Eastern Illinois head coach Chris Wilkerson and his staff are preparing the Panthers for the 2022 season. (photo courtesy EIU Athletics)

CHARLESTON—The competition to become the starting Eastern Illinois quarterback for the Sept. 1 season opener is a three-man race, according to head coach Chris Wilkerson.

“We’ve got three guys that have done a phenomenal job competing all preseason so far, two were here during the spring and we’ve added a third here in the summer,” Wilkerson told Prairie State Pigskin following Saturday night’s practice at O’Brien Field.

Redshirt sophomore Jonah O’Brien and redshirt freshman Zach Weir are the returnees. Senior Dom Shoffner transferred from FBS Charlotte following spring practice.

“Dom, Jonah and Zach have all shown the ability to lead our offense up and down the field and most importantly, take care of the football,” Wilkerson said. “We just finished our fourth rotation with each of the guys going with the first group (offense).

“We’ll sit down and watch the film and see where we’re at, but at some point in the next week we’re probably going to get down to where it’s going to be two guys who will get a few more reps and then obviously in the near future make a decision for Sept. 1.”

 The Panthers open the season on Thursday, Sept. 1 at FBS member Northern Illinois. The home opener is Sept. 10 against Chattanooga, a non-conference FCS opponent.

Breaking down the QB race

“They’ve all got unique skills, but they can all operate the entire playbook,” Wilkerson said. “It’s just a matter of then tweaking what we do with each of their strengths.

“We’re scheduled to scrimmage next Saturday (Aug. 20) and the following Tuesday (Aug. 23) and then we’ll do preparation for the Sept. 1 game.”

When spring practice ended in April, Wilkerson acknowledged Weir as the team’s No. 1 quarterback yet also noted the competition was far from over.

Weir, from Grafton, Wisc., completed 32-of-66 throws for EIU in 2021. He had one touchdown and was intercepted four times. Weir is listed at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds.

O’Brien began 2019 as the EIU scout team quarterback but played the final home game of the season against Southeast Missouri, completing 12-of-21 pass attempts for 84 yards and one interception.

O’Brien, listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, transferred to Colorado State where he sat out the 2020 season due to NCAA transfer rules.

The Bartlett High School graduate appeared in one game for Colorado State in 2021 before returning to Eastern Illinois this spring.

“It was a little weird at first coming back, but (now) I feel at home like I did before,” O’Brien said. “We compete every day. The competition makes us all better, so the more, the better.”

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Shoffner began his collegiate career at North Carolina Central and also played at Monroe (NY) Junior College prior to his time at Charlotte.

According to his biographical sketch on the Charlotte athletic website, Shoffner missed the 2021 season with an injury. He served as Charlotte’s backup quarterback during pandemic-shortened, six-game season in which he played in four games.

“It’s an open competition (here). Everyone is working. I love this quarterback room. We all bond very well. We all know there’s one guy that’s going to take the job, so we’re all 10 toes down and working,” Shoffner said.

The quarterback room is under the direction of offensive coordinator and QB coach Joe Davis, who was hired by EIU in December 2021. Davis previously served as associate head coach/offensive coordinator at the University of Albany from 2018 to 2021.

Davis’s Albany offense broke 21 school records during those four years. In the course of that time Davis also coached freshman All-America quarterback Jeff Undercuffler, who verbally committed to EIU in May only to then sign with FBS Akron of the Mid-American Conference.

Position change

South Bend native and former University of Virginia quarterback Ira Armstead II transferred to EIU in January as a dual-threat QB option.

However, Armstead, a former three-star recruit by ESPN.com and 247sports.com listed at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, has been moved to wide receiver.

“It’s been an awesome transition,” Wilkerson said. “Ira and I had a discussion at the end of summer. His biggest thing was just trying to get on the field and compete as quickly as possible and help our team as quickly as possible.

“Because of his knowledge of the offense and because of his athletic skill set we thought the easiest transition would be to wide receiver. He has certainly shown some flashes of greatness. He is a big, strong, fast young man. We’re excited about his growth and potential at wide receiver.”

BY SANDRA GUY

It might seem like a minor irritant, but those little white flakes on your scalp, your collar and on your new in-office fashions — sure signs of dandruff — are crying out for a cure.

Dandruff can become a bigger distraction when it requires extra vigilance. After all, who wants to drag around a lint brush?

And it can be embarrassing and cause you to look unkempt at an important meeting.

