5 Under-the-Radar Pirates to Watch vs. Campbell
East Carolina will look to bounce back from a hard-fought opener at NC State when they host Campbell on Saturday inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The Pirates are heavy favorites, and if the game plays out as expected, it should give the coaching staff a chance to mix in some fresh faces and build depth.
Here are five under-the-radar players to keep an eye on against the Camels:
S Ayden Duncanson
The safety rotation was tight in the opener, with Teagan Wilk and Ja’Marley Riddle carrying most of the load. Duncanson only saw two defensive snaps, but that could change this week. The redshirt sophomore had a strong offseason and has earned trust within the staff. He also contributed on kickoff coverage against NC State. Saturday sets up as the perfect chance to get him real reps at field safety, build confidence, and start carving out a bigger role.
QB Chaston Ditta
Sitting fourth on the depth chart, Chaston Ditta hasn’t had many opportunities to show what he can do yet. This weekend could be the perfect stage. If the Pirates take care of business early, the young gunslinger should get some live action while still preserving his redshirt. For a developing quarterback, these kinds of game reps are invaluable, and Ditta could take a meaningful step forward with a little time under center.
DB Derrion Horsley
One of the more intriguing freshmen on the roster, Derrion Horsley is viewed internally as a potential lockdown corner of the future. Saturday is the type of game where the staff can give him snaps to test his readiness and start building trust in live situations. If Horsley holds his own, he could quietly put himself in line for more playing time later in the year should injuries or depth issues arise.
P Tomas O’Halloran
Ryan Leavy has the starting punter job, but Tomas O’Halloran is right behind him and should get opportunities to showcase his leg this season. Now in his second year with the program, O’Halloran already used his redshirt year, making every chance to gain in-game experience even more important. A game like this could be a great opportunity for him to get comfortable in live situations and prove he’s ready when called upon.
WR Johnny Williams
Currently running with the scout team, freshman wideout Johnny Williams has already caught the staff’s eye. In this offense, the slot receiver role is a massive piece, and Williams has the skillset to eventually claim it. Saturday could give him a chance to flash in live reps, show the staff he’s ready for more, and start building momentum toward earning a bigger role in the future.