CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois football practiced in full pads for the first time this fall on Tuesday.  The Panthers will have their first two-a-day practice schedule on Wednesday as the season opener is now just 23 days away against Southern Illinois.

Head coach Dino Babers said that defense always looks forward to the first day in pads.  “The defense was excited today.  They were flying around out there making some hits.”

Junior defensive back Alex McNulty seconded that feeling about the defense on the first day of full contact.  “The first day of pads is a lot of competition.  One thing with putting on pads is that you see the real competition develop.  You can see which guys are going to hit and which guys are going to battle and compete for that starting job.”

As the Panthers wrapped up the fifth practice of the fall, players are still learning the offense but quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo likes what he has seen in just a few short work outs.

“This offense we just put in during spring ball, so a lot of us are still learning it,” said Garoppolo.  “The new guys are coming along.  Guys like Anthony Taylor and Keiondre Gober have been good in practice.  We just need to focus on the little things in practice and the big plays will come.”

The injury bug has avoided the Panthers for the most part through the first five practices.  Coach Babers noted that some minor injuries have allowed some of the younger guys get reps; something he feels will help the team build depth for the season ahead.

EIU will kick off that season on Thursday, August 30 against in-state rival Southern Illinois.  Season and single game tickets are available by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com