THE BEST OPTION: SHAW AT FOREFRONT OF SE's QB COMPETITION

Jeff Shaw's football career at Southeast Missouri State University has certainly come full circle.

Shaw was a standout option quarterback in high school who signed with Southeast to play that position.

But by the time he got to Cape Girardeau in 1994, the coach who had recruited Shaw left and plans of running an option attack never quite materialized.

Other options were open for Shaw. He was redshirted in 1994 and was ultimately moved to wide receiver. He missed 1995 with a broken ankle but became a solid contributor in 1996, with 18 catches for 210 yards and a touchdown.

Then last year, Shaw was again bothered by injury problems early in the season before regaining his health.

But about halfway through the campaign, with Southeast struggling at quarterback, Shaw was moved back to his old position, where he saw quite a bit of action and even made a start.

And now, as the 1998 season approaches, Shaw is listed as the Indians' starting signal caller. Although he's facing competition during fall practice from several players, he figures to be the man behind center when Southeast kicks its season off Sept. 3 against Truman State at Houck Stadium.

And the engaging, confident Shaw couldn't be happier. He was all smiles Wednesday afternoon at steamy Houck as he conducted plenty of interviews during the Indians' annual media day activities.

"I really am excited," said the senior from Altamonte Springs, Fla. "I've been waiting for this opportunity for the last four years and I plan to take advantage of it. I've been working hard and putting in the extra time."

Shaw, 6-feet-2 and 205 pounds, doesn't mean to sound cocky, but he realizes a team's quarterback must be confident. He appears to be fine in that department. He's also confident of the cast surrounding him since starters return at virtually all other offensive positions.

"I feel I'm capable of making plays and I've got a lot of guys around me that can make plays," he said. "With all the experience we have at wide receiver, running back, tight end, the offensive line, I know I'm going to have a lot of help. I think it's going to be a smooth transition."

Shaw completed 11 of 26 passes for 140 yards last year and he also rushed for 104 yards on 34 carries. An impressive athlete who seemed to be most comfortable when running the option, Shaw struggled with his passing at first but appeared to adapt by the end of the season.

"When I first was moved back to quarterback last year, I didn't have the passing knowledge I needed. It was mainly remembering from the years I'd played quarterback," he said. "But now, having coach (Steve) Schottel teach me a lot about the passing game, it's really helped me.

"I'm still learning, but I'm starting to feel a lot more comfortable. I'm not just an option quarterback. I have high goals as far as my passing goes."

Schottel, the Indians' second-year offensive coordinator who coaches the quarterbacks, said Shaw was thrown into a rough situation midway through last season.

"Jeff really got put into a tough situation. It was such a hurry-up thing," said Schottel. "We knew he was an athlete but we didn't do much with him as far as the passing game. We didn't feel like he needed to learn everything right away.

"But starting in the spring, he's really come on as a quarterback. He's picked things up well. His mobility is very good and this summer he really focused on the skills of the passing game. He put in a lot of work and it's shown so far."

Shaw realizes it's not like he's simply going to be handed the position because he's receiving a challenge from the likes of junior-college transfer Kevin Ceto and redshirt freshmen Bobby Brune and Mike Gross.

"We have some very good quarterbacks and they have been really pushing me," Shaw said. "It's definitely a competition and I look forward to that."

But the job -- at least to begin the season -- is clearly Shaw's to lose. And he doesn't plan on doing that. He's been looking forward to this opportunity for way too long.

"I've always wanted to play quarterback," he said with a grin. "I'm really happy I'll get my chance."