ECU coach Skip Holtz called them the "elephant in the room" and he was quick to answer questions about the status of several players who were either suspended last season or during the spring.

Running back Jonathan Williams, running back Norman Whitley, cornerback Emanuel Davis and guard Doug Palmer are all back on the team and eligible to play in the opener against Appalachian State on Sept. 5.

• From Sunday's college football column

East Carolina played the second half of the 2008 season without two of its best playmakers. Receiver Jamar Bryant was suspended after five games and running back Jonathan Williams after seven for violating team policies. (In Williams’ case, the suspension was related to charges of assault and resisting arrest.)

Pirates coach Skip Holtz said both Bryant and Williams are on track to return to the team for the upcoming season.