For Eastern Illinois head coach Adam Cushing, National Signing Day has always been special.

“Exciting day, always one of the most exciting days of the year to bring some new blood into the program” Cushing said Wednesday afternoon during a Zoom media address.

EIU could use some new blood. The Panthers are coming off their third straight one-win season, including last spring’s Ohio Valley Conference-only schedule.

One of the major factors in Eastern’s disappointing 1-11 record this fall was its lackluster offense. Shortly after the Panthers’ final game, the entire offensive staff was fired.

“We underachieved what our roster is capable of,” Cushing said.

So, while the search goes on for replacing the departed assistant coaches, the remainder of his staff worked overtime bringing in 16 signees, which is a mix of high school recruits and college transfers.

Quotable

“It will certainly be something from my background, but I think the most important thing will be we’ve got to have our best players influence the game the most, period. That’s how you create mismatches.”

— Adam Cushing on the search for a new offensive coordinator

What positions do they play?

With Eastern averaging a mere 14.5 points per game this fall, an emphasis on offensive recruits only makes sense. The Panthers allowed 28 sacks, the most among Ohio Valley Conference teams, and its rushing attack averaged a league-low 90.7 yards a game.

Prior to being hired by EIU in Dec. 2018 Cushing was the longtime offensive line coach at Northwestern.

Thus, Eastern’s class is led by five offensive linemen.

“You win and lose football games in the trenches,” Cushing said.

Additionally on offense, the Panthers signed three running backs, a receiver, a kicker and a “super back,” which is a carryover from Cushing’s days in Evanston.

EIU also brought in a quarterback — South Bend, Ind. native and University of Virginia transfer Ira Armstead II.

“He’s dynamic,” Cushing said of the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Armstead. “His playmaking ability (stands out). He’s got that full skill set. He can really throw it. He can really run it.”

Though he saw limited playing time as two-year member at UVA, Armstead was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN.com and 247sports.com coming out of high school. Armstead has three years of eligibility remaining.

Cushing also said that some of the current running backs on the EIU roster may not be continuing their careers because of medical reasons while others may be moving to different positions.

Meanwhile, coordinator Chris Bowers’ unit finished second in total defense among OVC teams. The Panthers added two defensive linemen, a linebacker and a defensive back.

Where are they from?

Cushing noted that 9 of the 16 recruits are from the Midwest.

Four players come from Illinois, including identical twins Cody and Cole Silzer from Class 8A state champion Lockport. Both are listed at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds.

“They’re awesome leaders,” Cushing said. “They just won at the highest level here in Illinois. You don’t just stumble into the 8A state championship.

“They’re athletic. They’re long. There are so many things to love about Cody and Cole. I can’t wait to get them here.”

The Panthers landed three players from Ohio and two from Texas, including offensive lineman Carson Fitchel, the son of EIU Hall of Famer Brad Fitchel (1989-92).

“It’s always great to have a legacy,” Cushing said. “Carson came from a great, great high school program (Rockwall-Heath) and he’s been starting for three years, a two-time all-district guy in the state of Texas. He’s a well-trained offensive lineman.”

EIU also signed one player each from California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

What accomplishments do they bring?

Cushing pointed out that the student-athletes averaged a 3.2 average GPA and a 1020 SAT score . . . Twelve of the 16 were conference champions and 11 of the 16 were team captains . . . Ten were multi-sport athletes. “It’s important when you’re looking for competitors,” Cushing said.

Recruit list (courtesy EIU Athletics)

Bryce Burnett (OL, 6-4, 270, Danville, Ill./Westville HS) 

Carson Fichtel (OL, 6-3, 300, Heath, Texas/Rockwall-Heath HS) 

Monte “MJ” Flowers Jr. (RB, 6-1, 207, Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain HS) 

Don’yae Freeman (LB, 6-1, 230, Cincinnati, Ohio/Aiken HS) 

Alex Ginnever (SB, 6-5, 225, Wentzville, Mo./Holt HS) 

Diego Oliver (DB, 6-0, 180, Chicago, Ill./Kenwood Academy) 

Jay Pearson (RB, 6-0, 195, McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox Junior-Senior HS) 

Cody Silzer (DL, 6-3, 250, Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township HS) 

Cole Silzer (DL, 6-3, 250, Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township, HS) 

Cody Green (K, 5-11, 170, Little Elm, Texas/Lone Star HS) 

Cameron Thompson (WR, 6-0, 185, Boardman, Ohio/Boardman HS) –

Johnathan Arellano (OL, 6-5, 310, Lancaster, Calif./College of the Canyons/Bishop Alemany HS) 

Terrance Shaw (OL, 6-4, 315, Clearwater, Fla./Coffeyville CC/Clearwater HS) 

Maximus Stineman (OL, 6-5, 295, Ewa, Haw./Allan Hancock College/Saint Joseph HS) 

Adarius Thomas (RB, 5-8, 190, Newton, Ga./Butler CC/Newton HS) –

Iraken Armstead II (QB, 6-3, 215, South Bend, Ind./University of Virginia/Adams HS)