Richmond Star Terande Spencer Commits to ECU

X: @Terandethegoat

A native of Rockingham, N.C., Spencer is a three-star prospect ranked as the No. 23 overall player in the state of North Carolina and the No. 52 EDGE nationally, according to 247Sports. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound defender chose the Pirates over offers from North Carolina, Appalachian State, Charlotte, Troy, and South Florida.

Spencer brings a high ceiling to the edge of ECU’s defense, projecting as a stand-up outside linebacker at the next level. He’s already shown he can be a game-changer at the high school level. As a junior, he racked up 101 total tackles, 36 tackles for loss, and 17 sacks, powering Richmond to a 10-3 overall record and a perfect 6-0 run through the 3A/4A Sandhills Conference to claim a league title.

On film, Spencer consistently disrupts the backfield with explosive edge pressure and refined technique. He’s equipped with a deep pass-rush toolkit, including an impressive spin move that often overwhelms high school offensive linemen. His ability to win with both power and finesse makes him a natural fit for ECU’s attacking defensive scheme under coordinator Josh Aldridge.

Spencer’s decision also strengthens ECU’s ties with one of North Carolina’s top high school programs. He’s the third Richmond Raider to join the Pirates in recent years, following in the footsteps of current starting defensive lineman J.D. Lampley now one of ECU’s most reliable front-seven players and former signee Jacoby Martin. That connection only reinforces the Pirates’ emphasis on recruiting local talent and building through trusted pipelines.

With Spencer now in the fold, ECU continues to build a 2026 class centered around physicality and in-state presence. His commitment adds not only a productive defender, but a foundational piece for the future of Pirate football.