No Excuses: ECU Offense Ready to Light Up the American
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East Carolina's 2025 offense might just be the most complete unit the Pirates have had in years. Led by returning quarterback Katin Houser and a wide receiver group that's both proven and newly loaded with talent, the Pirates look ready to make noise in the American.
Houser Takes the Lead
Katin Houser is back at the helm after throwing for 2,006 yards, 18 touchdowns, and adding 4 rushing scores in nine starts last season. He also threw 11 interceptions, but with another year under his belt and full control of the offense, expectations are high.
“It’s a lot more smooth than last year,” Houser said at American Conference Media Day. “We have the same guys coming back—Yannick [Smith], Anthony [Smith], and the same OC [John David Baker].”
That continuity is giving the former Michigan State transfer a sense of calm and control going into 2025.
“The relationships are going a lot more smooth. I feel a lot more relaxed at practice. I can focus more on getting the team better than competing.”
Smith & Smith Return
Houser’s top two weapons are back, and both bring different flavors to the offense. Anthony Smith, now entering his final season, led ECU with 799 receiving yards in 2024 and has become the go-to big play threat.
“It’s so nice—when you see Ant on a GO ball I can just close my eyes and he’ll go get it,” Houser said.
Then there’s Yannick Smith, who had a breakout year as a true freshman with 434 yards and a knack for winning contested catches.
“Yannick can win a 50/50 ball with anybody,” Houser added.
A Loaded Receiver Room
The Pirates didn’t stop there. They went portal hunting and came back with a stockpile of talent. Former four-star Oklahoma receiver Jaquaize Pettaway now calls Greenville home. So does Tyler Johnson, a long and athletic target from Penn State. Payton Mangrum made the jump from South Carolina.
Rhyeem Craig got to see the group early and came away impressed.
“It’s unreal how explosive they are,” Craig said. “Them boys look good—I’m excited to watch them.”
A Recharged Backfield
The loss of Rahjai Harris and his 1,166 rushing yards is massive—but it doesn’t mean ECU is lacking in the backfield.
London Montgomery returns after rushing for 359 yards and 2 scores a year ago. Marlon Gunn Jr., now fully healthy, added 224 yards and 3 touchdowns of his own in 2024.
Then you add Parker Jenkins, a major transfer addition from Houston. Jenkins had a standout freshman season in 2023, racking up 464 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging nearly 5 yards per carry. He played in just one game last year due to injury, but he's expected to make a real impact in Greenville.
The Final Touches
The offense will once again be led by John David Baker, who enters his second year as offensive coordinator. With Houser settled in and a deep group of skill guys around him, the foundation is there for a huge leap in year two.
Head coach Blake Harrell made it clear that every spot still has to be earned.
“Our focus is everything is earned,” Harrell said during fall camp. “You earn the right to be a part of this program. You earn the right to be a Pirate.”