Along with safety Kaelin Drakeford, two more Panthers announced their departure from the football program on Monday.
Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Cody Silzer announced on his X account that he will enter the transfer portal.
Silzer, a Lockport native, has three more years of eligibility left.
“I am grateful for the incredible two and a half years I’ve spent at EIU and for the privilege of competing on a full scholarship,” Silzer’s post read. “I want to thank the coaching staff for their support and for helping me grow both on and off the field. With that said, I have decided to enter my name in the transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey so far.”
Silzer redshirted his freshman year in 2022 and used his medical redshirt in the 2023 season due to an injury early on in the season.
Silzer played in seven games for the Panthers and recorded a blocked punt for the Panthers against Charleston Southern.
On the offensive side of the ball, redshirt junior offensive lineman Drew Wilder announced his departure of the program to play for Tennessee Tech University.
Wilder, a Williamsburg, Virginia, native, is familiar with the Golden Eagles, as the head coach, Bobby Wilder, is his father.
“Thank you to coach [Chris] Wilkerson, coach [Kyle] Derickson and coach [John] Cannova for the opportunity to be coached by each of you and the values and lessons I have learned,” Wilder’s Instagram post read. “For being over 900 miles from home, I immediately felt with family. With much consideration I have decided to take the incredible opportunity to finish my last year of eligibility playing for my father at Tennessee Tech University where I will also receive my masters in project management. I’m unbelievably grateful for everyone who I have had the honor of meeting on my journey, EIU will always be a home.”
Wilder, the only offensive lineman to start every game in the 2023 season, was named a 2024 first team all Big South-Ohio Valley Conference player.
The NCAA football transfer portal officially opens on Dec. 9 and closes on Dec. 28.
Zaria Flippin can be reached at 581-2812 or at zhflippin@eiu.edu.
