Eastern Illinois Adds Quarterback
Published on June 27 2013 6:40 am
Last Updated on June 27 2013 6:40 am
Written by Millie Lange
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois head football coach Dino Babers has announced the addition of quarterback Andrew Manley, a transfer from New Mexico State. Manley enrolled in classes at EIU for the summer session and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Panthers.
Manley played parts of three seasons at New Mexico State including serving as the starting quarterback in all 12 games last year. He passed for 2,764 yards with 18 touchdowns for the Aggies. His 2,764 yards ranked fourth in the Western Athletic Conference and 47th in the nation at the FBS level. He had a pair of 300-yard games with a season high 367 yards against UTEP. His other 300-yard game was a 309 yard passing day against Idaho.
In 2011 Manley started the first three games of the season before suffering a season ending injury. In the Aggies second game of the season Manley led the team to its first win over a Big Ten opponent as New Mexico State beat Minnesota 28-21. Manley was 20-31 passing for 288 yards and three touchdowns against the Golden Gophers.
As a true freshman in 2010 Manley played in five games making four starts. His first career action came off the bench against New Mexico as he drove the Aggies down the field to set up a game winning field goal in New Mexico State’s 16-14 victory over its in-state rival. His season high for passing was 220 yards on 19-of-32 passing against Nevada.
Manley is a native of Wahiawa, Hawai’i, where he was a standout quarterback at Leilehua HS. As a senior he passed for 3,143 yards and 35 touchdowns being named the 2009 Gatorade Player of the Year for the state. As a junior he passed for 3,676 yards and 31 touchdowns earning Honolulu Star Advertiser Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Manley becomes the third player on the Panthers roster from Hawai’i joining Kamu Grugier-Hill and Pono Choy.
EIU opens the season on August 31 at San Diego State. The Panthers won the Ohio Valley Conference regular season title last year in head coach Dino Babers first season. EIU advanced to the program’s 14th FCS playoff appearance. EIU has been ranked in the preseason top twenty by several publications.
The Panthers home opener is Sept. 14 against Illinois State in the Mid-America Classic. Season tickets are now on sale by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com.
