East Carolinian

Issue date: 2/5/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Aileen Delvin

National signing day is a highly anticipated day for college football coaches, players and fans across the country. High school prospects across the nation can verbally commit anytime after Sept. 1 of their junior season, but it's not official until they sign with their college on signing day.

Some of the more highly touted players wait to announce their decisions at press conferences televised by ESPNU's signing day show.

ECU usually doesn't have to wait that long to hear from its recruits, but some players change their mind at the last minute, electing to go elsewhere. In 2000, current Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Parker was verbally committed to ECU, but changed his mind on signing day and decided to play for North Carolina.

The Pirates' coaching staff has put together a solid 2009 recruiting class.

ECU signed 20 players on Wednesday to join an already talented group of returning players.

"We've always believed in building a program with quality people and I feel that this particular group really serves as a testament to that," said coach Skip Holtz. "Not only did we address talent, speed, athleticism and toughness, but we gained a class of young men that really exemplifies the character and academic qualities that are critical to the continued success of our program."

Last year, the recruiting class focused on offensive and defensive linemen. This year's class has a different look; the Pirates signed two running backs, three tight ends, two wide receivers, four defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, one athlete and one quarterback.

Rio Johnson is a 6-foot-2, 177-pound quarterback from Tyrone, Ga. Johnson committed to the Pirates after he attended ECU's camp in June. He is coming into an already talented quarterback corps with seniors Rob Kass and Patrick Pinkney, as well as redshirt freshman Josh Jordan. Johnson is a dual-threat quarterback with good speed and a solid arm.

Kendrick Wiggins, 5-foot-10, is a quick wide receiver from Southern Durham High School. Mike Price is taller at 6-foot-2 and hails from New Bern. Both wide receivers will likely redshirt since the Pirates are loaded at wide receiver.

Two running backs will join ECU in 2009. Damonte Terry, a product of Scotland County High School in Laurinburg, will add depth to a deep stable of running backs. Junior college transfer Giavanni Ruffin will likely contribute early in his career at ECU. The College of the Sequoias product runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and looks to have the skills to make him a legitimate contender for playing time at running back.

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