[Bette]

3 things we learned
1. The Pirates will be able to count on a quarterback next fall who has proven himself both a playmaker and a leader under the most intense of circumstances and against great competition. Sure, maybe we’re biased because Patrick Pinkney is one of our own. But after being granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA, Pinkney could have mailed it in this spring and just went through the motions. Instead, he work harder than ever and performed marvelously in all the team scrimmages.
2. Jamar Bryant’s return was a huge lift for the ECU receiving corps. The former Richmond star messed up and got himself suspended last season, but seemed to have learned his lesson when he was allowed back on the team this spring. Bryant was the Pirates top receiving threat before the suspension and will be one of Conference USA’s best next fall if he stays clear of trouble. He’s clearly the favorite target of quarterback Patrick Pinkney.
3. Coordinator Greg Hudson has gradually built ECU’s defense into a quality unit. The Pirates had more speed, more talent and were deeper than ever this spring. Even though eight starters return from 2008, the competition for starting jobs was intense and as a result Hudson could have one of the better defenses in Conference USA next season.


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