Eags are motivated to prove they're better
Eastern's Efton Chism III celebrats scoring a touchdown in the game against Weber State, last year.
CHENEY - With fall camp nearly a week away, Eastern Washington football has added motivation for the 2024 season. The Big Sky conference released the preseason coaches' and media poll, with the Eagles listed at eighth and sixth respectively.
Montana was picked to win the conference in both the coaches' and media poll. UC Davis running back Lan Larison was picked to win Big Sky offensive MVP and Montana State defensive lineman Brody Grebe was picked for defensive MVP.
Also, Efton Chism III was named to the preseason All-Conference team, earning the most votes of any receiver in the conference.
Chism racked up the awards in 2023, earning AP All-American Third Team and Big Sky All-Conference First team. The senior was a third team All-American selection by Stats Perform FCS and FCS Football Central, while earning fourth team status from Phil Steel All-Big Sky.
This past season, Chism accounted for 932 yards – third in the Big Sky and 14th in the FCS – on 84 catches, with eight touchdown receptions. He caught a career-high 13 passes against Idaho State, finishing with 161 yards and two touchdowns.
In his Eastern career, Chism has 2,541 receiving yards, placing him 12th in the program history. Chism's 5.5 receptions per game ranks second all-time and his 226 total receptions is third. He has 24 career touchdowns in 41 games played.
Eastern finished 3-5 in the Big Sky last season and 4-7 overall in 2023. The team was tied for ninth in the conference standings. The Eagles return eight starters on offense and defense, with 40 returning letter-winners overall.
Head coach Aaron Best enters his eighth season leading the Eagles, carrying a 35-19 Big Sky record, 48-32 overall and 4-1 in the playoffs.
The 2024 season begins on Aug. 29 against Monmouth, one of six home games this season for the Eagles. EWU will host Drake the following week (Sep. 7). Defending Big Sky Champions and national runner-up Montana visits Cheney on Sep. 28 while Montana State comes to town on Nov. 2. Homecoming will be on Oct. 19 against UC Davis and Senior Day will be Nov. 16 against Idaho State.
Big Sky Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Montana (10)
120
2. Montana State (1) 110
3. Idaho 95
4. UC Davis (1) 88
5. Sacramento State 82
6. Weber State 74
7. Northern Arizona 55
8. Eastern Washington 47
9. Portland State 45
10. Idaho State 31
11. Northern Colorado 23
12. Cal Poly 22
Big Sky Preseason Media Poll
1. Montana (26) 442
2. Montana State (9) 414
3. Idaho (2) 342
4. UC Davis (1) 332
5. Sacramento State 324
6. Eastern Washington 240
7. Weber State 234
8. Idaho State 174
9. Northern Arizona 172
10. Portland State 169
11. Cal Poly 74
12. Northern Colorado 47
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