GREENVILLE, NC. (WNCT) — As college football enters the postseason, the transfer portal season is in full swing, and East Carolina University (ECU) football is already seeing its effects. On Monday, December 9, 2024, two key defensive starters, linebacker Zakye Barker and defensive back Isaiah Brown-Murray, announced they are entering the transfer portal to continue their college careers at other programs.
Barker, a standout linebacker for the Pirates, had an impressive season, recording 86 tackles in just 11 games. His strong performance has already caught the attention of several programs, including Cincinnati, Memphis, and Virginia Tech. With two years of eligibility remaining, Barker will have plenty of opportunities to contribute to another team in the coming seasons.
Brown-Murray, a versatile defensive back, also had a solid season, accumulating 41 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His all-around play made him a valuable asset to ECU’s defense. Like Barker, Brown-Murray still has two years of eligibility left and will likely receive attention from other programs looking to strengthen their defensive units.
The departures of Barker and Brown-Murray mark a significant change for ECU’s defense as they prepare for the future. With both players entering the transfer portal, the Pirates will look to fill these gaps with new talent as they continue to build their roster for the next season.