The first step is to find the cause.

You can get help from a dermatologist. A common cause of dandruff is dry skin. And though it sounds counter-intuitive, you could be shampooing too infrequently. You can also stop using your existing shampoo to see if you’re allergic to it, especially if you suffer from scalp soreness or itchiness. And finally, you may have a medical condition that a doctor can diagnose, such as psoriasis or a scalp fungus.

You may want to experiment with different ingredients in shampoos, but it’s wise to restrict medicated shampoo use to a few times a week, experts say. And if nothing helps, the next step is to see a dermatologist or your doctor.

Shampoos such as Head & Shoulders and Selsun Blue contain selenium sulfide, an antifungal agent. Capex, Derma-Smoothe/FS and others use a corticosteroid to help control itching and flaking, for example.

So rest assured that, despite the inconvenience, your detective work will pay off.

BY SANDRA GUY

Pre-season NFL football games are live. The sun sets earlier as each week goes by. And neighborhood children carrying backpacks troop back to school.

Fall is coming.

You’ve honed your outdoor exercise routine all summer, making time for long walks, runs and bike rides in the sun. How can you stay fit as the wind gets chillier and the pumpkin lattes pop up everywhere?

One idea is to start honing an indoor strength-training routine, even as you continue to get fresh-air exercise wearing warmer clothes.

You can start with 30 minutes and aim to extend your barbell or free-weights routine as the weather gradually gets harsher.

You may be surprised by how quickly you can achieve lean muscle and tightened abs by doing stationary weightlifting. Even better, fun and effective online, affordable on-demand workouts such as Les Mills International (lesmills.com), Beachbody (Beachbody.com) are easily accessible. They’re often easier on the wallet than gym memberships.

Another possibility is hot yoga, especially if you love to get your sweat on. You can find online, on-demand yoga where you follow the teacher’s instruction to turn off off your air-conditioner before you start (although this may well aggravate others in your household, so beware). You’ll get the added benefit of stretching in your own warm home or apartment.

You can switch to a stationary bike. Even a $250 bike that you put together yourself, with no flywheel, can do the trick. Again, you can find free online spin lessons or subscribe to Les Mills+, Peloton or CardioCast. They offer expert teachers, upbeat music and a lively environment to keep you motivated.

Just do a Google search, and you’ll turn up loads of free YouTube videos featuring professional athletes and trainers who offer expert advice on weightlifting, kickboxing, ab exercises and diet tutorials. They offer paid subscriptions, but you can learn plenty from the basic, free videos from trainers at sites such as Athlean-X, Zuzka Light and BowFlex.

If you have a nice yard, take your favorite music with you and rake leaves or tidy up your garden and flower beds.

Finally, since we could all use a change of scenery, seek out something fun and different, even if it’s for a free or reduced-price trial run. Classes range from dancing to HIIT to aerial fitness (exercising around a pole or moving freely while hanging from a hammock or other rigging).

You may find you’ll benefit far more than you had expected and, especially if you return to in-person classes, some wonderful camaraderie with health-conscious people.

This week I lost my youngest sister and I just wanted to send a special shout-out to her. Amy, you were loved, and you will be missed. From darkness, you brought light, from pain you brought love. I wish I could’ve been there for you more, but I’m glad we had a loving friendship. You were never afraid to be you, and that’s what I appreciated most, Amy. You were so genuine. Godspeed, little sis.

We haven’t heard from the Smallpools in a bit, so I was excited to see “Cameras & Coastlines” on the #RADAR. “All of my life/Living on coffee and wine/You saw the best in me.” There are not many people who know us that well, who will put up with our little quirks and annoyances. This tune reminds me of good friendships, and lost loves.

This week the House of Love delivered an 8CD box set entitled, Burn Down the World: The Fontana Years 1989-1993. This is a comprehensive set that includes the three albums they recorded for Fontana during that time period. Expanded versions of 1990’s The House of Love, 1992’s Babe Rainbow, and 1993’s Audience with the Mind. Three of the other five discs contain non-LP songs and are aptly titled A Spy in the House of Love. The last two discs are made up of live performances, both acoustic and electric. For the right price, I might jump on board.

I really like the chorus from Maggie Rogers’ “That’s Where I Am.” I’m afraid to call it power pop, but I’d compliment her by saying it’s an upbeat number similar to Neko Case.

It’s hard not to notice the New Order sound The Killers have adopted on “Boy.” Keyboards sound like “Blue Monday” and Brandon sounds like he’s reenergized.

