Portland native Lonnie Burt’s career began in junior college and included one season in his hometown before he transferred to Eastern Illinois. (Photo by Sharna Wilkerson)
By Barry Bottino
Lonnie Burt’s college football career can be measured in miles and lessons.
After high school in Portland, he left the Pacific Northwest for Coffeyville Community College in southeastern Kansas. He returned home to FCS Portland State last season before moving on to Eastern Illinois in January.
This fall, the EIU junior linebacker is turning his experiences into production. Last Thursday at FBS Minnesota, Burt led the team with six tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss.
“Everything is making a lot of sense,” he said. “What I learned at all my previous schools is all clicking together now.”
The EIU defense hopes to continue clicking at 6 p.m. Saturday when the Panthers (1-1) host non-conference regional rival Indiana State (0-2) in Eastern’s home opener.
Burt’s high school days featured playing defensive end and running back.
“I didn’t really know how to play linebacker,” he said.
Junior college included a position switch and his first reps at linebacker.
“That gave me tools to read offenses and helped me understand what I was looking at,” he said. “I could make everything smaller and focus on my keys.”
At Portland State, “that helped me with playing against bigger opponents,” the 6-foot, 225-pound Burt said.
Arriving in Charleston has featured rotational reps at Will linebacker and on special teams.
“Our scheme makes a lot sense,” he said. “Everyone is working together for the same goal. Everyone’s excited when someone makes a play.”
Through only two games, Burt’s nine total tackles is more than 20% of his career-best 44 stops at Coffeyville.
“He gains more experience every day in this system,” EIU head coach Chris Wilkerson said. “He showed up on the (Minnesota) tape making some tackles behind the line of scrimmage.”
As one of 56 new players on Eastern’s roster, Burt quickly made connections when arrived on campus in January.
“I come from a very diverse background,” he said. “I’ve been around a lot of people. I’m a really goofy and friendly guy. It’s easy for me to talk to people and make jokes.”
Wilkerson chuckled when asked about Burt’s personality.
“He’s a unique personality,” EIU’s coach said. “It didn’t take long to realize he’s a very gregarious guy, and a guy who is intellectually curious.”
Burt is among four of the team’s top six linebackers to rank among EIU’s leading tacklers.
“There are a lot of guys who can play,” Burt said. “They’re always willing to do extra work and just talk about normal things outside of football.”
Thus far, Wilkerson has just one uncertainty about Burt.
“I don’t know how he’s going to enjoy the winters here in the Midwest,” Wilkerson joked.
Kickoff: 6 p.m.; TV: ESPN-Plus; Radio: WEIU.net/hitmix
Key matchup to watch
EIU defense vs. Indiana State QB Elijah Owens: “He’s a playmaker,” said Wilkerson, who is well aware of Owens’ ability to sneak out of the pocket and gain yardage. Owens, who left last week’s game at Purdue with an injury but is expected to play, broke his collarbone in last year’s game vs. EIU in Terre Haute. In 2024, he threw for three touchdowns and led the team with 44 yards rushing in a loss to Eastern.
What’s at stake?
A victory would give EIU two non-conference wins as road trips to Missouri Valley Football Conference heavyweights Illinois State and South Dakota State await.
Quick hits
Ja’Wuan Nickson (11 tackles), Micah Valenzuela (10), Burt (nine) and Dillon Conway (eight) have been the most active in a deep linebacking group for EIU. “Depending on the package, we’ve got two or three or four linebackers who will play in certain situations,” said Wilkerson, who credited defensive coordinator Andrew Strobel and linebackers coach Rodman Noel with “a really good job recruiting and a good job developing players.” … First-year Eastern punter Cade Cox is averaging 42.4 yards a kick. Since 2022, only one EIU punter has averaged under 40 yards for a season. … Through two games, EIU has 16 tackles for loss, including seven last week in a loss to FBS Minnesota. The Panthers rank 26th nationally in FCS for total TFLs this season. … Through two games, Eastern is one of 15 FCS offenses nationally, and three in the Ohio Valley Conference, to not turn the ball over. Meanwhile, the Eastern defense has a current streak of five straight games forcing a turnover. Against Minnesota last week, linebacker Mafileo Tupou forced a fumble that safety Nick Vecchiarelli recovered for the Panthers. … Saturday’s game is the 91st all-time meeting between the Panthers and Sycamores. EIU holds a 45-41-4 advantage in the series. … Eastern has won three home openers in a row, including victories against Dayton (2025), Indiana State (2024) and Illinois State (2023).
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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