While Western Illinois will not officially release its full list of recruits until February, the Leathernecks appear to have made a concerted effort to improve their running game.

The Leathernecks, in fact, do appear to have made a significant upgrade at running back with the addition of a former starter from the Southeastern Conference (SEC). According to published reports this fall, former Auburn back JaTarvious Whitlow transferred and enrolled at Western.

In late August the Dothan Eagle reported that Whitlow has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Elliott tweeted, “Welcome @eslreed6 to Leatherneck Nation! Jaylen is electric, with plenty of big play ability. He has been a proven WINNER throughout his career. Many Leatherneck greats have come from @Football_Flyers. Can’t wait to get Jaylen on campus!”

The third-year WIU head coach was welcoming running back Jaylen Reed from East St. Louis. According to the recruiting website 247sports.com Reed committed to WIU this past summer. Reed is listed at 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds. He also had an offer from Northeastern State, a Division-2 school in Tahlequah, Okla.

Key departure

The Leathernecks certainly have a need in the backfield as two-time All-Missouri Valley Football Conference fullback Clint Ratkovich announced he is transferring to FBS Northern Illinois.

Ratkovich, a Crete-Monee High School graduate, ranked third in the MVFC in receptions per game (4.8) while finishing second on the team with 444 receiving yards in 2019. He also rushed for a team-high 258 yards. Moreover, Ratkovich was a two-time team Leatherneck captain.