Kelton Smith Commits to ECU

X: @Kel32Smith

East Carolina has added another key piece to its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of Kelton Smith, a rising defensive tackle from Gaffney High School in South Carolina.

Smith, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound interior lineman, committed to the Pirates following his official visit to campus over the weekend. He received his offer from ECU during the visit and didn’t waste any time, finalizing his decision before heading home.

While Smith’s recruitment has been under the radar, his talent is undeniable. He began his high school career playing 8-man football at Oakbrook Preparatory School in Spartanburg, S.C., where he lined up at running back, tight end, and defensive end. That versatility stood out, but it wasn’t until he transferred to Gaffney one of South Carolina’s premier 5A programs that he settled in as a full-time defensive lineman.

Since making the move, Smith has developed into a physical presence on the interior. He brings strength at the point of attack, size to anchor against the run, and raw upside that fits well in ECU’s long-term vision for the defensive front. Under defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge, Smith projects as a disruptive force in the trenches capable of eating up blocks and creating chaos in the backfield.

Smith’s commitment also reflects ECU’s continued success recruiting the Gaffney area. The Pirates have strong ties there, including through Director of Recruiting Lance Ware. Smith was one of two Gaffney prospects to take an official visit to ECU over the weekend, joined by outside linebacker Zyon Ratchford.

His decision comes just a day after three-star Richmond (N.C.) EDGE prospect Terande Spencer committed to the Pirates, giving ECU two important defensive additions in back-to-back days.

The Pirates are currently operating in a critical stretch on the recruiting calendar. The NCAA’s quiet period running from May 29 through June 22 allows for on-campus visits, camps, and official visits. ECU will host 13 official visitors from June 12-14, with more prospects expected in the following days. The dead period begins June 23 and runs through July 31, during which no face-to-face contact is allowed..