Pirate Pulse Fall Camp Notes: Defense Wins the Day

With just over two weeks until the season opener at NC State, ECU hit the practice field Tuesday in full pads — and it felt every bit like a real football day. The Pirates brought plenty of physicality and energy as they prepare for Friday’s final scrimmage of camp.

Coaches were vocal from the start, quick to praise when reps were sharp but not afraid to hit the rewind button when things got sloppy. If something wasn’t done right, the group did it again. In some cases, the entire unit had to hustle back to their starting point and turn up the intensity the next time through.

The day’s “Five Shots” drill ECU’s best-of-five two-point conversion competition — went to the defense. The offense only hit paydirt once, with tight end Desirrio Riles finding the end zone, while the defense shut them down the rest of the way.

Blake Harrell made it clear he’s looking for urgency every day.

“It’s human nature that if you’re not pressing forward, you just kind of ease back,” Harrell said. “We can’t let that happen… This is probably the toughest week we’ve got — Week 3 of camp but we’ve got to keep our foot on the gas and go at it like it’s fourth and one.”

Quarterback reps behind starter Katin Houser remain a storyline. Transfer Mike Wright’s speed and experience make him the likely No. 2, but redshirt sophomore Raheim Jeter is making his case with steady command of the offense.

The rest of the week is closed to the media including Friday’s scrimmage before we get a full look and plenty of interviews at Saturday’s Media Day.