By By STEVE FRANKLIN, Sports Writer
GREENVILLE — East Carolina coach Skip Holtz is trying to inject some life into his sputtering football team.
On Monday, Holtz announced that Pirate fans will get a look at some new faces when ECU (3-3) welcomes Memphis to town on Saturday.
The most significant change will be at quarterback. The Pirates will be returning to the two-quarterback system that worked successfully for them last year, with Patrick Pinkney sharing snaps with Rob Kass.
Pinkney got off to a hot start this season, completing more than 75 percent of his passes in ECU’s three victories, but over the last three games, he has connected on just 51 percent of his pass attempts.
But that won’t be the only change. The Pirates are looking to get more players involved at several other positions.
At linebacker, Cliff Perryman will see his playing time increased as well.
In the secondary, the Pirates will also make some changes. These ones are necessitated by injury as both starting cornerbacks, Jerek Hewett and Dakota Marshall are listed on the injury report. Hewett is doubtful and Marshall is probable.
That means guys like Darryl Reynolds, Travis Simmons and Emanuel Davis will get their shot to prove they can play at a high-caliber.
One player who won’t be helping the Pirates this season is Jamar Bryant. On Monday, Holtz announced that the junior wide receiver would be suspended for the remainder of the season for an undisclosed disciplinary matter.
But he did leave the door open for Bryant to return next season.
Nevertheless, expect the Pirates to have a whole new look on Saturday..