Enthusiasm swirls around ECU's campus

As a sportswriter, the months of June and July often seem never-ending. The schools are out for the summer, leaving us with few sporting events to cover.

Once the spring sports season comes to an end, the one day we look forward to is Aug. 1 - the first day high school and college football teams can officially begin practicing. The thought of running out of the tunnel and onto the field is anticipated more and more.

On Aug. 1, everyone has high expectations. Even those Blue Devils in Durham believe they can compete on the gridiron.

In Greenville, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the East Carolina football team.

The Pirates are coming off an 8-5 season, after wrapping up the year with a remarkable win over No. 22 Boise State. This year, they are predicted to finish third in Conference USA's East Division behind Central Florida and Southern Miss.

However, at Saturday's media day, you would think the Pirates were the ones favored to win the conference.

"As a staff I think we have the same expectations this year that we've had every year," East Carolina coach Skip Holtz said. "They're probably a little more attainable this year when you look at our football team."

Since Holtz joined the school in 2005, the Pirates have improved every season - from 5-6 in 2005 to 7-6 the following year to 8-5 last season. So ECU has every reason to be jacked up about the future.

In just his second year, Holtz led the Pirates to the Papajohns.com Bowl. He followed that up with a trip to the Hawaii Bowl in 2007.

So this must be the year for a trip to the Liberty Bowl, which is given to the C-USA Champion?

"We were picked dead last our first year," Holtz said. "When we first came in here and started writing goals on the board, we talked about winning a conference championship, and having the opportunity to play in the Liberty Bowl, as well as winning a bowl game. After year two, people asked if I thought we could get to a bowl game so quickly. I said then that was in the hands of the players and how far they would progress in two years."

Despite losing all-everything running back Chris Johnson, the Pirates still have a load of talent returning.

They return 15 starters, including nine on defense. On offense, ECU has returning two quarterbacks with plenty of game experience - Patrick Pinkney and Rob Kass.

The depth at running back is looking promising with Dominque Lindsay, Brandon Simmons, Jon Williams and J.R. Rogers vying for playing time.

The wide receiving duo of Jamar Bryant and Dwayne Harris are back, along with tight end Davon Drew giving the Pirates big targets to throw to.

Last Friday, the Pirates hit the field with their lofty goals. However, if they are to achieve those goals, there are some things the team needs to shore up.

The pass defense was horrendous last year, ranking 114^th in the nation. Injuries also decimated the chemistry this season.

But in the team's first practice, junior safety Van Eskridge said the defense looked sharp.

"We didn't have pads on, but it is a good way to measure," he said. "We looked good out there running around. We looked fast, reacted quicker and we looked like we are playing smarter. One of the main things is that the DBs didn't let anybody behind them."

Another challenging schedule

The Pirates spent all spring and summer working hard preparing for their Aug. 30 game against Virginia Tech in Charlotte.

I can only imagine the thrill of walking onto Bank of America Stadium, getting set to play against a top 10-team in the country on national television.

The feeling has got to be exhilarating for those student-athletes.

For the second-consecutive season, ECU opens with the Hokies. Also on the schedule this season is West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina State.

Games against Tech, West Virginia and Central Florida are all televised on ESPN.

Last season the nation almost got to witness the Pirates pull off an upset over Virginia Tech. ECU held strong, as it was only behind 10-7 after three quarters.

Unfortunately, a touchdown early in the fourth sealed the victory for the Hokies. In 20 days, it will be ECU's turn for redemption.

"That is what we look forward to," Eskridge said. "That is what drives us during the summer. There are a lot of powerhouse programs that we get a chance to step out on the field with. We are just looking forward to coming out and showing our talents."

Adam Thompson can be reached at (252) 635-5670 or at athompson@freedomenc.com.