Ryan Adams has released so much music this past year that it’s become a job to get through all of it. Now we’ve received two singles from his upcoming record FM, and they’re not bad, I feel like these should have been spread out so they can be enjoyed properly.

I love a little reggae and this “Pacific Coast Highway (Remix)” does the trick.

“Who growls like that?” No one, that’s his thing, and “X Gon’ Give It To Ya.” He does, in this less-than-two-minute remix. You’ll feel all aspects of DMX busting out, and you’ll instantly remember how much energy this man brings to the table. X is a force to be reckoned with!

Primus returns with a new EP, Conspiranoia, that I just became aware of after delving into their original Frizzle Fry album. It’s a pretty interesting listen that harkens back to their early days. I could use more small doses of Primus, no doubt.

Soulfly is still kicking the rhythmic, tribal metal. “Superstition” picks up right where the boys left off, and I’m sure Blake and Getz are sitting in the parking lot of The Knoll drinking Busch Lite and blasting the new record.

Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is “Count Me In” from Jazz Funk Soul. This could easily pop up on SiriusXM’s Watercolors station. Lots of funky bass and groovy horns make this one a pleasure to play.

Put your email in da box and click: “Create Subscription!”

Beau Branyan has started the past 23 consecutive games at left tackle. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)

For the past 34 games, Beau Branyan has been a fixture at tackle for Southern Illinois.

This fall, that all changes for the senior from Decatur’s St. Teresa High School, who is moving to a new role as a fifth-year player.

“I’ve been wanting to play guard for a while,” said Branyan, who has started 34 consecutive games for the Salukis, including the last 23 at left tackle.

Branyan proposed the idea to new offensive line coach Dan Clark and got the go ahead.

“He was on board with it from Day 1,” Branyan said.

Looking ahead to a potential future in the NFL, Branyan didn’t think his size (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) would fit at tackle. He wanted to be able to show some positional versatility to pro scouts this season.

“I knew the past three years that I’m probably not going to play tackle at the next level,” Branyan said. “After the season, I didn’t want to get into a showcase or an all-star game and they throw me at guard, where I’ve never played, and I’m looking like an idiot out there.”

Branyan has been an important part of a unit that ranked 25th nationally in total offense (415.3 yards) and 13th in first downs (276) last season.

As a team, the Salukis are ranked as high as No. 7 – by Athlon Sports – in preseason polls.

While SIU’s national status hasn’t changed after two playoff berths in a row, Branyan is facing numerous adjustments.

“You’re blocking defensive ends and you’re blocking defensive tackles,” said Branyan, who hopes to take over at left guard for longtime starter and current SIU graduate assistant coach ZeVeyon Furcron. “The biggest challenge is just keeping your eyes up.”

Along with helping the center and tackle on various plays, Branyan has had to adjust to pulling from his guard spot, which he first began playing in spring practices.

“You’re getting a running start and trying to smoke people,” he said. “I love it. That’s my game. It’s a good change.”

Along with Branyan, the Salukis return senior Lucas Davis and sophomore Chase Evans, who started every game last season at right tackle and right guard, respectively. Junior center Jimmy Wormsley started the last seven games at center after an injury to Calvin Francis.

“I love the guys I’m playing with,” Branyan said. 

Furcron has maintained some influence among the linemen in his new role, which is a welcome addition to the staff, according to Branyan.

“Z was our leader. Z was a team leader,” he said. “I played next to him for 23 games. He’s my brother. He’s still in the back of the room talking, and his big personality is there. He’s going to be a hard one to replace.”

Eastern Illinois head coach Chris Wilkerson and his staff are preparing the Panthers for the 2022 season. (photo courtesy EIU Athletics)

CHARLESTON—The competition to become the starting Eastern Illinois quarterback for the Sept. 1 season opener is a three-man race, according to head coach Chris Wilkerson.

“We’ve got three guys that have done a phenomenal job competing all preseason so far, two were here during the spring and we’ve added a third here in the summer,” Wilkerson told Prairie State Pigskin following Saturday night’s practice at O’Brien Field.

Redshirt sophomore Jonah O’Brien and redshirt freshman Zach Weir are the returnees. Senior Dom Shoffner transferred from FBS Charlotte following spring practice.

“Dom, Jonah and Zach have all shown the ability to lead our offense up and down the field and most importantly, take care of the football,” Wilkerson said. “We just finished our fourth rotation with each of the guys going with the first group (offense).

