Grading ECU Football’s 2025 Transfer Additions

East Carolina has been busy in the transfer portal, and through the first half of the 2025 season, we’ve seen a lot of new faces making a real impact. Some have stepped right in as key contributors, while others are still adjusting to the Pirate way. Here’s how each transfer has graded out so far this season.

Kyler Pearson – B-

Kyler has been pretty steady for the Pirates. His only true negative came with the muffed punt against BYU, but he followed it up the very next week by scoring on a fake field goal. He’s handled his role well and continues to give ECU versatility on special teams.

Tegan Wilk – A-

Tegan came back home and immediately picked up where he left off. His ability to help stop the run and play key snaps in passing downs has been huge in a thin safety room. His leadership and physicality have stood out since day one.

Chance Graves – C+

It’s been tough for Chance to find consistent snaps with how well Tymir Brown has been playing. Still, there’s real potential here. If he continues to develop and learn the system, he could grow into a solid corner by year’s end.

Ladarian Paulk – B-

Paulk has played valuable snaps, especially after the preseason injury to Hines. His best showing came against BYU, where he recorded three total tackles. He’s quietly becoming a reliable depth piece in the linebacker rotation.

Justin Benton – D

Benton was expected to be a major part of this defensive line, but it just hasn’t clicked yet. The athleticism is there, and the staff still believes he can turn the corner, but so far the production hasn’t matched the potential.

Jaquaize Pettaway – F

It’s been a tough go for Pettaway. ECU tried to get him going early in the NC State game, but since then, he’s struggled to find a role. The emergence of Brock Spalding has really limited his chances.

Triston O’Brien – A

You never realize how important a long snapper is until something goes wrong — and ECU hasn’t had those issues this year. O’Brien has been automatic and steady, exactly what you want at the position.

Cooper Trnavsky – C

If this grade came after the NC State game, it would’ve been an F. But since then, Cooper has looked much more comfortable making the jump from D2 ball. His confidence and consistency are both improving.

Parker Jenkins – B-

Parker has helped make the running back room stronger. He’s missed a few cuts here and there, but his improvement each week has been noticeable. Once he puts it all together, he’ll be a real difference-maker.

Nick Mazzie – A

Mazzie has been everything ECU hoped for — steady, confident, and reliable. He’s nailed big kicks and hasn’t wavered in pressure spots. It feels like only a matter of time before he wins a game for the Pirates.

Ryan Leavy – A+

Leavy has been one of ECU’s biggest weapons in the field position game. He’s helped flip the field multiple times this season and even completed a pass on the fake against NC State. Absolute game-changer at punter.

Kendrick DuJour – B+

DuJour’s been a real impact guy up front. His 1.5 sacks in the shutout win at Coastal were huge, and he’s been disruptive in multiple roles. A strong start for a player who’s still growing into his potential.

Jordy Lowery – C+

I’m still high on Lowery’s ceiling after seeing what he did at the FCS level, but he’s had some struggles in man coverage that have limited his snaps. The tools are there — he just needs consistency.

Kyle Long – B-

Long’s experience has been big for ECU’s offensive line. He’s split time at left guard with Panda Askew and held his own. His leadership and communication have been valuable in the trenches.

Rion Roseborough – A-

Rion’s homecoming story has been fun to watch. After coming back to Greenville, he’s been productive early with 0.5 sacks per game through the first five contests. A strong, physical presence off the edge.

Mike Wright Jr. – B

This one still has A+ potential by the time the season ends. Wright hasn’t had a massive on-field role yet, but his leadership, energy, and swagger have completely elevated the team’s culture. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet.

Rasheed Reason – B

Reason has been ECU’s most consistent corner. He might not fill up the stat sheet, but you rarely see him get beat. Quietly one of the most important defenders on the field.

Jonathan Jean – B

Jean has settled into the nickel spot nicely. He’s been a dependable open-field tackler and gives the defense solid versatility in different coverages.

Tyler Johnson – C+

Johnson’s in a tough spot, buried in a deep receiver room. If not for Brock Spalding’s breakout, he’d likely have a much bigger role. The talent is still there, and next season could be a big jump for him.

Payton Mangrum – B+

Mangrum brings SEC experience and toughness to the wideout group. He’s made some key downfield blocks that have sprung big plays. The kind of player every offense needs to do the little things right.

Key Crowell – B-

Crowell’s size limits him a bit at corner, but he’s competed hard and improved each week. Expect him to play a major role later in the season when ECU faces more pass-heavy teams.

Xavier McIver – A-

The only thing keeping this from being an A+ is the injury. McIver has been a force in the middle of the defense — a true difference-maker against the run who can collapse the pocket from the interior.

Overall Transfer Class Grade: B+

ECU’s transfer class has made a real impact across the board. The newcomers have filled holes, added depth, and brought energy to the locker room. There have been a few misses, sure, but the hits — especially on defense and special teams — have already made a difference. If this group keeps trending upward, the Pirates’ portal work will go down as one of the most productive in recent memory.