Sept. 17, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State backup quarterback Drew Kiel will not be available Saturday against Eastern Illinois, after he underwent appendectomy surgery Wednesday afternoon. He is expected to miss two weeks and with a bye week after the EIU game, should be available for the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener at Indiana State Oct. 4.
With Kiel sidelined, sophomore Preston Earl moves into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Kevin Brockway.
"We have all the faith in the world in Preston," said head coach Denver Johnson. "That was a very tight battle for the second quarterback position, and quite honestly the battle continues. I hate it for Drew. He has had the opportunity to play in our first two games and make contributions. Thankfully, he will be back in a couple of weeks and that (our athletic training staff) caught it early."
Kiel's number was called in each of ISU's first two games after Brockway was knocked out due to a cut on his chin. On the season, Kiel has competed 5-of-6 pass attempts for 47 yards and a touchdown. In his four full drives under center this season, Kiel has guided the Redbird offense to three touchdowns.
