App State Tight End Kanen Hamlett Transfers to East Carolina

East Carolina has added another piece to its retooled tight end room, as Appalachian State transfer Kanen Hamlett has committed to the Pirates.

Hamlett, a native of Alabama and former Madison Academy standout, just wrapped up his redshirt junior season with the Appalachian State. He will enter the 2026 season with one year of eligibility remaining, bringing experience and versatility to Greenville.

Listed at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, Hamlett has logged 493 offensive snaps across his collegiate career. He has totaled 17 receptions for 177 yards and four touchdowns, with his most productive season coming in 2025. This past fall, Hamlett played a career-high 275 offensive snaps, hauling in 13 passes for 142 yards and two scores.

In addition to his work on offense, Hamlett has been a steady contributor on special teams. He has played more than 290 snaps in that phase during his career, an area ECU has emphasized heavily under head coach Blake Harrell.

Hamlett also arrives in Greenville with some familiarity on the ECU side. Pirates Director of Recruiting Lance Ware coached tight ends at Appalachian State during the 2024 season, overlapping with Hamlett early in his career. Fittingly, Hamlett recorded the first reception of his collegiate career at ECU during the Mountaineers’ win in Greenville that season.

With ECU undergoing a significant transition at tight end following multiple portal departures, Hamlett figures to compete immediately for snaps. His experience as both a receiver and blocker, along with his special teams value, gives the Pirates a reliable, veteran option heading into fall camp.