2016 Football Signing Day Release / ClassCHARLESTON, Ill. – Back on National Signing Day on February 3, Eastern Illinois head football coach
Kim Dameron stated that recruiting was a year round process and that the Panthers coaching staff would continue to evaluate the best players that could help EIU compete for championships and FCS playoff appearances. This week EIU added three players as part of the 2016 recruiting class with the addition of offensive linemen Luther Harris and Aaron Miller along with Chicago linebacker product Sean Williams.
Those three players join the class of 13 players announced on Feb. 3. The Panthers open spring practice on March 22 with the EIU Spring Game scheduled for April 23.
The 2016 season opens on Sept. 1 at home against Western Illinois. EIU made its 16th FCS playoff appearance last season finishing the year at 7-5 and ranked No. 23 in the FCS Coaches Poll. The Panthers have made the FCS playoffs in three of the past four seasons.
Luther Harris (6-6, 350, Offensive Line, Oklahoma City, Okla./Heritage Hall HS) – Played offensive tackle for coach Brett Bogert at Heritage Hall HS… helped pave the way for back-to-back Oklahoma Class 3A state championships… four-year starter… rated Top 30 prospect in the state by The Oklahoman… first team All-State… blocked for an offense that averaged 51.7 points per game during senior year… earned MVP honors of EastBay Youth All-American Bowl as a freshman…
Aaron Miller (6-5, 280, Offensive Line, Honolulu, Haw./St. Louis Prep) – Played for offensive guard for coach Cal Lee at St. Louis Prep HS… former teammate of current EIU offensive lineman
Louis Vailopa… helped team advance to the Hawai'i Division I state championship game as a senior… earned second team ILH Division I honors… played in Life Champion Senior Bowl…
Sean Williams (6-2, 225, Linebacker, Chicago, Ill./Morgan Park HS) – Played for coach Terry Atkins at Morgan Park HS in Chicago… helped team advance to IHSA Class 6A state playoffs as a senior… led team with 118 tackles despite missing two games… as a junior played season with soft cast on broken left arm registering 89 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked punt…
