buck Collins, was dismissed from the team by coach Steve Logan for violating team rules. Now untested Corey Floyd inherits the position. It's a good sign if: Garrard develops leadership skills to go along with his passing touch.It's a bad sign if: The running game spins its wheels as the new line matures. Defense New coordinator Tim Rose's defensive scheme has been called aggressive, bewildering, twisting and in-your-face. Expect plenty of stunting and blitzing in the 3-4 setup. The Pirates need to replace two starters on the line, but the starter who is back, tackle Norris McCleary, is a good one. East Carolina's defensive strength is at linebacker, where the Pirates have two of Conference USA's best. Jeff Kerr missed three games due to injury last season but still finished fifth in the league in tackles (115). Pernell Griffin has range and big-hitting ability. The secondary returns both corners, seniors Forrest Foster and Kevin Monroe. Safety is a bigger question mark. Travis Mazyck, a coverted wideout, looked good at safety in spring drills. It's a good sign if: The new defense showcases Kerr and Griffin's play-making styles.It's a bad sign if: East Carolina can't improve on its run defense, which ranked 95th last season. Special Teams Logan-coached teams are usually stellar in special team play, but last year was an exception. The team was 11-19 overall, with Andrew Bayes hitting 6-of-11. He returns, but freshman Bryce Harrington is expected to take over placekicking duties and allow Bayes to be a full-time punter. Speedy JC transfer Keith Stokes could give the return game a big upgrade. -- Greg Collins |
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