Sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Reeves played little in his first two seasons at Eastern Illinois because of a spate of injuries. (Photo by Sandy King, EIUPanthers.com)
By Barry Bottino
Before Jeremy Reeves played a down of college football at Eastern Illinois, he played the waiting game.
For two years, injuries put the redshirt sophomore on the shelf.
“A whole lot of injuries,” he said. “My freshman year, I tore the labrum in my hip.”
In his second season in Charleston, a pulled hamstring and other assorted ailments wrecked the year.
Through four games this season, Reeves is making strides and making plays for the Panthers. He ranks third on the team in receiving yards (81) for EIU, which travels to Brookings, S.D., for a 6 p.m. game Saturday against No. 2 ranked South Dakota State. Among his five catches was his first college touchdown against Indiana State.
Reeves played high school football at Gary Comer College Prep on Chicago’s South Side. “It’s more of a basketball school,” he said. “I played basketball my sophomore and junior years. It’s a low-level football program.”
The 6-foot-4 Reeves stood out to EIU coaches, however, because of his size and athleticism.
“We’ve known since the recruiting process that he had a great deal of potential,” Eastern head coach Chris Wilkerson said. “He just hasn’t been able to maintain his consistency and his health. He has continued to improve his consistency and maintained his health. That’s helped him get on the field more.
“There’s no substitute for experience, especially in games,” Wilkerson said. “He’s got a great frame and naturally gifted hands.”
Reeves said becoming a more consistent contributor has been the result of hours of work with wide receivers coach Tino Smith.
“That consistency comes from day-to-day work,” Reeves said. “(Smith) tells me to work every day and watch film every day. Just go out there and be free. Don’t worry about the last play or the next play.”
Reeves said his play has improved as he’s learned the playbook and how to read defenses, which has been helped along by “seeing it in practice and (Smith) showing me.”
When Eastern quarterback Cole LaCrue arrived on campus before last season, he noticed Reeves’ talent quickly.
“It’s funny, because I told Jeremy the first time that I ever saw him, ‘If you put in the work, you could be the best receiver in the country.’”
“He tells me that almost every time he sees me,” Reeves said. “That encourages me to be a better football player and to do my best for the team. I really appreciate Cole for reminding me of that all the time.”
Reeves’ touchdown catch came on a play when he was lined up as the slot receiver, a spot he normally doesn’t play.
“I’m normally not in the slot for that play,” he said. “I saw the defense. I knew it was going to be open. Cole made the right play. I was so excited. I’m confident now. I’m poised. I’m just ready to go.”
Reeves is hoping for bigger things for the Panthers and is willing to play any role.
“I just want to win,” he said. “If I’ve got to play cornerback, I’d do it for the team.”
Kickoff: 6 p.m.; TV: ESPN-Plus; Radio: WEIU.net/hitmix
Key matchup to watch
EIU defensive line vs. SDSU offensive line: The Jackrabbits’ run game is averaging 276 yards a game and the O-line is an impressive engine for the ground attack. “Their offense is as physical and rugged as any offense I’ve seen,” Wilkerson said. “Their offensive line – led by the All-American (left tackle Quintin) Christensen — is unbelievable. They’ll put you in the dirt and they’ll lay on you.”
What’s at stake?
A win against a Top 5 nationally ranked opponent would be Eastern’s first since Sept. 19, 2015, when the Panthers beat No. 5 Illinois State, 34-31, in overtime.
Quick hits
Offensive tackle Brandin Carpenter missed his second game in a row last weekend at Illinois State. The sophomore sustained an undisclosed injury in practice before the Indiana State game and “will continue to be out indefinitely,” Wilkerson said. “We’re hopeful that we get him back in the near future.” EIU’s head coach also said injured defensive backs Christopher Sharp and Saipeti Maiava will be “gametime decisions” Saturday at South Dakota State. … EIU kicker Drew Schiller made two field goals (21 and 41 yards) against Illinois State and has 11 touchbacks on 17 attempts. The sophomore is 2-for-3 on field goals. Last season he was 11-for-17 on field goals and had 18 touchbacks on 48 attempts. “His leg strength has continued to develop,” Wilkerson said. … EIU’s punting has also improved this season. Graduate transfer Cade Cox (UC Davis) is averaging 44.6 yards per punt, has eight kicks of 50 yards or more and six have landed inside the opposing 20-yard line. “He’s giving us great hang time and distance,” Wilkerson said. … Eastern is the only OVC team that has not thrown an interception this season. The team is tied for 13th in the nation in turnover margin at plus-four.
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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