Eastern Illinois football has added 16 mid-year transfers to the program, head coach Chris Wilkerson announced Tuesday.
Among the recruits is Wisconsin Badgers sophomore quarterback Cole LaCrue, a former ESPN three-star recruit after throwing for over 6,000 yards and 57 touchdowns in three seasons as a varsity starter at Broomfield High School.
McCrue is joined on offense by freshman running back Jesse Lajes from San Jose City College, junior wide receiver Jack Tremblay from Central Michigan, and two new offensive linemen.
The Panthers also picked up three defensive linemen, three safeties, and two linebackers to revamp their defense, while bolstering their special teams unit by adding punter Mason Miller and long snapper Jefferson McKinnon to their roster.
EIU is slated to begin spring practice in late March, with the spring game set to take place on Saturday, April 26 at O'Brien Field.