Eastern Illinois cornerback NiJhay Burt (3) will be taking on a bigger role this fall for the Panthers, who open the season Aug. 29 at FBS Illinois in Champaign. (Photo by Barry Bottino, PrairieStatePigskin.com)
By Barry Bottino
CHARLESTON – Getting to know each other has involved some storytelling for the Eastern Illinois cornerbacks.
“We do a team bonding in our position group,” junior returnee NiJhay Burt said. “We get to know each other in our room by telling (the group) about our experience, how we got here. We go around and tell our stories.”
This year, there were plenty of new stories to go around with three transfer cornerbacks on the roster for the Panthers, who finished 8-3 last season but missed out on an FCS playoff bid.
Burt is back after serving as the Panthers’ top slot cornerback last season and also shining on special teams.
At practice Monday outside O’Brien Field, Burt was part of the top defensive unit with junior newcomer Moses Alexander – a transfer from FBS Houston – on the other side and Morehead State transfer Kaleb Lyons working in regularly.
The Panthers also added Northern Illinois’ Kiwaun Davis as a transfer, and have redshirt freshman returnee Christopher Sharp, who recovered a fumble and played in four games a year ago, in the mix.
“I’m pleased with what I’ve seen so far in camp from these guys,” EIU head coach Chris Wilkerson said. “All the guys are very competitive, and they all want to play.”
Back and better
Burt played in all 11 games last year on special teams and as a reserve cornerback, but he made highlight plays galore and ranked second on the team with three interceptions.
His 67-yard interception return for a touchdown in the season opener against Indiana State contributed to a 27-0 victory. Two weeks later, he had a season-high four tackles in a 14-13 win against Illinois State, helping the Panthers claim the Mid-America Classic rivalry game for the first time since 2016.
In November, he blocked and recovered a punt in a win against Tennessee State.
“He was one of our best athletes,” Wilkerson said. “When we looked back at the end of the season, he had some of the most explosive and productive plays during the course of the fall.
“He’s certainly shown us that he’s found a home at corner.”
Moving outside for Burt has come with some adjustments.
“It’s the same communication, but just different responsibilities,” EIU cornerbacks coach Maurice Fleming said. “I think he’s going to have a great year.”
Burt is excited for the opportunity.
“I feel like I’m ready for it,” he said. “The guys trust me. I trust them. I just want to give my best, so every opportunity that I get, I’m going to do my best.”
Sharp, a St. Louis native, recovered a fumbled punt last season and contributed to a defense that ranked second nationally in turnovers gained.
“Chris has shown continued development,” Wilkerson said. “He’s got a really bright future.”
The Panthers are working to replace 2023 starters Russell Dandy, who led FCS with 18 pass breakups during his senior season, and Tyris Harvey, who left via the transfer portal.
New faces in a new place
Eastern’s newcomers arrived from three different programs but have integrated into Eastern’s system well thus far.
“You have to adapt them to our culture,” Fleming said. “We have to get those guys adjusted from one program to the next. They can use a little bit of what they learned from that program, but you have to get them to interwine (lessons) so they can buy all the way in.”
On Monday, the 6-foot-3 Alexander’s biggest adjustment was to the 90-degree weather in Charleston.
“The humidity out here is crazy,” he said.
The Galveston, Texas, native has made a quick impression on coaches and teammates.
“I feel like I’m a physical corner who is long and fast,” Alexander said. “My mindset is to always focus on winning.”
Lyons had six interceptions last season, which was the most in FCS.
“He brings an awful lot to the table,” Wilkerson said. “He has played a lot of football.”
Davis, who played prep football at Chicago’s Kenwood Academy, began his career at Washington State before transferring to Northern Illinois. He joined EIU’s roster after taking part in NIU’s spring practices.
“He’s worked his tail off and he’s made quite a few plays early in camp.”
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and spent 19 years at three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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