Messiah Rice

High School: Earned an invitation to represent South Carolina in the prestigious Shrine Bowl at the conclusion of his senior year ... A First-Team All-Area (offense) selection by the Orangeburg Times & Democrat ... Helped guide Bruins to a 9-2 record, which included a perfect 5-0 road mark, as a senior ... Wilkinson advanced to the state playoffs but fell in the opening round to North Myrtle Beach High School (52-35) ... A three-year letterwinner who also was a key part of a 7-5 squad in 2012 (5-3 region) ... Reportedly ran a 4.9 in the 40-yard dash and reached 315 pounds on the bench press ... A strong student with a grade point average of 3.5 ... Made his commitment to the Pirate program on Aug. 28, just three days prior to ECU's season opener against Old Dominion.