2011 ATH decides

It didn't take long for one 2011 prospect in North Carolina to make a decision. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder made his pledge this past weekend while on an unofficial visit.

"I committed to East Carolina on Saturday when I went up for the game," High Point (N.C.) Southwest Guilford athlete Airyn Willis said. "I loved it up there. I just loved the atmosphere and how they are crazy about football. That's how I am. I really like their coaches' personalities, it fits me so I decided why wait. I've been told if you like a school why wait, so that's where I wanted to be."

Willis gave his pledge just before the game.

"I told my recruiting coach Rick Smith," he said. "He asked if I was sure because it's kind of early. I told him that's what I want to do and then he said he'd love to have me.

"After that, I talked to Coach Holtz on the field. He was glad to have me too."

What sealed it for Willis on his trip?

"Really it was everything, it just fits me," he said. "I felt like I was at home there. I loved everything.

"The atmosphere was like straight football. Everybody is about football down there. All I saw was Go Pirates signs. I really like the coaching staff too. They're really nice and have real good personalities. They showed me a lot of love and are cool people."

Willis plans to play his desired position when he gets to Greenville.

"The coaches actually asked me whether I preferred wide receiver or defensive back," he said. "Of course I told them wide receiver, so they're cool with that."