News Summary
East Carolina University (ECU) has secured a significant addition to its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of Zyon Ratchford, a defensive prospect from Gaffney High School. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Ratchford chose ECU over Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina after visits to all three schools. Primarily projected to play as an outside linebacker, Ratchford brings impressive stats from his junior season, with recognition as an All-Region selection and a GPA of over 4.00, underscoring his athletic and academic prowess.
Greenville, North Carolina – East Carolina University (ECU) has made a significant addition to its 2026 recruiting class by securing the commitment of defensive prospect Zyon Ratchford from Gaffney High School in South Carolina. Ratchford, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, chose ECU over other contenders including Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina after visiting all three programs in June.
Ratchford is projected to play as a standup outside linebacker in ECU’s defensive strategy. His recruitment was primarily overseen by ECU’s position coach Rico Zackery and defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge. The Pirates officially offered Ratchford on May 22, 2023, marking the culmination of a recruitment process that began the previous fall. In addition to ECU, Ratchford had considered offers from South Florida, Charlotte, and several FCS programs.
With Ratchford’s commitment, he becomes the second player from Gaffney High School to join ECU’s 2026 recruiting class, following defensive tackle Kelton Smith. Both players had visited East Carolina during the weekend of June 12-14.
In his junior season, Ratchford demonstrated his defensive prowess by recording 68 tackles, which included 18 tackles for loss and four sacks. He earned recognition as an All-Region selection and boasts an impressive GPA of over 4.00. While he plays primarily inside linebacker for Gaffney, Ratchford’s future at the Division I level is anticipated to focus on his role as an EDGE player.
Film analysis highlights Ratchford’s capabilities as an effective blitzer, showcasing his excellent length and explosive first step. Although limited tape exists of him in coverage situations, he did intercept two passes during his sophomore campaign, demonstrating his versatility and potential. Experts believe his ability to transition into a versatile outside linebacker is supported by his physical attributes, including length, speed, and projected pass-rushing abilities.
Despite his athleticism and on-field skills, it is noted that Ratchford may require a year or two for physical development, particularly to enhance strength in his lower body. However, coaches and scouts see a high ceiling for his long-term potential at the collegiate level.
As ECU continues to enhance its football roster through strategic recruiting, Ratchford’s commitment underscores the university’s attraction to talented high school athletes. Ratchford joins a growing list of skilled prospects in the Pirates’ 2026 class, which aims to bolster the team’s competitive edge in upcoming seasons.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Gaffney Football Schedule Released
- Google Search: Gaffney High School Football
- WYFF4: Gaffney High School Football Names New Head Coach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- HSSR: Hiring of Donnie Littlejohn as New Head Coach
- Google News: Gaffney High School
- Herald Online: Gaffney High School Sports News
- Google Scholar: High School Football South Carolina
- Gaffney Ledger: Coach Littlejohn
- Fox Carolina: Gaffney Head Football Coach Storybook Ending
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