With the 2014 season approaching quickly, it’s time to take a look at the players to watch for ECU—the Pirates are led by first-team All-C-USA quarterback Shane Carden, but there are four other guys worth watching this year as well.
1. Shane Carden, QB
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yio_hhWEmuE]Carden is the best player on this team and will be the x-factor for it to have a big season. As a junior, Carden totaled 4,139 yards, 33 touchdowns passing and was one of the nation’s top quarterbacks statistically. He was also second nationally in completion percentage.
He is the guy to watch this season for ECU, as he looks to enter the discussion of being one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He is the leader and catalyst of this offense, and he will be very important for the Pirates this fall.
2. Justin Hardy, WR
Hardy is one of the best receivers you haven’t heard much about. He set school records last season for catches (114) and yards (1,284). He is also a dangerous player in the punt return game.
Hardy is a player to watch as he looks to put his name out there in the national ranks of receivers. He should once again have a big year with Carden throwing him the ball.
3. Ike Harris, OT
The junior offensive tackle is a preseason All-AAC selection by Athlon Sports and could have a big year for the Pirates. At 6-foot-7, 304 pounds, he has the size to be successful.
He did not participate in spring ball because of a shoulder injury, so keeping him healthy is a key for the Pirates this season. With a new starter at running back, ECU will need Harris to stay healthy and play well this season.
4. Terry Williams, DT
Williams is also a preseason All-AAC selection by Athlon Sports, and will look to have the kind of year he did in 2012. He only started three games in 2013 because of an off-the-field situation, compared to the nine games he started in 2012.
This fall, Williams will look to build off his numbers in 2012, when he recorded 46 tackles. He is a big part of what the Pirates do defensively, and he is a key player as they try to win the conference.
5. Breon Allen, RB
Allen and Chris Hairston should both get solid playing time at running back, but Allen is the guy to watch here. He was second on the team with 311 rushing yards last season, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.
The senior has experience, as he played in 10 games a year ago. In an offense led by Carden, Allen will be important to provide a change of pace and set things up in the passing game. If he is able to average 5.0 yards per carry again this season with an increased workload, the Pirates will be in good shape.
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