Complete OVC Preseason Release
NASHVILLE – Eastern Illinois was picked to finish fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference as the league held its annual football media day in Nashville on Monday. EIU was 6-5 last season after playing a portion of the season with several key injuries.
In addition senior tight end
Addison Bounds was named to the preseason All-OVC team, the lone member of the Panthers team to earn preseason honors.
EIU football reports to campus this weekend to open fall camp with the Panthers set to open the regular season on the road on Thursday, August 31 at Indiana State. EIU's home opener will be on Sept. 16 when EIU hosts Illinois State in the Mid-America Classic. Season tickets are now on sale by calling 217-581-2106 or online at
www.eiupanthertickets.com Single game tickets go on sale August 1.
Jacksonville State was picked to finish first with 16 of the 18 first place votes awarded by the league's head football coaches and media relations directors. UT Martin received the other two votes and was second in the preseason poll. Tennessee State was third followed by Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, Southeast Missouri, Murray State and Austin Peay.
Bounds was selected to the preseason All-OVC team at tight end after making 20 catches for 188 yards and three touchdowns last season. Bounds is one of seven returning starters on the Panthers offense which will include senior quarterback
Mitch Kimble and four starters on the offensive line. On the defensive side of the ball, head coach
Kim Dameron returns seven starters led by senior safety
Bradley Dewberry.
