11/07/2011 McNeill's Weekly Press ConferenceHead Football Coach Ruffin McNeill Discusses The Upcoming UTEP Game A talented pass catcher who hopes a stellar spring will result in a more deepened role in the Pirates' spread offensive attack ... Has consistently climbed the offensive depth chart despite fighting through a nagging knee injury early in career ... Slated to open junior campaign as Lance Lewis' top backup at the "X" position - one of two outside receiver slots - but should also experience top tier special teams role for second-straight year ... Turned in solid performances during spring scrimmage play, pulling in a combined eight passes for 68 yards and three touchdowns during the first two battles (2-19/April 2, 6-49/April 9) ... Was on receiving end of a 12-yard scoring toss from Shane Carden in the opener before tallying a pair of TD catches in the second contest - a 17-yarder from Dominique Davis and a two-yarder from Rio Johnson ... Closed out spring season with one reception for 25 yards in the Purple-Gold Game (April 16) ... A 2008 signee who did not play football during initial year at ECU. 2010 Game-by-Game Statistics 2009: Made collegiate debut at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium against Rice Oct. 17, but did not record statistics during fourth-quarter appearance ... Followed only action with a left knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign ... Did not play in the first six contests (coach's decision). 2008: Attended East Carolina University during the 2008-09 academic year but was not a member of the football program while meeting eligibility requirements ... Officially signed with the Pirates in February. Prep School: Helped lead Hargrave to a 5-3-1 record in 2007 ... Scored first touchdown of the season on a 20-yard run vs. Robert Morris College Sept. 3 ... Made one catch for seven yards against Tennessee JV squad at Neyland Stadium Sept. 27 ... Recorded six catches for 115 yards and a pair of touchdowns vs. Louisburg Oct. 14 ... Reportedly turned in a 31-inch vertical jump and a 300+ bench press during program's testing day ... Earned three-star rating by Rivals.com ... Also recruited by Illinois and Virginia. High School: An all-conference performer at Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, Md. ... Logged 40 catches for 914 yards and three TDs as a senior at PBHS ... Also gained 114 rushing yards on 11 carries. Personal: Full name is Dayon Jamal Arrington ... Born April 25, 1989 at Washington, D.C. ... Major is communications ... Says bond to teammates is the best thing about the ECU program ... Lists seven-touchdown performance as a running back during Boy's Club game as most memorable football moment to date ... Favorite all-time NFL player is Jerry Rice ... Cites mother and father as most influential people in career ... Sang in church choir during youth. |
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