EIU’s Dandy makes preseason All-OVC

Hinesville native Russell Dandy was one of seven Eastern Illinois University football players recognized with preseason honors as the Ohio Valley Conference held its 2022 Football Kickoff Media Day in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 19. A Liberty County High School graduate, Dandy finished last season with 31 tackles, including two interceptions. The league also released its predicted order of finish, with the Panthers coming in sixth. Photo courtesy EIU Athletics

WS Moore, Sports Correspondent.

Hinesville native Russell Dandy was one of seven Eastern Illinois University football players recognized with preseason honors as the Ohio Valley Conference held its 2022 Football Kickoff Media Day in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 19.

Dandy, who made the team as a cornerback, earned All-OVC Newcomer team honors last season as one of 11 players selected to the All-Newcomer team. The junior college transfer finished the season with 31 tackles, including two interceptions. A Liberty County High School graduate, he was named the OVC Defensive Player of the Week in early October following the Panthers game at Murray State, where he forced all three Racer turnovers in the game.

In addition to the All-OVC preseason team, the league released its predicted order of finish, with the Panthers selected to finish sixth.

Defending league champion UT Martin was picked first, followed by Southeast Missouri, Murray State, Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech. Following EIU in sixth was league newcomer Lindenwood in seventh.