By Mark Pszonak
With Mike Houston getting fired on Sunday, the 30-day transfer portal window is now open for East Carolina players. Numerous players will be contacted by other schools with the hope that they make themselves available, but here are the four who will draw the most interest:
WR Chase Sowell, Soph.
The skinny: Sowell began his collegiate career at Colorado before transferring to East Carolina prior to the 2023 season. In his first season with the Pirates, he totaled 47 receptions for 622 yards and one touchdown, while this season he has 26 receptions for 436 yards and one touchdown. He is coming off his best game of the season on Saturday against Army when he finished with seven receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown. At 6-foot-4 and 195-pounds, he is an intriguing talent who would get plenty of interest.
LB Ryheem Craig
The skinny: Craig began his collegiate career at Louisville before transferring to East Carolina in January. In 19 games with the Cardinals, he only totaled nine tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack, while mostly playing on special teams. Given the opportunity for regular playing time at East Carolina he already has 32 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in seven games this season. At 6-foot-3, 240-pounds, he has the ability to either be a rush end or outside linebacker depending on the defensive scheme.

DB Isaiah Brown-Murphy, Soph.
The skinny: Brown-Murphy redshirted in 2022 before playing in 12 games, with nine starts, last season. He showed improvement throughout the 2023 season, finishing with 22 tackles and three passes defended. This season as a starter he has 25 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and seven passes defended. Brown-Murphy began his time at ECU as a cornerback but has successfully made the move to safety over the last two seasons.
DB Gavin Gibson, Jr.
The skinny: Gibson began his collegiate career at Maryland before transferring to East Carolina in January. After playing in 20 games with the Terps, but not being a starter, Gibson is having his best collegiate season yet in 2024. Already with 32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, four passes defended and one forced fumble, the 6-foot-0, 185-pound junior has shown he can be productive at the FBS level if given the opportunity.
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