Top 5 Running Backs in ECU Football History
Photo Credit: ECU Sports Information
East Carolina’s football identity has long been rooted in toughness and a powerful ground game. From bruising workhorses of the '70s to explosive playmakers of the modern era, the Pirates have produced a wide range of standout backs. Here’s our list of the top five running backs in ECU history plus a few honorable mentions who made a lasting impact.
1. Junior Smith
The standard at ECU when it comes to running back production, Junior Smith remains the program’s all-time leading rusher with 3,745 career yards from 1991 to 1994. He was the first Pirate to post three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and did it with a consistent, no-frills style that got the job done week after week. Smith also scored 27 rushing touchdowns, earning multiple all-conference honors during his career. In recognition of his impact, he was inducted into the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019 and remains the benchmark for all backs who’ve followed in Greenville.
2. Carlester Crumpler Sr.
One of the most dominant players of his era, Carlester Crumpler Sr. helped shape ECU’s offensive identity in the early 1970s. He rushed for 2,889 yards from 1971 to 1973, ranking sixth in school history, and scored 37 career rushing touchdowns one of the highest totals ever by a Pirate. His 17 touchdowns in 1972 remain tied for the single-season program record. Crumpler was inducted into the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980 and stands as a foundational figure in Pirate football history.
3. Chris Johnson
Arguably the most electrifying player to ever wear the purple and gold, Chris Johnson was a game-changer every time he touched the football. From 2004 to 2007, Johnson piled up 2,982 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, while also becoming one of the most dangerous all-purpose weapons in college football. His senior season in 2007 was historic Johnson rushed for 1,423 yards and 17 touchdowns, while adding another 528 receiving yards and three scores through the air. He capped off his career by earning MVP honors in the 2007 Hawaii Bowl after racking up 408 all-purpose yards, an NCAA bowl game record. Johnson would go on to run a 4.24 at the NFL Combine and enjoy a Pro Bowl NFL career, including a 2,000-yard rushing season in 2009. His raw speed, home-run ability, and versatility make him one of the most gifted players in ECU history.
4. Leonard Henry
A model of consistency and explosiveness, Leonard Henry was a force for the Pirates from 1998 to 2001. He racked up 3,089 rushing yards, which stood as the second-most in program history at the time of his graduation and still ranks in ECU’s top three. His breakout senior year in 2001 was one of the best individual seasons in school history, as he rushed for 1,432 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the Pirates to a bowl appearance. Henry’s balance, vision, and burst through the hole made him a constant threat in the open field. His college success earned him a spot in the 2002 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Miami Dolphins.
5. Rahjai Harris
Rahjai Harris carved out a memorable five-year career in Greenville, earning a spot among the top rushers in program history. From 2020 to 2024, Harris totaled 3,092 rushing yards, placing him fifth all-time at ECU. He burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2020, earning AAC Rookie of the Year honors, and remained a steady presence in the Pirates’ backfield through coaching changes and offensive transitions. Known for his powerful running style and workhorse mentality, Harris led the team in rushing multiple seasons and became a vocal leader within the locker room. His ability to battle through injuries and still produce at a high level cemented his legacy as one of the toughest backs ECU has seen in the modern era.
Honorable Mentions
Scott Harley
A steady and productive presence in the late 1990s, Harley ranks among ECU’s top 10 all-time in rushing yards with over 3,000 for his career. He posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 1996 and 1997, and his physical running style helped carry the Pirates through a highly competitive C-USA slate. Harley’s ability to absorb contact and move the chains made him a dependable option during a gritty era for ECU football.
Vonta Leach
Though Leach went on to fame as an NFL fullback, he made his mark as a versatile weapon at ECU from 2000 to 2003. While his rushing stats don’t rival others on this list, his impact as a blocker, short-yardage back, and leader was invaluable. Leach brought a toughness and physicality that became a trademark of the Pirates’ offense and later translated into a Super Bowl-winning professional career.
Keaton Mitchell
One of the most explosive backs in recent ECU memory, Keaton Mitchell finished his career with 3,027 rushing yards, ranking just outside the program’s top five. From 2020 to 2022, Mitchell built a reputation as a home-run threat, leading the nation in runs of 10+ yards in 2022 while racking up 1,452 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns that season alone. His game-breaking speed and ability to flip the field in an instant made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Mitchell declared early for the NFL Draft and went on to make his debut with the Baltimore Ravens.