Pirates Release Official Week 1 Depth Chart Ahead of NC State Battle

It’s officially game week, and East Carolina has released its full depth chart for the Thursday night opener against NC State. After a long offseason of speculation, competition, and camp battles, we now have the clearest look yet at who the Pirates will roll out when they take the field at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Let’s break it down — position by position — starting with the offense.

OFFENSE

Quarterback
– Starter: Katin Houser
– Backup: Mike Wright Jr.

Houser, the Michigan State transfer, held on to the starting job after a strong close to 2024. He’ll have veteran support behind him in Wright, who brings SEC experience.

Running Backs
– London Montgomery OR Marlon Gunn Jr. OR Parker Jenkins

No surprise here — all three backs are listed as co-starters. Montgomery had a big spring, Gunn is the seasoned vet, and Jenkins is too talented to leave off the field. Expect a heavy rotation.

Wide Receiver (X)
– Starter: Anthony Smith
– Backup: Tyler Johnson

Smith enters as ECU’s top returning pass catcher after leading the team in receiving yards and second in touchdowns last year.

Wide Receiver (Z)
– Starter: Yannick Smith
– Backup: Brock Spalding

Yannick flashed big-play ability throughout 2024 and earned a starting spot. Spalding, now healthy, gives depth and versatility.

Slot Receiver
– Starter: Jaquize Petteway
– Backup: Peyton Mangrum

Petteway transferred in from Oklahoma and has quickly become a camp standout. He’s expected to be electric in space.

Tight End
– Starter: Dessirio Riles
– Backup: Jayvontay Canion

Riles returns as the top option at tight end after showing flashes of strong hands and blocking ability last fall.

Left Tackle
– Starter: Jimarion McCrimon
– Backup: Marleo Neolien

McCrimon started seven games last year and is back as the blindside protector.

Left Guard
– Starter: Kyle Long
– Backup: Panda Askew

Maryland transfer Kyle Long brings Power 5 experience to the interior. He impressed the staff throughout spring and fall camp.

Center
– Starter: Darius Bell
– Backup: Brice Weaver

Bell started six games in 2024 and returns as the anchor of the o-line. He’s quietly become a leader in the middle.

Right Guard
– Starter: Emmanuel Poku
– Backup: Levi Semaia

Poku started all 13 games last season and provides size and consistency on the right side.

Right Tackle
– Starter: Cooper Trnavsky
– Backup: Jayson Tarpeh

Trnavsky was ECU’s most reliable lineman in 2024 and has locked down the right tackle spot again.

DEFENSE

Defensive End
– Starter: J.D. Lampley
– Backup: Jasaiah Robinson

Lampley is back for a senior season after a strong 2024, and Robinson provides rotational experience behind him.

Defensive Tackles
– Starters: Zion Wilson and Xavier McIver
– Backups: Preston Carr and Rion Roseborough

Wilson and McIver are the heartbeat of the defensive line. Carr has emerged as a rising name in fall camp.

Outside Linebacker
– Starter: Ryheem Craig OR Julien Davis
– Backup: Kendric DuJour

This battle isn’t over yet. Craig brings speed off the edge, while Davis is a physical, downhill presence.

Linebacker
– Starter: Dameon Wilson OR DJ Johnson Jr.

Both guys have been repping with the ones. Wilson might be the most vocal leader on defense.

Nickel
– Starter: Sam Dankah
– Backup: Jackson Barker

Dankah has owned this hybrid role since spring. He’s physical and instinctive, and he’s coming off a big camp.

Cornerbacks
– Starters: Rasheed Reason and Jordy Lowery
– Backups: TyMir Brown and Chance Graves

Lowery, the WCU transfer, earned a starting role. Reason, the ODU transfer has stamped his mark already here.

Safeties
– Starters: Teagan Wilk and Ja’Marley Riddle

Wilk returns as the leader of the secondary, and Riddle has taken a big step forward in his second year as a starter .

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker
– Nick Mazzie OR Noah Perez OR Andrew Conrad

Still listed as a three-man battle, though Conrad is the veteran of the group.

Punter
– Ryan Leavy OR Tomas O’Halloran

Leavy (Duke transfer) vs. O’Halloran (Australia) — we’ll see who trots out first on Thursday.

Holder
– Ryan Leavy OR Kyler Pearson

Long Snapper
– Triston O’Brien OR Cole Walker

Punt Returner
– Kyler Pearson OR Peyton Mangrum

Kick Returner
– London Montgomery OR Parker Jenkins

Final Thoughts

The chart has plenty of familiar names but also a handful of fresh faces. There’s a blend of returning production, talented transfers, and emerging young players ready to contribute. The running back room is deep. The quarterback room is solidified. And the defense looks like it’ll lean on experience up front and speed in the secondary.

ECU and NC State kick off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday night on ACC Network. Let the 2025 season begin.