Collegiate Times

When the East Carolina Pirates roll into Blacksburg on Saturday, they’ll encounter a wounded, battered bunch of Hokies.

Coming off a devastating loss to James Madison, Virginia Tech hopes to rebound against a Pirates team that is off to a fast 2-0 start.

Led by first-year head coach Ruffin McNeill, the Pirates run a fast-paced, high-scoring offense brought over from McNeill’s time at Texas Tech. Coming from Texas Tech with McNeill is top offensive assistant Lincoln Riley, who is only 27 years old.

“I watched him grow from a student to a graduate assistant to a full-time coach,” McNeill said about his first-year offensive coordinator. “He understands the game, he understands how to relate well to kids. There was no hesitation naming Lincoln as the coordinator then.”

Riley certainly has talented players to plug into the high-flying Air Raid offense. Junior quarterback Dominique Davis, a transfer from Boston College, has taken the reigns of the offense after playing last season at Fort Scott Community College. He originally signed with the Pirates as a mid-year signee in December and remained committed after McNeill’s hire.

“He was the first home that Lincoln (Riley) and I went into my first night out,” McNeill said in reference to Davis.

Davis, at 6 feet, 3 inches and 215 pounds, is a physical specimen. Burdened with the challenge of replacing two-year starter and fan-favorite Patrick Pinkney, he has his work cut out for him. Davis’ second stint in FBS college football got off to a great start in ECU’s opening game against Tulsa, when he connected on a dramatic Hail Mary pass to tight end Jason Jones for the 51-49 win as time expired.

“The kids on the team love (Davis),” McNeill said. “What I’ve really noticed about him is his poise. He’s also a great leader, our kids really gravitate towards him.”

Alongside Davis is senior wide receiver Dwayne Harris, a first-team All-Conference USA selection in 2009.

“Dwayne has taken on some extra roles for me, one of them being a leader,” McNeill said. “He’s a quiet guy at practice, just goes about his job.”

Harris, who caught 83 balls or 978 yards in 2009, plays the role similar to Michael Crabtree, former Texas Tech standout and current the San Francisco 49ers starter, in ECU’s version of the Air Raid offense. The Hokies secondary will need to key on Harris and the rest of the ECU receiving corps, making sure they wrap up and eliminate the big play.

“We’re definitely looking forward to the challenge,” said Rashad Carmichael, senior cornerback. “I know they’re pretty good receivers, and the quarterback as well. ECU has a couple playmakers. Last year playing against those guys was fun. We’re not talking any trash, but we’re going to come to play.”

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A version of this article appeared in the Sep 17 issue of the Collegiate Times.