Eastern football head coach Bob Spoo announced his last recruiting class as a football coach Thursday.

Spoo announced the names of 20 high school football players and five junior college recruits that are committed to Eastern.

Of the 25 total recruits there are nine from Illinois, six from Florida, two from Indiana, and the rest are from Missouri, Ohio, New Jersey, California and Virginia.

Throughout the 2010 football season, offensive and defensive linemen were focal points for Eastern, as the team saw many injuries on both sides of the line. Toward the end of the season, coaches said the line would be a focal point in recruiting.

The Panthers stuck to their word, recruiting 12 linemen on either side of the ball.

One of the defensive linemen is Josh Griffin, from nearby Paris High School in Paris.

Offensive coordinator Roy Wittke said the Panthers are excited to keep an area player at home.

The Panthers also added to their depth at the running back position by recruiting three, including Reggie Box from Glen Carbon.

“Reggie is a real steal for our program,” recruiting coordinator Mike Lynch said.

Lynch said Box was a top rusher at Edwardsville High School, but was moved around to different positions as a senior. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch named him a Metro Top 30 player.

The Panthers also added depth at linebacker by signing three, including AJ Chappelle from Florissant, Mo.

“He will be a real good program guy,” Lynch said.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch rated Chappelle the No. 22 player in the metro area. He played at Hazelwood Central High School.

Another player the Panthers are excited about is Trey Pendergrass, who is listed as an “athlete.”

Defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said Pendergrass will be a versatile player.

Pendergrass was a finalist for Florida’s Mr. Football Award this year at Jupiter Christian High School. He rushed for over 2,100 yards and 28 touchdowns, averaging 10.5 yards per carry.

He scored six touchdowns receiving the ball and had four interceptions as a defensive back in Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

“Trey is one of the most decorated players we’ve ever recruited here,” Bellantoni said.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7944 or admcnamee@eiu.edu