CHARLESTON, IL -- Eastern Illinois University defensive back and Hinesville native Russell Dandy has been named to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team for his performance during the 2021 football season.

Dandy, who spent the two seasons at Butte College in California, finished the 2021 season with 31 tackles (26 solo), two interceptions, 2.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

His best game came against Murray State University on Oct. 2.

In that contest, Dandy was responsible for all three turnovers gained by the Eastern Illinois defense as he had two interceptions including one in the endzone that turned away a Murray State touchdown.

He finished with seven tackles (all solo) with a tackle for loss. On his tackle for loss, he forced a fumble that he would recover on the play.

The Liberty County High School graduate was named both the OVC Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Week following his performance in the Panthers non-conference game.