Two Eastern Illinois seniors have been named to the College Football Performance preseason awards list as punter Kevin Cook and defensive back CJ James were listed among the candidates earlier this week. This marks the first year that the CFPA will honor players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision.

Cook was listed among the nation's elite punters as he will open the season as the team's punter and place kicker. Cook ranked 9th in the FCS last season averaging 42 yards per punt. He had a season long of 64 yards with 13 punts traveling longer than 50 yards. He was also able to pin opponents inside their 20-yard line on 14 occasions. Cook enters his fourth season as the Panthers starting punter. As a freshman he broke the school record averaging 44.6 yards per punt, the record was previously held by former NFL Pro Bowl punter Jeff Gossett.

James was listed among the nation's elite defensive backs as he opens the season as a starter at corner back. Last season James was a first-team All-OVC selection as he had five interceptions with two returned for touchdowns. James had 152 yards on interception returns which ranked him fifth nationally while his five picks ranked 35th in the NCAA. He also added 44 tackles, four pass break-ups and one punt block during the year. James has six career interceptions.

The Panthers will report to camp on August 5 with the season opener set for Sept. 4 at Iowa. EIU's home opener is Sept. 11 against Central Arkansas. During the home opener EIU will retire the No. 18 jersey worn by New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. Season tickets are now on sale by calling 217-581-2106.

More information on the College Football Performance Awards can be found online at http://collegefootballperformance.com