Three key ECU football players announce they are entering transfer portal, one coach dismissed

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Three ECU football players who were likely going to start on defense are opting to enter the transfer portal.

Cornerback Isaiah Brown-Murray, linebacker Zakye Barker, and defensive lineman C.J. Mims posted on X that they have entered the transfer portal and have two years of eligibility remaining.

“A special thank you to Coach Jules, Coach Harrell, and Coach Houston for their guidance, mentorship, and the opportunities they’ve given me to grow both on and off the field,” Brown-Murray wrote in part.

“To Pirate Nation, thank you for your support through thick and thin. Your love strongly influence my decision to commit here 3 years ago. This experience could not have been the same without you,” Barker wrote in part.

The team has also parted ways with their Director of Strength and Conditioning, Jon Williams. The Greenville native originally followed Mike Houston over from James Madison University in 2018, and was alert this weekend that the program would be moving in a different direction.

The Pirates are facing NC State in the Military Bowl on December 28th.