Southeast roster lacks many local players

Southeast Missouri State's 2010 football roster features just two players from the Southeast Missourian coverage area, Jackson's Blake Peiffer and Perryville's Kris Cottner.

Both hope to play key roles, with Peiffer virtually certain to.

Peiffer, a sophomore linebacker, entered fall camp No. 1 on the depth chart at middle linebacker after seeing considerable action off the bench both at linebacker and on special teams as a true freshman last year.

"My goal is to be a starter and keep the job," Peiffer said during Friday's media day at Houck Stadium. "I want to be the best I can."

Peiffer recorded 32 tackles while recovering a fumble and forcing a fumble last year. He acknowledged that the adjustment from Jackson High School to Southeast took time.

Cottner (Kris)

"Mainly getting used to the speed of the game and having a lot more responsibility," Peiffer said. "I feel I picked it up pretty good and now I've got a lot more experience. I know the plays a lot better."

Peiffer long has been recognized for his work ethic. Southeast coach Tony Samuel lauded that part of Peiffer's makeup.

"He's a worker bee," Samuel said. "He put together a great summer. He looks great right now."

Cottner, a defensive back from Perryville High School, saw limited action last year but is in the mix for a bigger role this season.

Cottner appeared in all 11 games a year ago, primarily on special teams. He had three tackles and also returned three kickoffs for a 20-yard average.

That came after a 2008 campaign that saw Cottner play in two games on special teams as a true freshman before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He received a medical redshirt.

"I hope to play a lot more," Cottner said.

Cottner, listed as a junior although he is a sophomore in eligibility, recently was moved to a safety/rover spot from cornerback. He is battling at the spot previously held by senior Bryan Blanfort, who will miss the entire season with a knee injury.

"I'm getting adjusted to that," said Cottner, listed No. 2 on the depth chart at safety/rover entering fall camp. "Hopefully I'll get an opportunity."

Scoreboard coming

After using a small, temporary scoreboard at Houck Stadium the past two years, Southeast athletic director John Shafer said the university has purchased an impressive new scoreboard for this season.

But Shafer said the scoreboard is not likely to be up and running for the Sept. 25 home opener against Tennessee Tech.

Shafer said several final details regarding the scoreboard still have to be worked out, including determining the area of ground that will be stable enough to hold the structure and bidding to have it placed into the ground.

"Structurally, it's a big board," he said. "We have to have professional people tell us what's under the ground before we put everything in. Then it depends on who gets the bid and turnaround time for them."

Asked if he was disappointed the scoreboard almost certainly won't be in place for the home opener, Shafer said: "No. Obviously, I'd like it to be there, but I know we'll have a better scoreboard soon."

Shafer did not say when he expects the scoreboard to be installed but assured that it would be some time this season.

The original scoreboard had to come down before the 2008 season because of construction of a dormitory added to the west end of Houck Stadium. The ground floor of the building houses a game-day locker room and athletic training room for the football program.

Three captains chosen

The Redhawks players elected three captains for this season -- junior quarterback Matt Scheible, senior linebacker Joshua Jackson and Blanfort.

Blanfort, despite not being able to suit up this year due to his injury, will be able to redshirt and play his final season in 2011.

"Those three pretty much separated themselves," Samuel said of the voting.

Division I-A transfers

Southeast's roster features two new transfers from Division I-A programs, kicker/punter Joe Vucic from Kent State and defensive tackle Frankie Davis from Central Florida.

Vucic and Davis both redshirted as freshmen last season at their previous schools and have four years of eligibility remaining.

Vucic appears to be the early frontrunner to assume the Redhawks' kicking and punting duties.

Opening practices

Samuel has been pleased with the early practices conducted in helmets, jerseys and shorts.

"It was hot, pretty humid the first day," Samuel said, referring to Thursday's opening workout. "You have to get the kids acclimated to it."

The Redhawks got a break from the weather Friday and Saturday as things cooled off some, but sweltering conditions are expected to start returning today. The forecast is for temperatures to approach 100 degrees again by Tuesday.

"You've just got to hydrate," said Jackson, a Texas native who pointed out that he's used to the heat and high humidity.

Southeast's initial practice in pads will be Monday, with its first of five two-a-day sessions Wednesday. Scrimmages are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Aug. 21.

Fall camp breaks Aug. 21, with classes beginning Aug. 23. The season opener is Sept. 2 at Division I-A Ball State.