ECU’s 10 highest-graded returning players
Following a disappointing 2-10 season filled with frustration, major roster changes for East Carolina might have been expected. However, the retention of sixth-year head coach Mike Houston and defensive coordinator Blake Harrell, coupled with key adjustments on the offensive side, has brought a wave of optimism and excitement to the program this offseason.
With new additions in both coaching and personnel on offense, and improvements in certain areas on defense, the Pirates are bringing back most of their top-performing players from last season. Having ranked in the Top 40 for defense in terms of yards allowed per game, many analysts believe ECU could be poised for a surprising rebound, especially if the offensive changes are effective.
As the Aug. 31 season opener against Norfolk State approaches, it’s a good time to revisit some of the team’s top returning players. Below, we highlight the top 10 offensive and defensive players based on their 2023 Pro Football Focus grades. To be included, players had to have participated in at least 10 percent of the team’s snaps last season.
CB SHAVON REVEL: 81.5
Revel transitioned from a special teams player in 2022 to a standout starting cornerback in 2023. The tall cornerback distinguished himself as an all-conference player, earning the highest team grade with a score above 80. Revel showcased his versatility by excelling in both run and pass defense. His coverage grade of 84.7 was the team’s best, allowing only 19 receptions on 43 targets, with 10 pass breakups and an interception. He was credited with giving up just one touchdown, according to PFF. Revel also thrived against the run, recording 57 tackles with only three missed attempts, and his run defense grade of 78.7 was among the team’s best. Although he missed the spring due to offseason surgery, Revel is regarded as a top draft prospect for next year due to his 6-3 frame and impressive speed.
DL JD LAMPLEY: 78.7
Lampley saw considerable playing time as a true freshman in 2022, learning on the go and making some impactful plays. However, he truly became a dominant force in the latter half of the season, especially when he started playing more on the edge and consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks. While his early performances were mixed, Lampley earned game grades of 64 and above in his final nine games, including consecutive grades of 78.5 against UTSA, Tulane, and FAU. Over 321 total snaps, he recorded 19 quarterback pressures and achieved a pass rush grade of 78.9, ranking among the best on the team.
S OMAR ROGERS: 75.1
A transfer from Elon, Rogers played 96 defensive snaps over five games before a season-ending foot injury, just barely meeting the 10 percent snap threshold. Despite the limited playtime, Rogers was very effective, especially as a run defender, earning an 82.6 grade, and performing solidly in coverage with a 66.6 grade. With Julius Wood graduating and several other safeties departing, Rogers is expected to have a much larger role in 2024. He had a strong spring and is vying for a starting position this fall.
RB JAVIOUS BOND: 74.1
Bond, a true freshman in 2023, experienced some ups and downs, but he usually made an impact when he had the ball. Midseason injuries sidelined him for several games, yet he still emerged as the team’s highest-graded running back over 164 offensive snaps. His best performances came against Gardner-Webb, Rice, and Navy. The speedy back finished the season with 234 yards on 41 attempts, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, including nine runs over 10 yards and forcing 10 missed tackles. In 2024, Bond’s focus will be on becoming a more complete back, particularly in receiving and pass protection.
DT D’ANTA JOHNSON: 73.7
Johnson played a career-high 463 snaps as a junior, marking the most productive and healthiest season of his career. The 300-pounder primarily lined up at nose tackle, demonstrating his strength against the run with a 73.1 run defense grade. He also excelled as an interior pass-rusher, earning a 69.6 pass rush grade and generating 14 pressures, including four sacks. Johnson ended the season with 29 tackles and a forced fumble. He returns as one of several key players for the Pirates’ defensive front in 2024.
WR CHASE SOWELL: 70.3
Not many receivers at ECU had a standout 2023 season, but Sowell was an exception. In his first year after transferring from Colorado, Sowell had a solid campaign, recording 46 catches on 79 targets for 622 yards and a touchdown. He demonstrated strong ability in catching the ball in traffic and making plays after the catch, amassing 240 yards after contact. Averaging 13.5 yards per catch, he forced a position-high 13 missed tackles, and 31 of his receptions resulted in first downs. As he returns for his sophomore season in a faster-paced offense, many expect Sowell to take the next step in his development.
RB RAHJAI HARRIS: 68.8
Harris’ season may not have been the most productive in terms of yards (495) and yards per carry (3.8) on 130 attempts, but a closer look reveals he was one of the team’s best backs. He led the team with five rushing touchdowns and earned a commendable 77.9 run grade, often turning minimal gains into significant plays. Harris amassed a team-high 372 yards after contact and forced 41 missed tackles. Although his receiving and pass protection grades declined compared to previous seasons, they were solid in his first three years in the Purple and Gold, suggesting a likely rebound in 2024. Harris has consistently graded as a reliable and solid back throughout his college career, and there’s no reason to expect that to change in 2024.
EDGE CHAD STEPHENS: 68.5
After redshirting and developing early in his college career, Stephens has become a reliable defensive end for the Pirates. Over the past two seasons, he has logged 499 snaps in 2022 and 467 snaps in 2023. Last season, he achieved a career-best grade of 68.5, including a solid 69.1 run defense grade and a career-high 74.4 tackle grade. His pass rush grade of 65.3 was also the highest of his regular play. Stephens recorded 20 pressures and was involved in four sacks. Together, Stephens and Lampley form one of the best defensive end duos in the AAC. Expect ECU to find ways to get both players on the field simultaneously this fall.
DL ELIJAH MORRIS: 63.4
Since joining ECU in 2020, no one has been more dependable and consistent than Morris. He has been a steady presence in the middle of the Pirates’ defensive front, progressing from walk-on to full-time starter. Over the past four years, he has logged 1,681 snaps, including back-to-back seasons with over 500 snaps in 2021 and 2022, and 300 more in 2023 despite missing some games due to injury. Even with the leg injury, Morris achieved a career-best grade of 63.4. He recorded 17 tackles and nine pressures, with his best performances coming against UTSA and Tulane.
CB ISAIAH BROWN-MURRAY: 62.9
In 2023, Brown-Murray shared time with Antione Jackson as the primary cornerbacks opposite Revel. With Jackson now transferring to UCF, this opens up the opportunity for Brown-Murray to potentially secure a full-time starting role, if he earns it. As a redshirt freshman, Brown-Murray demonstrated his capability at this level. After struggling with some big plays early in the season, he significantly improved toward the end, allowing just 13 receptions over the final nine games, including only one touchdown. He had a strong spring, often appearing as the top corner on the field. Heading into the fall, Brown-Murray is poised for a potential breakout season.
