Five Years of Fireworks, Frustration, and Fight: ECU’s Offense from 2020–2024
From the rise of Holton Ahlers and Keaton Mitchell to the chaotic collapse of 2023 and the rebound in 2024, ECU’s offense has seen its share of identity shifts, star performances, and growing pains. Here’s a full year-by-year breakdown of the Pirates’ offense over the last five seasons.
2020 – Flashes Amid Chaos
Record: 3–6 (3–5 AAC)
Points/Game: 30.2
Total Offense: 403.7 YPG
Passing Yards/Game: 270.3
Rushing Yards/Game: 133.4
Key Players: Holton Ahlers, Tyler Snead, Blake Proehl, Rahjai Harris
Despite a COVID-shortened season, ECU’s offense showed promise. Ahlers averaged 270 yards per game through the air, and true freshman Rahjai Harris burst onto the scene as a top AAC rusher. The Pirates closed the year with a 52–38 win over SMU that hinted at things to come.
2021 – Turning the Corner
Record: 7–5 (5–3 AAC)
Points/Game: 29.7
Total Offense: 433.2 YPG
Passing Yards/Game: 270.8
Rushing Yards/Game: 162.4
Key Players: Holton Ahlers, Keaton Mitchell, Tyler Snead, C.J. Johnson
2021 marked ECU’s first winning regular season since 2014. The Pirates found a balanced offensive identity. Keaton Mitchell broke out with 1,132 rushing yards and 9 TDs as a sophomore, and Ahlers continued to stretch defenses. Despite losing the Military Bowl to COVID, the team took a big step forward.
2022 – Veteran Firepower, Missed Opportunity
Record: 8–5 (4–4 AAC)
Points/Game: 32.5
Total Offense: 461.1 YPG
Passing Yards/Game: 270.2
Rushing Yards/Game: 190.9
Key Players: Holton Ahlers, Keaton Mitchell, Isaiah Winstead, C.J. Johnson
Behind one of the best skill groups in school history, ECU’s offense soared. Ahlers passed for 3,700+ yards, Mitchell topped 1,400 on the ground, and both Winstead and Johnson surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. The Pirates closed with a 53–29 win over Coastal Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl, sending off Ahlers and Kirkpatrick on a high note.
2023 – Offensive Collapse and Rock Bottom
Record: 2–10 (1–7 AAC)
Points/Game: 17.3
Total Offense: ~277 YPG
Passing Yards/Game: 163.9
Rushing Yards/Game: 113.0
Key Players: Alex Flinn, Mason Garcia
Coaching Note: Donnie Kirkpatrick’s final year as OC
Quarterback play was erratic. Alex Flinn threw 6 TDs to 12 INTs, while Mason Garcia never found consistency. The line struggled, and play calling became predictable. The result? ECU ranked bottom-10 nationally in scoring. After the season, major changes came including the firing of Mike Houston and staff reshuffling.
2024 – The Rebound
Record: 8–5 (5–3 AAC)
Points/Game: 32.0
Total Offense: 436.4 YPG
Passing Yards/Game: 264.0
Rushing Yards/Game: 172.4
Key Players: Katin Houser, Rahjai Harris, Brock Spalding
Coaching Note: Blake Harrell named HC midseason, John David Baker’s first year as OC
After a 3–4 start, ECU fired Mike Houston. DC Blake Harrell took over as interim and led the Pirates to a 5–1 finish, including a Military Bowl win over NC State. Transfer QB Katin Houser stabilized the offense, and Rahjai Harris posted 1,166 rushing yards. Under new OC John David Baker, the Pirates averaged 40+ points in the final month.