Western Illinois University Football Announces Signing Class
MACOMB — Eager to hit the ground running, Western Illinois football coach Joe Davis unveiled his first signing class on Wednesday with five new student-athletes signing their letters of intent to become Leathernecks. All five signees will be part of the Freshmen 2024 class in the fall.
Among the first batch of new Leathernecks are three players on the offensive side of the ball as well as a pair of defensive players. The class features student-athletes who prepped in Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee.
The new class does not lack credentials with multiple All-Conference, All-District, and All-State honors highlighting their prep career.
With the initial class done, Davis and staff turn their attention to the February 7 Signing Day and spring ball, which begins in March.
“These young men represent the core of what we want to build this program around,” Coach Joe Davis said. “They are all excellent students first, captains of their respective programs and high level multi-sport athletes. We are excited to have them join the proud tradition here at WIU!”
DECEMBER 2023 SIGNING CLASS
Payne Miller | 6’2 | 285 | Defensive Tackle | Princeton, Illinois | Princeton High School
Named First Team All-State 2023, First Team Unanimous All-Conference Nose Guard 2021, 2022, 2023, and Unanimous All-Conference Offensive Line 2022 & 2023. He finished his prep career with 221 tackles.
What Coach says: “Payne is a successful multi-sport athlete that has the strength and physicality we want from our front 4 in our new defensive structure.”
Rodney McNeil Jr. | 6’0 | 180 | Cornerback | Columbia, Missouri | Hickman High School
McNeil Jr. was a three-time All-District and All-Conference Player. He finished his high school career with 10 interceptions.
What Coach says: “Rodney is a leader and has the athleticism & ball skills that we seek in the defensive backfield.”
Antwon McKay Jr | 6’2 | 170 | Quarterback | St. Louis, Missouri | Cardinal Ritter College Prep
McKay Jr. threw for 1792 yards and 22 touchdowns at Cardinal Ritter College Prep. As a starter, he was unbeaten, going 28-0, leading his squad to back-to-back state championships.
What Coach says: “Twon is a proven winner that has all the intangibles we look for in a QB for our new offensive system.”
Aric Johnson | 6’0 | 200 | Wide Receiver | Aurora, Illinois | Kaneland High School
Johnson hauled in 131 passes for 2678 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career. Johnson was a 4x All-Conference, 3x All-Area, 3x Academic All-State, All-State Honorable Mention, and a 3x All-County Player.
What Coach says: “Aric is one of the most productive and explosive wide receivers in the state and will fit perfectly into our new wide-open offensive scheme.”
Adrian Wynn | 6’6 | 220 | Tight End | Jonesborough, Tennessee | David Crocket High School
Wynn had 25 catches for 374 yards and five touchdowns in his senior year. He was a 2023 All-Conference Football Player and the 2023 Tennessee Discus State Champion with a best throw of 158 feet, three inches.
What Coach says: “Adrian is a very talented multi-sport athlete that possesses the size and versatility that we want from the Tight Ends in our offense.”
