Indians wrap up spring, look for RB cure

Heading into tonight's annual spring intrasquad game, Southeast Missouri State University football coach Tim Billings said he's been generally pleased with the Indians' spring drills.

But the big question that remains: Who will run the ball?

Southeast is still looking for a replacement for 1,000-yard rusher Curtis Cooper, who completed his eligibility last season. The position took a blow when touted Vanderbilt transfer Ray Perkins recently left the squad.

Perkins, a special teams standout as a freshman at Vanderbilt two years ago, practiced with the Indians last fall after transferring to Southeast. Although he had eligibility issues to be worked out, Perkins was expected to be a key player in the fall.

"I think he basically would have been eligible, but he doesn't seem to like it here," Billings said.

In addition, the top two returning running backs from last season have both been bothered by injuries that have forced them to miss much of spring drills.

Iven Brown was last year's second-leading rusher as a junior, gaining 153 yards and averaging 8.1 yards per carry despite being hurt much of the season. The speedy Brown has suffered from a variety of injuries throughout his college career.

Corey Kinsey gained 55 yards in 13 carries as a true freshman last year and was banged up much of the season.

"Both those guys can be very good if they can stay healthy, but they haven't been healthy for a whole season yet," Billings said. "Right now a big concern is the durability of our running backs. Cooper was just so durable."

Despite the running back problems, Billings said he likes what he's seen entering tonight's 7:30 p.m. contest at Houck Stadium.

"Things have gone well," he said. "We've improved quite a bit from last year. Now we just have to keep getting bigger and stronger in the offseason."

There will be a pre-game tailgate party at 6:30 p.m., with free hot dogs, popcorn and soda. Southeast players and coaches will assist in cooking for the fans. Admission to the game is also free.