Eastern Illinois cornerback Russell Dandy (3) thwarted a potential Illinois State scoring drive with this interception Sept. 16 at O’Brien Field in the Panthers’ 14-13 win. (Photo by EIUPanthers.com)
By Dan Verdun
Russell Dandy has undoubtedly lived up to his surname this season in the Eastern Illinois secondary.
The fifth-year cornerback ranks fourth among FCS leaders in pass defended, according to official NCAA statistics. Dandy has been credited with 13 pass breakups and one interception to date.
“When your last name is Dandy, it goes with words like ‘fancy’ and stuff like that. I’ve heard that pretty much my whole life,” said the 6-foot, 175-pounder said.
As for his first name?
“I go by Russ,” he said. “A lot of people call me Russ.”
Dandy’s coaches and teammates would no doubt refer to him by another name: playmaker.
After playing two seasons of junior college football, Dandy transferred to EIU under then-Panther head coach Adam Cushing’s staff. He had an immediate impact, starting nine of Eastern’s 11 games in 2021. Dandy was named to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer team.
However, a leg injury forced him to miss eight games last season.
Dandy has returned with a vengeance. He’s become an integral part of EIU’s ball-hawking secondary, where the Panthers are tied for fifth nationally with 10 interceptions.
From his viewpoint, it stems from time spent together as a unit.
“It’s from the years we’ve been here, and us having the chemistry and bonding all this time,” Dandy said. “Going through the things we’ve gone through as a team has brought us all closer. It gives us the ability to come into a game being comfortable and trusting that our brothers are going to do their job.”
Doing that job has meant playing big minutes, including a pair of overtime games this season.
“And we’re not done yet,” Dandy said. “Keep watching.”
Get to know Russell Dandy in our Moving the Chains Q&A interview:
How did you and your fellow members of the defense feel about safeties coach Clay Bignell being promoted to defensive coordinator?
We were pumped for that. We had talked to each other and in the back of our minds we kind of already knew it was going to happen like that. We always hope for the best. That was a really good positive for us. Hiring from within kept the strings together.
How difficult was the transition from former DC Adam Gristick?
We accepted the change, and as time went on, we trusted the process. We know Coach (Bignell) is bright and has great ideas. He’s always thinking.
You also got a new corners coach . . .
Maurice Fleming came in and did a great job. He came in with good energy. I feel like he’s been instrumental in the secondary’s success.
How has Coach Fleming improved your game personally?
He’s given me the right mindset to attack the week (of preparation) as well as the game. Along with that mindset comes the work ethic. He pushes me and our whole position group to be our best as not just players but also as better men.
What did you learn from being on the sidelines for much of last season?
I’ve improved a lot mentally. After getting hurt last year, I was able to really dive into football from the Xs and Os perspective. I missed eight games last year. That allowed me to be in the right spots this year and understand where we are as a defense.
Your interception came at a key moment in the rivalry game against Illinois State. Describe the play as it developed.
Originally, it was a Cover 3 (defense). I had my eyes in the wrong place. My eyes were in the backfield. I started biting up on the reverse run (by ISU receiver Daniel Sobkowicz). He didn’t look like he was going to run. His demeanor wasn’t fast at all. He was kind of jogging and looking like he was about to pass.
So, I brought my eyes back to where I was supposed to be. Luckily, the receiver underthrew the ball and I was able to get under it and pick it.
Tell us about the town you grew up in Georgia.
I grew up in Hinesville, Georgia. It’s about 35 minutes away from Savannah. We’re a small town, located next to a military base called Fort Stewart. There’s really not much to do there. If you’re not in school or sports, it’s pretty much just go get a job. Back home, it’s more than just sports, it’s a way of living if I can put it that way.
Business Insider listed Hinesville as the most boring city in Georgia. What do you think about that?
I wouldn’t say it’s the most boring. I’ve definitely been to worse ones. It’s up-and-coming. We’ve got things being built every time I come back home.
October ends with Halloween. What are some of your memories of what you wore trick-or-treating?
The year “G.I. Joe” came out (as a movie), I was Snake Eyes. I remember walking around the neighborhood with my friends having a good time, getting candy.
Do you have a favorite candy?
I’m not much of a candy man. I’m more of a food man (laughs). I guess I’d say white chocolate. I like the Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creams.
We’re in November now with Thanksgiving coming up at the end of the month. What are you thankful for?
Everyone in my life. My parents, of course. All my coaches. Each of the coaching staffs – even the one before (now) here at Eastern.
There are too many to name. I don’t want to leave anyone out.
What’s your favorite football movie?
That’s tough. There was so many. The last one I watched was the 30-for-30 on Deion Sanders where he played two sports in one day. He just kept going no matter the obstacles he faced. No matter the adversity.
What’s your favorite non-football movie?
“Transformers” all the way. I’ve been on the Transformers bandwagon from when the first one came out.
Who is someone in the EIU football program that you think needs to be recognized more?
Clint Bays, our equipment man. He’s been here the longest of anyone I know. He’s always looking out for us. He gets us what we need. He was just talking about how it’s going to get cold, so he’s getting out the gear for that.
He makes you feel at home. He’s got a good spirit. The man brightens your day.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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