Jake Schoonover

Position: Assistant Coach/Asst. Linebackers, Special Teams Alma Mater: Missouri Western State '08

Illinois State head football coach Brock Spack filled the open spot on his coaching staff, when he announced the hiring of assistant coach Jake Schoonover. Schoonover will assist Spack working with the Redbird linebackers in his new role at ISU.

Schoonover is no stranger to the Illinois State football program. In 2009, he served as a volunteer assistant coach working with the Redbird offensive line and wide receivers on Spack's first staff at ISU. Spack is looking forward to working with Schoonover and having some more help coaching the defense.

Schoonover comes to Illinois State, after spending one season on the Illinois Wesleyan coaching staff working with the defensive backs for head coach Norm Eash. Schoonover also assisted with special teams duties and served as the junior varsity team's defensive coordinator, leading them to a 6-0 record with three shutouts.

Schoonover was the defensive ends coach at his alma mater, Missouri Western State, for a season before working with the Redbirds in 2009. During his career at Missouri Western State, Schoonover started in 30 games at linebacker and was a team captain for the Griffons. Following his collegiate career, he played linebacker and wide receiver in 2008 and 2009 for the arena league Peoria Pirates, serving as team captain in 2009.

Schoonover earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from MWSU in 2008 and received a master's degree in 2010 from American Public University.