CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois added two players to its football program as classes for the spring semester started. Joining the Panthers are Chevon Walker, a transfer from the University of Florida, and junior college transfer Taylor Dunn.
Walker is a 5-10, 193 lb. running back that transfers from Florida as a redshirt freshman. He will have three years of eligibility remaining with the Panthers. This past season he saw action in five games averaging 3.5 yards per carry. He redshirted during the Gators National Championship run in 2006. Walker was the No. 5 rated running back in the nation at Riverdale HS in Fort Myers, Fla. He was the Ft. Myers News Press 2005 Offensive Player of the Year with 2,027 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns. He also participated in track at Florida placing ninth in the 100 meter dash at the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships.
Dunn is a 6-5, 245 lb. defensive lineman that transfers from College of Siskiyous in California. Last season he helped lead his team to a 6-4 record ranking sixth on the team with 31.5 tackles. He was second on the team in both tackles for loss and sacks finishing with 7.0 TFL and 2.0 sacks. He was a two-time All-Mid Empire Conference selection.
EIU football announced that three key players from last year's team have now been awarded scholarships. Those three include quarterback Bodie Reeder, punter Kevin Cook and kicker Tyler Wilke.
Eastern Illinois finished the 2007 season with an 8-4 record advancing the to the FCS playoffs for the third straight year and sixth time in the last eight seasons. The 2008 football schedule will be released on Friday.
