Top 5 Wide Receivers in ECU Football History
East Carolina has long been known as Wide Receiver U. From walk-on legends to volume kings to explosive red-zone weapons, ECU has produced elite pass catchers at a consistent clip for decades. Here's our list of the Top 5 ECU wide receivers of all time, based entirely on their impact at ECU
1. Justin Hardy (2010–2014)
No Pirate fan will ever forget the Justin Hardy story.
From a walk-on who nearly didn’t step foot on campus to the NCAA’s all-time leader in career receptions (387 a record that stood until Zay Jones broke it), Hardy dazzled fans with one-handed grabs, sideline toe-taps, and crucial third-down conversions from his redshirt freshman year through his senior season. His chemistry with quarterback Shane Carden helped spark ECU’s most explosive passing era, but Hardy’s greatness went beyond system or quarterback play.
He finished with 4,541 yards and 35 touchdowns, both ECU records at the time. While an argument can certainly be made for Jones as the most talented, Hardy edges him out due to elite consistency from start to finish, unmatched reliability, and his impact on winning. His legacy is etched not just in record books but in the heart of every Pirate fan.
2. Zay Jones (2013–2016)
If this list was based on the best single seasons in ECU history, Jones would easily be No. 1.
The Austin, Texas native racked up an NCAA record 158 catches for an ECU-best 1,746 yards in 2016, finishing his time in Greenville by surpassing his former teammate Justin Hardy’s career receptions mark with 399 grabs. Jones also totaled 4,279 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, both good for second and fifth all-time at ECU, respectively.
Those are numbers that would make him No. 1 on most lists around the country and for good reason. Despite playing on less competitive teams, Jones delivered elite-level production week in and week out. He is another guy who the Pirates will never forget.
3. Dwayne Harris (2007–2010)
Harris, or "17" as he's often referred to around Greenville, was the ultimate gamer.
He may not have been the most technically polished wide receiver ECU’s ever seen, but few players were more dangerous with the ball in their hands. Harris was a Swiss Army knife — lining up out wide, taking direct snaps, returning kicks, and even contributing out of the backfield. By the end of his career, he had piled up 3,001 receiving yards (3rd all-time), 268 receptions (3rd), and 20 touchdown grabs (6th).
Harris brought a rare energy and edge to the offense that helped lift ECU to two conference titles and cemented him as one of the most complete offensive threats to ever wear the purple and gold.
4. Tyler Snead (2018–2021)
Tyler Snead was never supposed to be the guy but that didn’t stop him from becoming one.
The former walk-on from Raleigh turned into one of the most dependable and productive players of the Mike Houston era. Snead racked up 201 receptions (6th all-time), 2,374 receiving yards (5th), and 18 touchdowns (t-7th) in just four seasons, while also serving as a dynamic special teams contributor. His ability to come up big in clutch moments made him a fan favorite and a locker room leader.
Snead didn’t just put up stats he kept ECU competitive during a rebuilding stretch and helped lay the foundation for the program’s return to bowl eligibility.
5. Lance Lewis (2010–2011)
A JUCO transfer with immediate impact, Lewis was especially dominant in 2010, when he hauled in a program-record 14 touchdown receptions alongside 1,116 receiving yards. He followed that up with another productive campaign, finishing his career with 1,716 yards 7th-most in ECU history.
What sets Lewis apart is his remarkable 22 career touchdown grabs, which still ranks 3rd all-time, despite only playing two seasons. His combination of size and leaping ability made him nearly unstoppable in the red zone, and he remains one of the most efficient scorers the program has ever seen.
First Left Off: Terrance Copper (2000–2003)
Copper unfortunately played for East Carolina at a non-ideal time (from 2000–03), but he was one of the team's most prolific players.
Despite being part of some rebuilding teams, Copper still found ways to shine. He caught plenty of deep balls and explosive plays across his career and finished with 139 receptions (t-8th) and 1,683 receiving yards (9th). His 2003 season with 87 catches for 897 yards was one of the best of the decade.
He went on to enjoy a 10-year NFL career, earning respect across the league as a special teams ace with the Saints, Cowboys, and Chiefs.