ECU Pirates make first move on SW Guilford junior

East Carolina, off to a sluggish start on their 2010 recruiting class, are trying for a fast start on the 2011 group with a scholarship offer to Southwest Guilford junior Airyn Willis. The Pirates are the first school to offer Willis, a 6-foot-2, 180 RB/DB who would likely play wide receiver or safety in college.

But tonight, according to Southwest Guilford coach Scott Schwarzer, he’ll be at quarterback for the first time when the Cowboys play Ragsdale.

Willis has averaged 88 rushing yards through six games, with seven TDs. He also has two interceptions on defense.

Willis, as you might guess from the sudden shift to QB, is remarkably athletic, and ECU gets credit for being the first school to pull the trigger on him.

The Pirates are not having a particularly good recruiting start on their Class of 2010, but this could give them a leg up on 2011.

--Stan Olson