SINCE 1996

Blake Harrell

East Carolina University

Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers

Conference: American Athletic Conference

Coach Stats

Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
Directed a defense that ranks Top 15 nationally in 3rd Down % (6th/29.8), INTs (8th/12) and TOs gained (12th/18) … Also stands 29th in Pass Eff. Defense (121.2) and has improved a unit that stood 102nd in Total Defense in 2020 (447.3) to 72nd in 2021 (392.2) … Two seasons as DC, his teams have tallied 36 takeaways, allowed 29.7 ppg and 419.8 ypg.
Coach's Past Performance
Completed first season at ECU with Top 25 national (FBS) statistical rankings in total takeaways (18) and fumbles recovered (8; a program-best since 2012), while standing second among all American Athletic Conference members in 4th-down defense (47.1 percent) despite utilizing 10 first-time starters and 11 true freshmen overall.
Team Record and Standings
5-4 Overall … 3-2 in American Athletic Conference (tied for fourth). Team is on verge of becoming bowl eligible for first time since 2014
Team/Unit Stats
2021 East Carolina StatsNCAA National Ranks/Actual Defensive Stats Rush Defense ……………………..63rd/146.2 Pass Defense ……………………. 92nd/246.0 Pass Eff . Defense …………………29th/121.2 Total Defense …………………….72nd/392.2 Scoring Defense………………….. 56th/24.0 First Down Defense …………………51st/178 Fumbles Recovered ………………… 42nd/6 Passes Intercepted ……………………8th/12 Turnovers Gained …………………….12th/18 3rd Down % Defense ……………. 6th/29.8 4th Down % Defense ……………107th/64.3 Redzone Eff . Defense …………….38th/80.0 Tackles For Loss …………………. 49th/5.67 Sacks ……………………………………63rd/2.22
Individual Player Stats
2021 East Carolina StatsCB Ja’Quan McMillian – *1st in passes defended, 3rd in total INTs, 4th in INTs per game … SAF Teagan Wilk – 14th in forced fumbles …