Bowman shines for ECU in spring game

The football team wrapped up its spring schedule with the annual spring inter-squad game on Saturday. The ECU squad defeated the Pirates' side 31-10 in the scrimmage that officially ends spring practice.

The ECU side opened the scoring with a 49-yard field goal from Matt Dodge on its opening drive. Then, after the Pirates put the ball on the ground, Patrick Pinkney found Michael Bowman on fourth down of the ensuing drive for a nine-yard touchdown strike. Jason Smith added the extra point and the ECU squad took a 10-0 lead into the second quarter.

However, the Pirates' squad would bounce back and tie the score at 10 before halftime. Ben Ryan hit a 22-yard field goal with seven minutes to go to cut the lead to seven.

After a J.R. Rogers' fumble was recovered by Melvin Patterson in ECU territory, third string quarterback Josh Jordan barreled in from the one to even up the score. Jordan started the game for the Pirates' squad due to the absence of Rob Kass, who missed the game because of a death in the family.

After the break, the ECU squad piled on the points. Pinkney scored from two yards out following a muffed punt by Travis Simmons. On the first play of ECU's next possession, Pinkney hit Bowman for a 59-yard touchdown pass to put their side up 24-10.

ECU added one more touchdown to its total in the fourth quarter when Rogers took an inside handoff up the middle for a 50-yard scamper.

Coach Skip Holtz was encouraged by the overall play of the team.

"There is a lot of talent on this football team," said Holtz. "We probably have as much talent on this team as we've ever had. I was pleased with spring [practice] and pleased with the progress. We just have to continue to keep coming with it and continue to keep improving."

Holtz was pleased with the emergence of playmakers like Michael Bowman.

Bowman had a game-high 72 yards receiving as well as the only two receptions for touchdowns during the game. He showed impressive breakaway speed and vision on his 59-yard touchdown catch from Pinkney.

"One of the things that we've lacked, especially the second half of last year, was a big play threat," Holtz said. "Some guys are starting to step up and show that they have the ability to do that."

Although questions still surround the running back position, Holtz is confident in his current players.

Kentucky transfer Brandon Jackson looked solid, rushing for 55 yards on 15 carries for the Pirates' squad. He also looked comfortable picking up the rush as well as holding on to the ball.

"Brandon Jackson has shown that he is capable of being an every down player in this offense," Holtz said. "He's physical, runs hard and did a nice job of hanging on to the football today. [Jackson] has definitely solidified himself as a guy who is going to be competing for the starting job and is definitely going to play in the opening game."

But that doesn't mean Holtz is limiting his options. With other players showing improvement and skill at the position, it seems as though a few players will receive significant playing time in the backfield.

"J.R. Rogers showed some flashes today and is trying to run more physical and doing some good things," Holtz said. "We know what Dominique Lindsay can do coming back. When you look at those guys, we have some talent there. I feel very comfortable with their development."

Holtz also had praise for his sixth-year quarterback, Pinkney.

"Patrick is playing really well and it's nice to have a guy out there that can do the things Patrick can do with the experience he has," Holtz said. "It was nice to see him run the ball a little bit today. I want to see Patrick scramble out of the pocket and turn and do a better job running than he did last year. I thought he did a nice job of that today."

ECU boasted one of the best defenses in C-USA in 2008, but the Pirates will be missing several key performers in 2009, especially in the linebacker corps.

Sophomore Steve Spence led the ECU side with nine tackles on the day. Spence will be relied upon heavily to fill the holes left by outgoing seniors Quentin Cotton and Pierre Bell.

Senior Jeremy Chambliss is one of the key returning linebackers from the outside position.

"We're going to be pretty good," said Chambliss. "Of course, young guys have to step up. But we've got some experienced guys out there right now, including me and with Nick [Johnson] coming back."

Holtz was also quick to add that the team has a long way to go before next fall. Integrating injured players back into the squad is one of those priorities.

"I'm encouraged to turn and put the puzzle together now that spring is over," Holtz said. "We had about 15 guys standing on the sideline for this game that either started or played a prominent role for us at some point in time. When you add those 15 guys to this football team and merge them together, I think they have a chance. We're just not going to be able to see that finished product until we come back for August."

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.