ECU names Kurt Benkert starting QB for opener

East Carolina sophomore Kurt Benkert has been named the Pirates' starting quarterback according to an announcement by head coach Ruffin McNeill.

Benkert, an Island Coast High School product from Cape Coral, Fla., played in three games as a redshirt freshman behind record-setting performer Shane Carden in 2014, completing eight-of-10 passes for 58 yards and suffering one interception. He also rushed for 23 yards and a pair of touchdowns on five carries.

McNeill indicated that Kemp, a junior transfer who was redshirted a year ago, will serve as the top backup heading into the opener while Keith continues to recover from a right foot injury suffered during preseason camp.

ECU: Junior inside receiver Isaiah Jones was named to the initial 2015 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List.

Wake Forest: Redshirt sophomore running back Dezmond Wortham has been named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose preseason watch list.

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Duke: Former defender Brenna Rescigno has joined the coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach and help to coordinate social media efforts for the program.

NC State: David Cooke has advanced to the second phase of the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship.

Wake Foreset: Head coach Jerry Haas and three Demon Deacon alumni, Bill Haas, Kyle Reifers and Webb Simpson, will be in action at this week’s stop on the PGA Tour, the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club.

Campbell: The Camels will wrap up its exhibition preseason with a visit to South Carolina on Thursday at 7 p.m., taking on No. 11 Clemson.

Duke: The team will host its annual girls’ clinic Saturday, Aug. 22 in Cameron Indoor Stadium at 1-2:30 p.m, followed by an open scrimmage and autograph session.

Mount Olive: The Trojans have been picked eighth in the 2015 Conference Carolinas Women’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll.

NC State: The Wolfpack officially begins the 2015 season in San Diego on Friday evening.

This story was originally published August 19, 2015 at 9:23 PM with the headline "ECU names Kurt Benkert starting QB for opener."