ECU Lands Graduate Transfer Punter Ryan Leavy
East Carolina football has strengthened its special teams group with the addition of veteran punter Ryan Leavy, who announced his commitment to the Pirates after an official visit earlier this week. Leavy, a graduate transfer from Duke, will have one year of eligibility remaining.
"I have committed to play my last season at ECU," Leavy tweeted. "Thank you Coach Ryan Smith and Coach Blake Harrell. FIRE THE CANNONS!!!"
Leavy steps into a competitive punting situation at East Carolina following the departure of long-time starter Luke Larsen, who transferred to Villanova after last season. Redshirt freshman Tomas O'Halloran, an Australian native, remains on the roster, but he missed much of spring practice while recovering from mononucleosis, leaving ECU eager to add another experienced option.
During the 2023 season, Leavy served as Duke’s second-team punter behind standout freshman Kade Reynoldson, who earned Freshman All-American honors. Before transferring to Duke, Leavy was a multi-year starter at Furman, bringing a wealth of game experience at both the FCS and FBS levels.
His arrival gives the Pirates a proven veteran presence as they prepare to finalize their special teams lineup ahead of the 2024 season.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Leavy averaged 40.4 yards per punt over 126 punts during his time at Furman. He was the team's primary punter in 2022 and 2023, wrapping up a four-year run at Furman before entering the transfer portal.