Cornerback Kaleb Lyons had six interceptions last season at Morehead State and is a key addition to the Eastern Illinois defense. (Photo by Barry Bottino, PrairieStatePigskin.com)
Second in a four-part series.
By Barry Bottino
When it comes to playing cornerback, Kaleb Lyons puts plenty of trust in his eyes.
“I try to see what the offense is doing, what they’re trying to get to formation wise, any motions going on, or this guy runs these routes,” he said of regular film study. “Then I try to get to the ball as best as I can. Attack that ball.”
Last season, attacking the football was what Lyons did best.
His six interceptions tied for the second-most in FCS during his sophomore season at Morehead State.
He earned third-team All-America honors for his breakout season before transferring to Eastern Illinois.
Lyons is one of four Fresh Faces at Eastern this fall. The annual Prairie State Pigskin series introduces readers to newcomers to the roster and returnees who will play expanded roles.
A Tennessee native, Lyons was a first-team All-Pioneer League selection last fall.
When looking for a new home, his visit to EIU showcased how coaches approached their relationships with athletes.
“It was really the coaching staff,” Lyons said of what stood out. “Getting to meet those guys and see how they are, not just to each other but to the players, and seeing what they’re trying to build here.”
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Lyons, who has two years of eligibility remaining, already had one unique connection with the Eastern staff in first-year safeties coach Andrew Strobel, who spent the past six seasons at Morehead State.
In his final three years at Morehead, Strobel was the team’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator.
“Coach Strobel is my guy,” Lyons said. “He helped me get to Morehead my freshman year and he has helped me understand the game of football and understand the Xs and Os of what’s going on.”
Lyons joins a cornerback group that includes returnee NiJhay Burt and fellow transfer Moses Alexander (FBS Houston).
“It’s been great,” he said of his new group of teammates. “When I came in the spring, they were all really accepting and we tried to form that bond early on. It’s easier to play with guys that you bond with and relate to.”
EIU’s other Fresh Faces include:
Defense
Jamari Johnson, DE, Junior
A year ago, Johnson impressed EIU coaches during fall camp before sustaining a season-ending injury.
This year, he’s back as part of a deep, veteran group and will provide reinforcement for the Panthers’ pass rush.
At 6-4 and 255 pounds, Johnson collected 13 tackles for loss at Chicago’s DeLasalle Institute as a senior. His collegiate experience includes nine games, mainly on special teams. But his role is expected to include more time supporting the defense, which managed 23 sacks last season.
That total ranked 49th nationally among all 122 FCS teams.
Offense
C.J. Nelson, WR, Redshirt Sophomore
Nelson arrived as a transfer this summer to help Eastern try to replace the combined 73 catches and 10 touchdowns from departed receivers Justin Bowick (transferred to FBS Ball State) and Justin Thomas (completed eligibility).
In the past two seasons at FBS Houston, Nelson played in 18 games on special teams for the Cougars and appeared in five games as a wide receiver.
“Nelson’s been doing great,” Lyons said. “He’s a really good slot receiver for us. He’s making a lot of plays.”
As a high school senior in the Fort Worth, Texas area at Richland High School, he transitioned from wide receiver to quarterback and threw for 15 touchdowns while rushing for 12 scores.
Surahz Buncom, WR, Redshirt Freshman
The 6-3, 175-pound Buncom was a redshirt last season at University of Kansas in the FBS Big 12 Conference.
His high school career at California powerhouse Mater Dei Catholic was capped off by a 13-0 record as a senior and a state Open Division championship.
During that season, Buncom caught 30 passes for 467 yards and nine touchdowns, including a nearly 16 yards per catch average.
His grandfather, Frank Buncom Jr., played linebacker for the San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals in the American Football League and is a member of the Chargers’ Hall of Fame.
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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