East Carolina has landed a key in-state addition to its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of Lindell “LJ” Porter, a 3-star linebacker from Hough High School in Charlotte.
Porter announced his pledge to ECU and coach Blake Harrell on August 1, choosing the Pirates over a final four that included James Madison, Liberty and Sacramento State. He’s the fifth player from a North Carolina high school in ECU’s 2026 class, which now stands at 16 commitments and is ranked No. 82 nationally, per 247Sports.
🟣 A Two-Way Standout
Before transferring to Hough for his senior season, Porter starred at Charlotte Christian, where he showcased his athleticism and versatility on both sides of the ball. He played linebacker, safety and running back, helping the Knights to a 7-4 record and a NCISAA playoff berth in 2024.
As a junior, Porter racked up 88 tackles, including 12 tackles-for-loss, with two interceptions, four pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He also added 175 rushing yards and three touchdowns. As a sophomore, he logged 91 tackles in a breakout campaign
🟡 Rising Star in the Queen City
Now at Hough High, Porter joins a program that won 12 games in 2024 before falling to eventual state champion Grimsley in the playoffs. At 6-foot, 215 pounds, Porter projects as a linebacker at the college level,
“Porter shows excellent burst and a quick first step, allowing him to beat opposing blockers to their spot, and gain proper angling to make tackles near the line of scrimmage,” wrote Stephen Igoe of Hoist the Colours, an ECU 247Sports site. “Porter also shows good instincts in coverage, with the ability to read the field well, and react when tested in the passing game.”
He took an official visit to ECU in June and held 15 reported offers, including App State, Coastal Carolina, Elon, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Miami OH, Missouri, ODU, Troy, UConn, and Virginia Tech.
Porter joins a growing in-state core for ECU’s 2026 class, which already includes:
- OL Preston Broadway (Metrolina Christian Academy)
- WR Rai’shawn Elmore (Porter Ridge)
- OT Ja’Vaughn Hargett (Southern Durham)
- EDGE Terande Spencer (Richmond Senior)
✅ Stay tuned to NC Football News as the high school football season gets underway for full recruiting coverage and updates on North Carolina’s top prospects.
📌 More 2026 Recruiting Coverage:
- 🔁 NC High School Commitment Tracker – Where top NC prospects are committing (in-state & out-of-state)
- 🎯 NC College Commitment Tracker – Who’s heading to North Carolina college programs (from NC and beyond)
