Rice Graduate Transfer Jonathan Jean Commits to ECU

( Photo from https://x.com/JojoJean26)

Pirates Add Experience to the Secondary

East Carolina has bolstered its defensive backfield depth with the addition of graduate transfer Jonathan Jean from Rice. The 5-foot-10, 191-pound defensive back committed to the Pirates this week and will arrive in Greenville with one year of eligibility remaining.

Jean spent the past four seasons at Rice, appearing in 27 career games. He has totaled 56 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. His best season came in 2023, when he made nine starts over 11 games and posted 41 total tackles, including three tackles for loss.

Veteran Presence with Versatility

Originally from American Heritage High School in Florida, Jean brings a blend of speed, strength, and versatility that gives ECU flexibility at multiple spots in the defensive backfield.

While he has most commonly lined up at outside corner, Jean has the physical tools to play inside or contribute on special teams — an area where he carved out a consistent role during his time at Rice.

His commitment follows a string of transfer portal additions in ECU’s secondary, including Rasheed Reason (ODU), Jonathan Akins (Maryland), Key Crowell (UIndy), and Jordy Lowery (Western Carolina).

Looking Ahead

Jean is expected to arrive this summer and be full-go for fall camp as ECU gears up for the 2025 season.

With one year left to make an impact, he’ll be in the mix immediately as the Pirates aim to rebuild a more consistent and veteran-led secondary.