Q&A: Chad Fairchild Talks ECU Commitment, Early Impact Goals, and Family Influence

Photo Credit: PackPride 247 Sports

East Carolina landed one of its top defensive targets for the 2026 class when highly recruited linebacker Chad Fairchild committed following an official visit to Greenville. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound prospect out of Lovejoy High School in Hampton, Ga., held offers from Power Five programs like Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Duke, and NC State, but ultimately chose to roll with the Pirates.

The Pirate Pulse caught up with Fairchild to talk about what drew him to ECU, his early expectations, and the role his father played in his football journey.

What made ECU the right fit despite all the big-time offers?

"Something that stood out about ECU was touring the campus and seeing how much they are a football college town," Fairchild said. "Being around the players and hearing them say how true it is when the coaches talk about being invested in us — that really hit. They want what’s best for their players, and I saw that firsthand. Plus, ECU pushes guys to play early, and that’s big for me."

What do you envision for your time in Greenville?

"My plan is to come in mid-year, learn the playbook, keep my head down, work hard, and earn the right to play early," he said. "I just want to contribute however I can and let my work speak."

Who helped guide your football journey the most?

"A person that helped me on my football journey, I would say, is my pops. He’s been with me since I started playing at five years old," Fairchild said. "He’s taught me a lot — still is — and I’m thankful for how he’s shaped me into the player I am today."

What are your goals at the next level?

"To be honest, I don’t really have any college goals just yet," Fairchild admitted. "I like to stay where my feet are, lock in, and live in the moment. But once I get to college, I’ll definitely set goals and stay focused on achieving them."

Fairchild joins Terande Spencer and Kelton Smith as key defensive commits in ECU’s 2026 class and plans to enroll early in January. His focus, maturity, and drive to contribute right away make him one of the most exciting additions in a rapidly growing recruiting class under head coach Blake Harrell and defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge.