By By GREG KATSKI, Staff Writer
GREENVILLE — It was the beginning of Pinkney vs. Kass, round three, at the East Carolina football team’s first spring scrimmage on Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Sixth-year senior Patrick Pinkney has an early upper hand on fellow senior Rob Kass in their heavyweight fight for the starting spot at quarterback for the Pirates in 2009. But Kass, ever the competitor, said he is not ready to give in.
Pinkney said he feeds off of Kass’ energy, making him a better quarterback.
Pinkney started the 2008 season at the helm of the Pirates, and held onto the position for the majority of the year. He hopes to do the same this season.
ECU Head Coach Skip Holtz said he just wants Pinkney to improve in all facets of the game, especially ball carrying.
Pinkney has shown a knack for scrambling and eluding defenders in the past, but Holtz said the shifty quarterback has gotten away from running the ball effectively.
Pinkney made more of a mark during the scrimmage airing the ball out.
He had three completions of 30 yards or more, including 31-yarders to sophomore wide receivers Darryl Freeney and Michael Bowman.
Kass put together the only scoring drive of the scrimmage, completing four of his last five passes for 37 yards and rushing for 14 yards on two carries.
Kass said regardless of who’s behind center to start the season, the Pirates’ coaching staff should be confident that either quarterback can get the job done.
Kass said he will accept whatever role he has on the team, but still has a burning desire to be the man.