Ja’Vaughn Hargett Talks Commitment: “I’m Locked In and Ready to Win”

East Carolina has made another major addition to its offensive line pipeline with the commitment of Ja’Vaughn Hargett, a three-star offensive tackle out of Southern Durham High School in North Carolina. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound prospect becomes the second offensive line commit in the 2026 class, joining Preston Broadway of Metrolina Christian Academy.

Rated an 86 overall by 247Sports, Hargett checks in as the 111th-ranked offensive tackle nationally and the 40th-best in the 2026 cycle. He picked the Pirates over offers from Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, James Madison, App State, Charlotte, Toledo, and Troy, showing just how wide his recruiting attention stretched.

Despite those Power Five offers, ECU stood out for more than just football reasons.

“The genuine relationships I built with the coaching staff,” Hargett told The Pirate Pulse. “From the beginning, Coach [Allen] Mattox made it clear to me that I would be able to fit in the program.”

When asked who stood out on the staff, Hargett gave a quick shout to multiple coaches who played key roles in his decision: “Coach Harrell, Coach Mattox, Coach Ware, and Coach McManus.”

Hargett isn’t coming to Greenville just to fill out a depth chart. His mindset is already centered on development, leadership, and early impact.

“I envision myself developing into the best version of myself. I want to be a leader and make an impact early,” he said.

For Hargett, putting on the purple and gold isn’t just a football move—it’s a dream fulfilled.

“This is a dream come true,” he added. “And I’m ready to get to work.”

Before wrapping up, the Southern Durham standout had one final message for Pirate Nation.

“Pirate Nation—I’m locked in and ready to win football games in purple and gold.”