East Carolina officially opened its spring practice under the leadership of head coach Mike Houston, signaling the start of a series of practices leading up to the Purple-Gold Spring Game in April. The team began with a fundamentals-oriented session and expressed enthusiasm for the start of a new season.

By the Numbers
  • 108 total members started spring practice, including 46 returning lettermen from 2023.
  • 26 newcomers joined the team, consisting of transfers, signees, and walk-ons across different positions.
State of Play
  • New offensive coordinator John David Baker welcomed back seven players who started at least seven games in the previous season, while defensive coordinator Blake Harrell has six returning players who started at least nine games.
  • Six new full-time assistant coaches joined the staff during the off-season, marking their first on-field practices on Tuesday.
What's Next

The team will progress from two "acclimation" sessions in shorts and helmets to full gear practices, aiming to refine execution and build on the energy and pace set in the initial practice.

Bottom Line

East Carolina's football team, under Coach Houston, is gearing up for the spring season with a mix of experienced returnees and new additions, setting a positive tone for the upcoming matches and showcasing a commitment to improvement and growth.