QB Manley No. 1 on Eastern Illinois depth chart

Apr 28, 2014 - 6:57 PM Charleston, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Eastern Illinois University's spring football practices ended with quarterback Andrew Manley atop the depth chart as the Panthers seek to replace 2013 Walter Payton Award winner Jimmy Garoppolo.

"Manley has taken most of the No. 1 reps through spring and while we have had some great competition, no one has taken those reps away from him at this point," first-year head coach Kim Dameron said.

Manley, a 6-foot-3 redshirt senior who transferred to EIU from New Mexico State last summer, was a backup to Garoppolo a season ago along with junior Ben Krol.

Garoppolo attended Saturday's EIU spring game when Manley completed 13-of-18 pass attempts for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the Blue team's 31-0 victory over the White team.

Krol was 3-of-8 for 68 yards. Two redshirt freshmen also saw action as Austin Green was 7-of-11 for 41 yards and Sean Hussey was 5-of-14 for 42 yards and one interception.

Garoppolo set numerous EIU and Ohio Valley Conference records as a senior, including throwing for 5,050 yards and 53 touchdowns.

EIU had a 12-2 record and a No. 4 final ranking in The Sports Network FCS Top 25, advancing to the national playoff quarterfinals.

The two-time defending OVC champions will open the 2014 season by visiting the University of Minnesota on Aug. 28.