Playing for the home team: Six local players will have big roles for Redhawks this season

As far as the local products on Southeast Missouri State's football team are concerned, what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality.

Only six players from the Southeast Missourian's coverage area will suit up for the Redhawks this year, but most if not all of them are slated for either starting or significant backup roles.

"We've got some really good kids from right around here," Southeast coach Tim Billings said.

Central High School leads the way with three former Tigers players on the Redhawks: sophomore safety Mark Dunaway, sophomore cornerback Monroe Hicks and redshirt freshman placekicker Colin Schermann.

Jackson High School is represented by junior linebacker Seth Harrell and junior tight end Seth McDowell, while Perryville High School provides redshirt freshman offensive tackle Zach Leible.

"All these guys are going to help us a lot, and some are going to be really key players for us," Billings said.

Harrell, Hicks, Leible and Schermann all are listed as starters at their positions on the current depth chart, with Dunaway and McDowell both No. 2s.

Harrell ready for action

Harrell, a 6-foot, 230-pound middle linebacker, is anxious to see his first significant game action in about four years.

A stellar linebacker on Jackson's 2001 team that reached the Class 5A state semifinals, Harrell walked on at the University of Missouri and was a squad member in 2002 but never got into a game, then he redshirted in 2003 because of a knee injury.

Harrell transferred to Southeast last year but, while still recovering from the knee injury, never really was a factor. He played in four games and recorded four tackles.

But now fully healthy, and displaying the same tenacity and instincts that made him a highly productive player for Jackson's Indians, Harrell is ready to go.

"I'm excited," he said. "It's been a while since I've really played much and I'm looking forward to it."

Said Billings: "Seth is doing really well. He's a big play guy, and he's really good against the run. He's going to be an important part of our defense."

Hicks back at Houck

Hicks (5-9, 170), after a standout career for Central's Tigers, originally decided to go away for college and signed with Division II Central Missouri State, where he spent 2003.

But Hicks said it didn't take him very long to realize he wanted to get back home. He transferred to Southeast last year and sat out the season under NCAA transfer rules.

"I wanted to go away at first, but I'm glad to be back here," Hicks said. "I'm home. This is where I was born, and I played on this field [Houck Stadium]. It's familiar. I feel good."

Hicks made enough of an impression during spring practice to move up to the top of the depth chart at cornerback in what figures to be an improved and deep secondary.

Leible an emerging talent

Despite being a standout for Perryville's Pirates, Leible (6-4, 285) completed his high school career somewhat unheralded and went to Division II Missouri-Rolla, where he redshirted in 2003.

Like Hicks, Leible wanted to get closer to home and walked on at Southeast last year. He was ineligible because of NCAA transfer rules but opened some eyes in practice.

Now, after Southeast lost three offensive line starters from 2004, Leible is firmly entrenched as the regular at right tackle.

"I wanted to come back home, and it's pretty exciting to be starting," Leible said.

Billings labels the offensive line as perhaps Southeast's biggest question mark entering the season, but he likes the potential of Leible.

"He's a big kid who has good athletic ability," Billings said. "He's really come on. We're excited about his future."

Dunaway a surprise starter

After completing a standout career at Central, Dunaway (6-foot, 190) expected to spend his freshman season last year as a redshirt.

Things were going along toward that course for the first three games -- but then a slew of injuries hit the secondary. All of a sudden Dunaway went from practicing but not participating in games to being a key performer, and he ended up in the starting lineup at free safety.

"I was thrown into the fire, but it was a good experience for me," said Dunaway, who recorded 16 tackles and forced a fumble. "It showed me the speed of the game, and I'm a lot more comfortable now."

Although the secondary is now considered one of the Redhawks' strengths and Dunaway is currently listed No. 2 on the depth chart at free safety, he again figures to battle for plenty of playing time, along with being the holder for field goals and extra points.

"Mark got put into a tough situation last year, and he really handled it well," Billings said. "He's an important player for us."

Schermann in a tight battle

Schermann (6-foot, 160) was known for a big leg during his days as a kicker for Central High, and he hopes to put that to use this season after redshirting a year ago.

"I've kicked on these college goal posts a lot," Schermann said. "I've been around this stadium for years. It's home for me."

Schermann is in a tight battle with Chris Abed -- a strong-legged true freshman from Florida -- for the Redhawks' placekicking job. Whoever emerges will have big shoes to fill after four-year kicker Derek Kutz completed his eligibility in 2004.

"Chris is really good and it's been fun in practice," Schermann said. "They [Kutz's] are big shoes to fill, but I think whoever kicks will be fine doing it."

Said Billings: "Colin and Chris are both very talented kickers. Colin had a really good spring and he's right in there."

McDowell waits in wings

McDowell (6-2, 230), after a strong career for Jackson High, has slowly but surely worked his way up in his first two years at Southeast.

After being basically a practice player in 2003, McDowell participated on special teams and in double tight end sets last season. He's listed No. 2 on the depth chart at tight end and looking for even more action.

"I'm definitely hoping to play some," said McDowell, who has yet to catch a college pass. "I just work hard and hope to get my chance."