Eastern Illinois LB Engle proves to be ‘Swiss Army knife’ during spring practices

Redshirt junior Isaac Engle played multiple roles this spring in the Eastern Illinois defense and has added a special teams skill as well. (Photo by Barry Bottino, PrairieStatePigskin.com)

By Barry Bottino

CHARLESTON – Isaac Engle admits that his transition from Division II football to FCS required some patience.

“Coming in, I wasn’t really up to the speed of the game,” said Engle, who joined the Eastern Illinois program last year after two seasons at D-II South Dakota Mines. “Once I got here, the coaches helped me translate to the pace so I felt comfortable.”

Engle’s advanced comfort level was on display April 25 during the Panthers’ annual spring scrimmage.

The Colorado native came to EIU as an edge rusher along the defensive front but has expanded his skills.

“He’s a Swiss Army knife on defense,” Eastern head coach Chris Wilkerson said. “He came from a system where he was a 3-4 outside linebacker. We use him there as an edge.”

Engle played four games for the Panthers last season, preserving his redshirt year. In 2024 at South Dakota Mines, he collected 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.

After last season, EIU coaches began teaching Engle to also play inside linebacker.

“I’ve developed a lot,” Engle said. “I can do both. Sometimes I’m at (inside) linebacker, other times I’m off the edge.”

Engle said playing both positions has helped enhance his potential impact on defense.

“My quickness and my hands (are my strengths),” he said. “I feel like I can get off blocks well.”

Wilkerson added: “He’s a guy who does have pass rush skills, so he’s a natural blitzer. He’s getting better at reading his keys when he’s not blitzing.”

Eastern could benefit from Engle’s rush skills. The Panthers have collected only 27 sacks over the past two seasons. While finishing 3-9 last season, Eastern allowed opposing QBs to complete 69.8% of their passes.

The Panthers also might use Engle on special teams.

“He’s also learned how to snap,” Wilkerson said. “He can deep snap and short snap.”

Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.

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