After playing alongside the record-setting duo of Shane Carden and Justin Hardy for the past three years
, fifth year senior Chris Hairston has emerged as East Carolina’s go-to offensive player.
In the first week of the season Hairston played a pivotal role in the offensive attack, accounting for all 28 points the Pirates put on the scoreboard against Towson. The running back ran for 154 yards and tallied a career-best four touchdowns in the 28-20 season-opening win. Hairston became the first East Carolina back since Chris Johnson in 2007 to have four rushing touchdowns in a game and was East Carolina's first 100-yard rusher in a season-opener since Jamie Wilson had 183 yards against West Virginia in 1999.
Hairston and the Pirates will be put to the test this weekend when they travel to the swamp to take on Florida (rv/rv). The matchup with the Gators will be a rematch of last season’s Birmingham Bowl, where Florida came out on top 28-20. “Florida. It was a hard loss in the bowl game last year and it was close. So I’m looking forward to getting that game back,” said Hairston.
Even though East Carolina is off to a good start to the season, Hairston knows it is going to take a lot of work to continue the success. “It is going to take hard work and don’t underestimate anyone,” he said. “Play hard go every play, do your assignment, do your job. Don’t try to be a hero.”