Eastern Illinois football added five high school players as the NCAA's early signing day opened on Wednesday (Dec. 3).  The Panthers added all five players on the offensive side of the ball with a quarterback, wide receiver and three offensive linemen.

""We are extremely excited to be adding five quality student-athletes to our program during this first signing period. Each has done a phenomenal job throughout their high school careers and will complement the blueprint that has been laid by those who came before them. This group will have an immense impact on and off the field due to their high character and gritty determination. I am thrilled to sign this outstanding group of young men and welcome them to our FAMILY", said EIU head coach Chris Wilkerson.
 
HIGH SCHOOL ADDITIONS (DECEMBER 3)
NAME                          POSITION                 HT      WT       HOMETOWN            HIGH SCHOOL
Logan Duhachek         Quarterback               6-4      215       Arvada, Colo.           Arvada West
Grady Farley               Offensive Line            6-6      300       Brookfield, Wis.       Brookfield East 
Niko Menos                 Wide Receiver            6-2      195       Roselle, Ill.               Lake Park
Jalin Strowder             Offensive Line            6-3      315       Mundelein, Ill.           Carmel Catholic
Nick Thomas               Offensive Line            6-6      290       Hannibal, Mo.          Hannibal
 
 
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Logan Duhachek (Quarterback, 6-4, 215, Arvada, Colo. / Arvada West HS) – Played for coach CJ Hanna at Arvada West High School… led team to Colorado Class 5A quarterfinals for first time since 2009 as team posted a 10-2 record… passed for more than 3,000 yards and 34 touchdowns as a senior with an average of 250.8 yards per game with just seven interceptions for the season… his 3,002 yards ranked fifth in the state of Colorado for the year… completed prep career including three years as a varsity starter with 7,548 passing yards and 73 touchdowns… All-Conference selection…
-- Quote on Duhachek from EIU Offensive Coordinator Kyle Derickson -- "We could see Logan's physical abilities this camp season as he has the size, the arm strength, and feet in the pocket to play at this level. But what has been most impressive is his leadership this season where he helped lead his team to their first 10 win season in years. Quarterbacks must have a number of intangibles in addition to on-field production, and Logan has checked all the boxes."
 
Grady Farley (Offensive Line, 6-6, 300, Brookfield, Wis. / Brookfield East HS) – Played for coach Ben Farley at Brookfield East High School… primary offensive line position is tackle but can also play guard… helped team post an 8-3 record as a senior advancing to the second round of the Wisconsin Division 1 state playoffs… anchored an offensive line that helped average 29 points per game… earned both first team All-Conference and All-Region honors as a senior…
-- Quote on Farley from EIU Offensive Line Coach Cole Hoover -- "Grady is a great athlete who showcases a lot of physicality and grit on his film. A tall kid with long arms and great feet, Grady is everything we're looking for in recruiting offensive tackles. Great student and leader, we expect him to be a staple up front for years to come."
 
Niko Menos (Wide Receiver, 6-2, 195, Roselle, Ill. / Lake Park HS) – Played for coach Chris Kirkpatrick at Lake Park High School… finished prep career with 117 receptions for 1,422 yards and 11 touchdowns… as a senior hauled in 60 passes for 721 yards and six touchdowns averaging 80.1 yards per contest… averaged 13.0 yards per reception as a junior with 48 catches for 625 yards… earned honorable mention IHSA Class 8A All-State honors and first team All-DuKane Conference honors…
-- Quote on Menos from EIU Wide Receivers Coach Tino Smith II -- "From the beginning of Niko's recruiting process, it has been a pleasure getting to know him and his family. Niko is a talented wide receiver with excellent ability, and he brings value to the team not only through his skill on the field but also with his strong character and work ethic. We're excited about the impact he can make both on and off the field."
 
Jalin Strowder (Offensive Line, 6-3, 315, Mundelein, Ill. / Carmel Catholic HS) – Played for coach Jason McKie at Carmel Catholic High School… as a senior helped lead team to an 8-3 record and second round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs… anchored an offensive unit that averaged 44.8 points per game during senior season…  first team All-CCL/ESCL as a senior earning White Division Offensive Lineman of the Year honors…
-- Quote on Strowder from EIU Offensive Line Coach Cole Hoover -- "Jalin possess all the tools to be a contributor up front early. He has a strong passion for the game and when you watch his film, he loves hitting people. Excited about keeping one of the best offensive lines in the state home."
 
Nick Thomas (Offensive Line, 6-6, 290, Hannibal, Mo. / Hannibal HS) – Played for coach Jeff Gschwender at Hannibal High School… helped lead team to 11-2 record as team will play for the Missouri Class 4 State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 6… has helped anchor an offensive line that is averaging 40.6 points per game this season… earned second team All-North Central Missouri Conference honors as a senior…
--Quote on Thomas from EIU Offensive Line Coach Cole Hoover -- "Nick is truly an exciting prospect. He is coming from a great high school program from a state that has produced some great EIU talent. His combination of size, strength, and motor will make him a phenomenal lineman at the college level."