Football

By Steve Raymond

ET Sports Report

Another member of the 2019 Effingham football team is headed to the collegiate level.

Jeff Gillum, a vital part of the Hearts explosive offense, will take his talents to Augustana College. The EHS senior made it official Monday afternoon, signing his national letter of intent.

“Their facilities and coaching staff blew me away,” Jett said. “Plus, they run a similar style offense that we did here. I think it’s a good fit for me.”

Gillum was recruited as a tight end by the Vikings. He will take his 6’3”, 195-pound frame to Augustana, which is a NCAA Division III school that competes in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW). He plans to major in psychology with an emphasis in criminal justice.

Jeff was a first team All-Apollo Conference selection as fullback. He was the team’s second leading receiver, hauling in 36 passes for 516 yards and nine touchdowns. He was a real weapon for the Hearts this year.

“Even though they said my weight wasn’t a problem, I will probably have to add a few pounds,” Jett noted. “They like my speed and ability to stretch the field.

“They run a lot of RPOs (run pass options) and no huddle,” Jett noted. “They like to go up tempo with their offense and they like to push the ball vertically a lot. I like that style, and like I said, it’s a good fit.”

By Steve Raymond

ET Sports Report

Logan Brown grew up rooting for Eastern Illinois in football and dreamed of someday playing for the Panthers.

“Someday” is now here.

The Effingham High School senior made it official Wednesday afternoon when he signed a letter of intent to join the EIU football program as a preferred walk-on.

“I was recruited as a walk-on,” Logan explained. “If I prove that I’m good enough, I could get a scholarship the next year.”

Brown, who played both running back and safety at EHS, was recruited as a safety by Eastern.

“They like my height (6’2”) and weight (195 pounds),” Logan said. “They want me to play safety, which is the same position I played in high school. I’m hoping to get some playing time, but that all depends on how much I work and how I look when I’m on the field.”

By Steve Raymond

ET Sports Report

Nate Shackelford always wanted to play quarterback and perform at a high level.

Even though it wasn’t the most direct path, he accomplished both in high school.

And now he’s about to embark on a new path that will allow him to do it all over again at the next level.

The Effingham High School senior has committed to play at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

“I’m very excited about this and very hopeful,” Nate admitted. “Growing up, I dreamed of playing high-level high school football. And this year was a dream come true. Now I’m blessed with the opportunity to play high-level football in college.”

Nate is the 18-year-old son of Mike and LeAnn Shackelford. He was born in Mattoon and moved to Effingham when he was in the fifth grade – just in time to start playing JFL.

He was a fullback that first year, but by the time the sixth grade season started, Nate was the QB, a position he maintained for several years. During his sophomore season in high school, the plan was for him to share quarterback duties with Landon Wolfe. But a high ankle sprain in the season opener set those plans aside.

Effingham's Nate Shackelford made it official Wednesday afternoon, signing a letter of intent to play football at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The official signing took place at Effingham High School. Seated (left to right) are Mike (father), Nate, LeAnn (mother) and Kora (sister) Shackelford. Standing is Effingham football coach Brett Hefner. ET Sports Report photo by Steve Raymond.

By Steve Raymond

ET Sorts Report

Drew Vasquez, Griffin Paige, Terrence Hill and Braden Hasty have shared many similar experiences through the years on a football field.

From playing JFL to winning conference championships to earning a spot in the playoffs, these four young men have a lot of fond memories while wearing an Effingham jersey.

But that foursome never shared a special moment together – until now.

They are part of the North Central College football team that recently won the NCAA Division III title.

That’s right.

Drew, Griffin, Terrence and Braden are national champions.

“It’s something we dreamed about ever since we stepped on campus,” Drew said. “This year, we expected to hold that championship trophy.”