Spotlight on ECU’s new offense: Who will step up in the receiving game? (2024)

Wright is a transfer that elected to join East Carolina last December, making it the third school he's attended in his college career. Wright spent his first three seasons at West Virginia, and the last two seasons with Florida State. While at FSU, he suffered an injury in a car accident that sidelined him for the 2022 season. He hasn't seen consistent snaps since the 2021 season with West Virginia, where he was an All-Big 12 player. In his time at WVU, Wright was an electrifying kick returner, taking 49 kicks for 1,220 yards and 2 scores. He also showed his ability to be a solid option in the receiving game for the Mountaineers, hauling in more than 1,300 yards over 3 seasons. Wright looks to find his footing again in Greenville, and projects as the team's starting slot receiver. When healthy, Wright certainly has the potential to be a top target for the Pirates. He was named to the Reese's Senior Bowl watch list just last week, and you can expect the football to find his hands frequently this season.

The other wide receiver transfer the Pirates added is Smith. Smith, a speedy wideout, found his way to Greenville after spending four seasons with NC State. He is expected to be a starting outside receiver for the Pirates and has the ability to take the top off of defenses with his sub 4.4 40-yard speed. For a while, Smith seemed like a possible breakout candidate for NC State. He flashed his ability to get open and haul in the deep ball with the Wolfpack, but the Pirate coaching staff feels confident that he will also succeed in short and intermediate routes. If Smith can perform up to these expectations, he will provide the offense with a valuable option outside.

Patterson is entering his fourth season with ECU, having previously spent one year with Marshall in 2020. Patterson did not see any game action as a receiver until just last year. In the 2023 season, Patterson caught 20 passes for 137 yards. The coaches feel they need to get the ball into his hands a lot more this season, as he is arguably one of the better playmakers on the team. Patterson has been backing up Wright in the slot during camp but is expected to be used in a variety of ways. Don't be surprised if Patterson is able to create some explosive plays this season.

Another intriguing returner is Spalding. He was previously expected to be a slot receiver with the program, but has been getting reps at outside receiver this preseason and will likely backup Sowell. Spalding is one of the guys who hasn't seen consistent opportunities and is waiting to break out. A solid preseason from Spalding has done nothing but help his situation. Solid route running allows him the ability to get open, making him a candidate to see targets this year.

King suffered an ACL tear just before the start of the 2023 season. Prior to the injury, King was expected to be a starting outside receiver for the Pirates, as he had a fantastic preseason. Like Spalding, King looks to be another solid backup option at outside receiver. Before his injury, King demonstrated his ability to stretch the field and take the top off a defense. While he was explosive in the past, there are no guarantees when coming off an ACL tear. Even though King hasn't played much, he's a very experienced player who's been through a lot. He should see time this year, and if 100 percent will be a valuable asset to the receiving room.

Robinson is entering his fourth year of college football and his second with the Pirate program. Robinson transferred to East Carolina via Kansas prior to the 2023 season. Robinson will most likely backup Smith outside, but provides good size and playmaking ability. He flashed his explosiveness in the spring game, hauling in a 70-yard pass from quarterback Jake Garcia. Robinson has showcased talent in practice but needs to produce more consistently. Robinson probably won't start right away as we're heading into the season, but is a big target capable of winning 50/50 balls when called upon.

Lastly regarding the receivers, Roberts also highlighted freshman Yannick Smith as a potential contributor for his room. Smith initially committed to ECU as a 3-star recruit in July of 2023 and was later upgraded to a 4-star due to his late-blooming talent. In high school, he blew up his senior year, accounting for nearly 2,000 yards of total offense as a wildcat QB and WR. Standing at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, he has plenty of size and athleticism to play at this level. The raw talent and size that Smith carries is enough to let him see the field this season in some capacity.

"I feel like consistency is the strength of our room. There's a lot of guys that can contribute when we need it," Roberts added.

It seems that this receiving room is going into the season with a strength-in-numbers mentality, but a few players still need to step up and prove they can be the go-to option. The potential is there for everyone, but only time will tell who it will be.

Shifting focus to another position room likely to be involved in the passing game, ECU bolstered the depth of the tight end room by adding two quality players out of the portal.

Losing veteran Shane Calhoun to Texas A&M hurt, but ECU picked up Oregon transfer Casey Kelly and Ole Miss transfer Jayvontay Conner. The room also retained a couple of returners who will contribute this season in senior Tyler Savage and sophom*ore Desirrio Riles. The Pirate tight end room features a good mix of experienced and young players that the coaches are excited about. "Casey Kelly and Tyler Savage make my job easier," tight ends coach Hunter MacKay said. "They are not only good leaders but also show the young guys what the finished product should look like."

Conner is an intriguing redshirt freshman, transferring to ECU from Ole Miss. In terms of upside, Conner is about all you can ask for out of a tight end. He's got a strong frame with length and is very athletic for his size. Although he was primarily a receiver in high school and is still adjusting to his role in the college game, he has all of the tools to be a dangerous player later on. Much like freshman receiver Yannick Smith, Conner's talent and potential is evident and should be enough to earn him playing time this year.

Riles is a returner who played in 11 games last year as a true freshman. Riles is another young player with plenty of size and athleticism. Both Conner and Riles have the potential to do special things later in their careers, but they might need a bit more time to develop. When Calhoun went down with an injury last season, Riles stepped in and gained valuable experience early in his career. Like Conner, Riles probably won't start as we're heading into the season but he provides another exciting and young depth piece to the tight end room.