CONFIRM; ECU pirates just completed a huge deal today…..

Ready to bring his electrifying speed to East Carolina is three-star wide receiver Tavius Horne.

Like most standout players at St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida, 2025 three-star cornerback Tavius Horne had several prominent scholarship offers to consider throughout the recruiting process.

But it started to become apparent in May the Pirates were sticking out above the rest. Cornerbacks coach Jules Montinar led the charge in recruiting Horne consistently.

East Carolina defensive coordinator Blake Harrell has high hopes for his defense heading into a new season. The Pirates are coming off a year where they ranked Top 40 in total defense, and much of last season’s key personnel is back. But this past Saturday’s scrimmage – while successful in many regards – showed the Pirates’ defense still has work to do. Harrell’s unit did create a handful of turnovers, but also gave up a few explosive plays, and struggled with tackling at times.

Harrell met with the media on Monday afternoon following the team’s 11th practice of preseason camp. He addressed his defense’s progress in camp thus far, the growth of some key defensive players, and much more.

Check out Harrell’s comments below in written form, and in video form at the bottom of the article.

“It’s good to be back with you guys and see everybody’s smiling faces. First of all, shout out to the Little League Softball World Series champions. That’s awesome. My daughters, all three played softball at Sara Law. I got to know some of those kids out there and just an amazing group of girls and what they’ve been able to accomplish.

Just my wife and family at the game yesterday, and I got to walk out there for the very last out, so I was looking on TV from the office here. Just the way this community and the way the city of Greenville supports our local sports, our community, our youth leagues, and also East Carolina. Just what an awesome place to live, and it’s been a really special place. I think I tweeted that out yesterday, but just kudos to those girls and those coaches and the whole city of Greenville that made that happen and just put on the World Series as well. Just wanted to start with that.”