Pirates Kick Off Spring Practice Under New Head Coach Blake Harrell
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina’s spring football practices have officially begun under the leadership of first-year full-time head coach Blake Harrell. The Pirates held their initial workout Tuesday afternoon at Hight Field inside the Cliff Moore Practice Complex, marking the start of 15 scheduled sessions that will culminate in the Purple-Gold Spring Game on April 26 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Coach Harrell guided the team through a two-hour, fundamentals-focused practice while the players were in shorts and helmets—a warm-up following their offseason work in the weight room and conditioning during January and February. “It was great to be on the grass again and practice outside for the first time of the spring,” Harrell said. “Our first quarter was the offseason, the second is now with spring ball, the third will be our summer program, and the fourth is next preseason camp. We kept it light on day one, easing into the schedule so we don’t overdo it.”
Harrell observed promising energy and noted that about 117 players participated, with some dealing with typical spring injuries, which allowed younger players a chance to see the field. Thursday’s session will also be in helmets, while Friday’s practice will incorporate full pads.
On the offensive side, second-year coordinator John David Baker welcomed back 19 lettermen, including key contributors from the 2024 Military Bowl Championship campaign such as quarterback Katin Houser, offensive linemen Jimarion McCrimon and Emmanuel Poku, and wide receiver Anthony Smith. These veterans form the backbone of an offense that ranked among the FBS leaders in third-down conversion (24th overall), total offense (24th), passing yards per completion (26th), and overall passing offense (27th).
Defensively, first-year coordinator Josh Aldridge has two returning starters—outside linebacker/defensive lineman Ryheem Craig and defensive back Ja’Marley Riddle—while 22 lettermen make up the defensive unit. The Pirates were among the top 30 in several defensive categories last season, including defensive touchdowns (12th), red zone defense (13th), tackles for loss (14th), interceptions (27th), turnovers (27th), and fourth down conversion defense (29th).
On special teams, ECU’s specialists also performed well, ranking tied for first in blocked kicks and blocked punts allowed, and placing in the top 30 in kickoff return yards. The Pirates return five place kickers—Andrew Conrad, Noah Perez, and Everett Scott—and two punt returners, Riddle and Brock Spalding.
Overall, the Pirates kicked off spring practice with 116 players, including 46 lettermen from last season. Additionally, 31 newcomers took the field for the first time, with names like Jonathan Akins, Justin Benton, and Kendrick DuJour among those making their debut.
Tuesday also marked the first on-field session for ECU’s three new full-time coaches—defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Josh Aldridge, special teams coordinator Ryan Smith, and cornerbacks coach Tarron Williams, with both Smith and Williams returning this offseason.
Earlier in the day, ECU hosted its annual Pro Day at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, drawing representatives from all 32 NFL teams. Twenty-one players participated in a series of drills that tested their speed, agility, strength, and jumping ability, as well as standard measurements like height and weight.
ECU’s spring practice will begin with two “acclimation” sessions in shorts and helmets before progressing to full-shell practices on Friday.