“We’ll sit down and watch the film and see where we’re at, but at some point in the next week we’re probably going to get down to where it’s going to be two guys who will get a few more reps and then obviously in the near future make a decision for Sept. 1.”

 The Panthers open the season on Thursday, Sept. 1 at FBS member Northern Illinois. The home opener is Sept. 10 against Chattanooga, a non-conference FCS opponent.

Breaking down the QB race

“They’ve all got unique skills, but they can all operate the entire playbook,” Wilkerson said. “It’s just a matter of then tweaking what we do with each of their strengths.

“We’re scheduled to scrimmage next Saturday (Aug. 20) and the following Tuesday (Aug. 23) and then we’ll do preparation for the Sept. 1 game.”

When spring practice ended in April, Wilkerson acknowledged Weir as the team’s No. 1 quarterback yet also noted the competition was far from over.

Weir, from Grafton, Wisc., completed 32-of-66 throws for EIU in 2021. He had one touchdown and was intercepted four times. Weir is listed at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds.

O’Brien began 2019 as the EIU scout team quarterback but played the final home game of the season against Southeast Missouri, completing 12-of-21 pass attempts for 84 yards and one interception.

O’Brien, listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, transferred to Colorado State where he sat out the 2020 season due to NCAA transfer rules.

The Bartlett High School graduate appeared in one game for Colorado State in 2021 before returning to Eastern Illinois this spring.

“It was a little weird at first coming back, but (now) I feel at home like I did before,” O’Brien said. “We compete every day. The competition makes us all better, so the more, the better.”

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Shoffner began his collegiate career at North Carolina Central and also played at Monroe (NY) Junior College prior to his time at Charlotte.

According to his biographical sketch on the Charlotte athletic website, Shoffner missed the 2021 season with an injury. He served as Charlotte’s backup quarterback during pandemic-shortened, six-game season in which he played in four games.

“It’s an open competition (here). Everyone is working. I love this quarterback room. We all bond very well. We all know there’s one guy that’s going to take the job, so we’re all 10 toes down and working,” Shoffner said.

The quarterback room is under the direction of offensive coordinator and QB coach Joe Davis, who was hired by EIU in December 2021. Davis previously served as associate head coach/offensive coordinator at the University of Albany from 2018 to 2021.

Davis’s Albany offense broke 21 school records during those four years. In the course of that time Davis also coached freshman All-America quarterback Jeff Undercuffler, who verbally committed to EIU in May only to then sign with FBS Akron of the Mid-American Conference.

Position change

South Bend native and former University of Virginia quarterback Ira Armstead II transferred to EIU in January as a dual-threat QB option.

However, Armstead, a former three-star recruit by ESPN.com and 247sports.com listed at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, has been moved to wide receiver.

“It’s been an awesome transition,” Wilkerson said. “Ira and I had a discussion at the end of summer. His biggest thing was just trying to get on the field and compete as quickly as possible and help our team as quickly as possible.

“Because of his knowledge of the offense and because of his athletic skill set we thought the easiest transition would be to wide receiver. He has certainly shown some flashes of greatness. He is a big, strong, fast young man. We’re excited about his growth and potential at wide receiver.”

BY SANDRA GUY

It might seem like a minor irritant, but those little white flakes on your scalp, your collar and on your new in-office fashions — sure signs of dandruff — are crying out for a cure.

Dandruff can become a bigger distraction when it requires extra vigilance. After all, who wants to drag around a lint brush?

And it can be embarrassing and cause you to look unkempt at an important meeting.

The first step is to find the cause.

You can get help from a dermatologist. A common cause of dandruff is dry skin. And though it sounds counter-intuitive, you could be shampooing too infrequently. You can also stop using your existing shampoo to see if you’re allergic to it, especially if you suffer from scalp soreness or itchiness. And finally, you may have a medical condition that a doctor can diagnose, such as psoriasis or a scalp fungus.

You may want to experiment with different ingredients in shampoos, but it’s wise to restrict medicated shampoo use to a few times a week, experts say. And if nothing helps, the next step is to see a dermatologist or your doctor.

Shampoos such as Head & Shoulders and Selsun Blue contain selenium sulfide, an antifungal agent. Capex, Derma-Smoothe/FS and others use a corticosteroid to help control itching and flaking, for example.

So rest assured that, despite the inconvenience, your detective work will pay off.