CHARLESTON, Ill. – The play of the Eastern Illinois defense seemed to be the story of the day as the Panthers held a situational scrimmage Wednesday afternoon. However that story was trumped by news that the NCAA had granted a wavier for transfer quarterback Jake Christensen to play one season at EIU.
“I would like to think our athletic administration, they have done a tremendous job during this process,” said EIU offensive coordinator Roy Wittke following the scrimmage. “I know that Jake and his family are grateful for all the hard work that has gone into this process. We also would like to thank the NCAA for allowing Jake to complete his fifth season of eligibility.”
On the field the defense was the story as they seemed to dominate the scrimmage that had set down and distance plays run from various locations on the field. The defensive unit was able to make a couple of stands and forced several turnovers as some new faces started to emerge on that side of the ball. One player who seems to be gaining some in that group is freshman linebacker Ryan Turner who intercepted a pass, created a fumble on a strip of the football from a wide receiver and made several tackles.”
“I'm just happy to have the opportunity to play and hope I can work hard enough to stay on the field,” said the freshman from Cincinnati. “I was hoping I would be doing this well.”
Head coach Bob Spoo echoed those words on the defense's performance after the offense seemed to have a bit of the upper hand in last Saturday's scrimmage.
“I'm pleased with the defensive effort,” Spoo said. “We have to get these guys going. I thought the offense was not as good today as they were on Saturday. We are all working hard. We have a whole different group of players and they are motivated as a team.”
The Panthers did have some young faces start to step up on the offensive side of the ball. Freshmen receivers Chris Wright, Kenny Whittaker and Erik Lora all played well on Wednesday. Wright showed why he was a top recruit from Niles West HS as he was able to stretch the field during a two-minute drill scenario.
“I have been excited to watch those three young guys grow during camp,” added Wittke. “They are fun to watch and if they make mistakes on the field, they are making those mistakes playing at full speed.”
Wittke also addressed the quarterback battle following practice stating that EIU would make a decision on its starting quarterback in a short while. Christensen took a number of snaps with the number one offense on Wednesday with returning starter Bodie Reeder running most of his series with the number two group. On Saturday both quarterbacks rotated between both sets.
The Panthers return to action on Saturday evening with a 7:30 p.m. scrimmage. EIU will also hold a season ticket holder and Panther Club Fan Appreciation cookout starting at 6:30 p.m. in the south end zone. This will also give Panther Club members a chance to pick up their 2009-10 benefit packages.
Eastern Illinois opens the 2009 football season on Sept. 3 hosting Illinois State. Season and single game tickets are now on sale at (217) 581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthers.com
