Anthony Manaves (11) has appeared in 39 games and made 23 starts in his Eastern Illinois playing career. (Photo by EIUPanthers.com)
By Dan Verdun
Anthony Manaves endured five seasons of losing football at Eastern Illinois. That all changed last fall when the Panthers won eight games and narrowly missed the FCS playoffs.
It also altered a major decision for the tight end.
With a marketing degree in hand, Manaves was ready to move into the workforce. But, the game called him back one more time.
“I’ve decided to use this last season as a booster,” he told Prairie State Pigskin. “We know how to win now.
“In 2022, we knew how to compete. In 2023, we learned how to win. So now I want to keep using that formula to build a true foundation for the future years here at Eastern.”
Manaves admitted that he was “very, very close” to ending his playing days. But, the thrill of those victories last fall – along with conversations with the EIU coaching staff, family and his close friend and teammate Anthony Shockey – convinced him to return for his final season.
Now enrolled in EIU’s graduate school, Manaves is pursuing both an MBA and further success on the playing field.
This season begins Thursday night at Memorial Stadium in Champaign against the University of Illinois.
“I really trust them (EIU coaches) and what they’ve got going for this program along with all Coach (Chris) Wilkerson has done for us. I felt like I almost owed it to him (to come back),” he said.
Manaves, a Chicago St. Patrick High School graduate, isn’t alone in his pursuit. He is one of 57 upperclassmen on this fall’s EIU roster, 35 of whom have seen playing time in previous seasons. In addition, 15 players have already earned their undergraduate degrees.
“I’ve been here six years,” Manaves said. “I love Eastern Illinois University. It gave me an opportunity for my future and to play Division I football. It’s taught me so many life lessons. I couldn’t imagine myself going anywhere else.”
This week’s opponent
Illinois native Bret Bielema begins his fourth season as Fighting Illini head coach. Quarterback Luke Altmyer, who passed for 1,883 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, returns to lead the offense. Running back Kaden Feagin landed at No. 24 on national college football writer Bruce Feldman’s annual “top freaks” list for superior athletic ability.
Defensively, Illinois brings back three of its top five tacklers, led by defensive backs Miles Scott and Xavier Scott (no relation). Outside linebacker Seth Coleman had 50 tackles last season, including a team-high nine tackles for loss.
Kickoff: 8:10 p.m.; TV: Big Ten Network; Radio: WEIU.net/hitmix
Key matchup to watch
Turnover margin: It was one of the secrets to EIU’s success a season ago as the Panthers finished second nationally in FCS by forcing 25 turnovers. Eastern returns eight starters, including the front seven, from that defense.
EIU’s offense is led by quarterback Pierce Holley and running back M.J. Flowers, both of whom helped the unit control the ball and limit turnovers last fall.
However, facing a Big Ten opponent is a different beast. A negative turnover margin most likely signals disaster for the Panthers.
What’s at stake: Thursday’s game marks the fourth time in program history Eastern Illinois has opened against a Big Ten Conference member. The Panthers are 0-9 in previous games versus that league.
Quick hits:
According to published reports, Eastern Illinois will receive a $500,000 payout for Thursday night’s game. … EIU kicks off its 123rd season of collegiate football. … Holley was chosen as the Big South/Ohio Valley Football Association Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. … Sophomore Nic DiSanto moves from right tackle to left tackle this season. … EIU will face two Big Ten foes this season. The Panthers travel to Evanston Sept. 14 to play Northwestern. … EIU is 6-39 all-time against FBS schools. The last win came in 2016 at Miami (Ohio). The Panthers’ other FBS wins were against San Diego State (2013), Eastern Michigan (2004), Northern Illinois (1998), Western Michigan (1996) and Akron (1989). … EIU was picked for second place in the preseason Big South / OVC Football poll. The Panthers were listed as the third team also receiving votes in both this year’s STATS Perform Media Top 25 and FCS Coaches Top 25 polls. … Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. and his wife, Janelle, are the godparents to Panther sophomore Peyton Wilkerson, the son of EIU head coach Chris Wilkerson and former EIU softball player Sharna Wilkerson.
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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