Spring Break
Spring provides glimpse of future for gridiron Pirates
Addison Harvey
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Sports
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The Pirates entered spring practices with a variety of questions and spots to fill on both sides of the ball. Coach Skip Holtz and his staff are faced with the challenge of replacing multiple starters on offense and defense.
Many questions still surround the ECU running back core, but the backs that suited up Saturday performed well beyond expectations. J.R. Rogers led the way with 85 yards on the ground and one touchdown. Brandon Jackson accumulated 59 yards rushing in his debut. Jackson and Rogers will likely start the 2009 season atop the Pirates' depth chart.
"You can only work with who is here," said Holtz. "I think Brandon Jackson has shown that he's capable of being an every-down player in this offense. I think he's physical, he runs hard, he did a nice job of hanging onto the football today."
Jackson, who transferred from Kentucky before last season, has tremendous speed and power. The Eugene, Ore. native had a solid spring for the Pirates and is going to be dangerous threat for ECU offensive coordinator Todd Fitch in 2009.
Senior running back Dominique Lindsay had to sit out most of the spring, including the spring game, due to injuries.
"Right now, if we have to play with the two we had today and Dominique Lindsay, I feel comfortable with where we are," Holtz said.
One of the pressing issues for ECU in 2009 will be solidifying the linebacker core. The Pirates return Nick Johnson, Jeremy Chambliss and Cliff Perryman from the 2008 season, but are losing talented linebackers Pierre Bell and Quentin Cotton. Cotton was sidelined nearly the entire season after suffering an injury against Tulane in September.
Kyle Tudor, Steve Spence and veteran Chris Mattocks look like they have what it takes to contribute to the linebackers in 2009. Mattocks led the defense Saturday, racking up six tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.
"[Chris] Mattocks is doing a great job at the outside linebacker making plays," said Chambliss. "When we get back in the fall, it's just a matter of getting it together and getting sound for Appalachian State."
Mattocks converted from safety to linebacker in the middle of last season. He has made a quick transition to the new position and could enter next season in the starting lineup.
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