ECU loses its depth

Younger players have to step up

GREENVILLE -- Skip Holtz, the perpetually upbeat East Carolina football coach, is still moving around with plenty of pep in his step.

Unfortunately, several of his players aren't looking as lively. Injuries, plus the recent suspensions of receiver Jamar Bryant and No. 1 running back Jon Williams, are plaguing the Pirates as they face a five-game finish against Conference USA opponents.

Add to the list of defensive players labeled "out" of Sunday night's game at Central Florida: nose guard Khalif Mitchell, end Marcus Hands and defensive backs Melvin Patterson and Jerek Hewitt. Quentin Cotton, a premier linebacker, and lineman Brandon Setzer had already been sidelined.

That means the Pirates suddenly look younger as the season is growing older. Holtz noted that only one freshman was on the defensive depth chart in August and now eight freshmen are among the two-deep.

The younger Pirates are "going to have to play a pretty significant role," mostly spelling the regulars.

To get them ready, Holtz created a "fall camp mentality" during last week's open date, with lots of hitting in game-type situations.

HUT! HUT! The Pirates plan to stick with their two-quarterback system, playing both Patrick Pinkney and Rob Kass.

"We are in a very fortunate situation, to have two quarterbacks who have a lot of experience,'' Holtz said. "Right now I don't think there is a lot of difference between the two as far as productivity. They're both doing some good things."

Kass got a chance to play against Memphis and helped lead the Pirates to a 30-10 victory, throwing two touchdown passes.

SPOOKY: With a Sunday game, ECU has an extra day this week to prepare for Central Florida, which lost to unbeaten Tulsa 49-19 last Sunday.

That poses another challenge for Holtz.

"Probably my biggest concern is what I'm going to do with them Friday night because that's Halloween," Holtz said. "Normally we're traveling on Friday, and they're in a hotel room."

PICKING IT UP: With the suspension last week of leading rusher Williams, it's up to Norman Whitley and Brandon Simmons to do the heavy ball-carrying now.

Whitley, a slippery runner, has rushed 33 times for 199 yards and a 5.9 per-carry average. Simmons, a power back, has gained 227 yards (3.3 average) on 68 attempts.