Samuel likes unit's speed and depth

All-American end Edgar Jones is gone from Southeast Missouri State's defense after leading the nation in quarterback sacks.

And he's not the only key defender from last season who has departed, as the Redhawks lost seven of their top nine tacklers, including players who accounted for 21 of the unit's 23 sacks.

But statistically, Southeast's defense was far from overwhelming as a whole in 2006.

That's why, despite so many new faces, second-year head coach Tony Samuel feels fairly good about the Redhawks' ability to slow down the opposition as opposed to a year ago.

"We have more depth on defense this year, and we've got guys who can run," Samuel said. "Just like with the offense, we've got some key people back, but we also have a lot of new guys."

The 2006 Redhawks ranked next-to-last in the Ohio Valley Conference in total defense, allowing an average of 376.2 yards per game. They were also next-to-last in scoring defense, giving up 27.9 points a contest.

"We gave up too many big plays last year. We have to tackle better," Samuel said.

Having one of the OVC's top defenders back on the scene doesn't hurt.

Senior linebacker Adam Casper had a breakout season last year, leading the Redhawks with 108 tackles and ranking second in the OVC in tackles per game.

Casper also topped the squad with two fumble recoveries -- returning one for a touchdown -- and had an interception.

The Anna-Jonesboro (Ill.) High School graduate was a first-team all-OVC selection as a junior, and also made this year's all-OVC preseason squad.

"Adam is a very good player, and he's a great leader for us," Samuel said. "He's one of those quiet leaders. ... I love those kind."

A position-by-position look at Southeast's defense:

Line

The Redhawks return just one starter up front, that being junior tackle Brandon McCrary, who had one of last year's two sacks by returning players.

Senior Pat Christian is the only other player returning along the line. He and junior college transfer Nick Ketelsleger were in a battle to start at the other tackle spot as this section went to press.

Penciled in at ends are junior college transfers Matt Stahlberg and Hannibal Vaivao.

Another junior college transfer, Ryan Taloa, also figures into the mix up front.

Redshirt freshman Damian Smith and true freshman Zack Buck, along with sophomore Quentin Brown, who began his career at North Carolina State, where he redshirted, are also vying for playing time.

Linebacker

Casper, who had six tackles for loss last season -- no other returning player made more than one -- leads this unit, and he'll be joined by several others who gained experience in 2006.

Sophomore Joshua Jackson, who made several starts a year ago, missed much of preseason practice with a foot injury and will also likely miss some early games.

Junior Nick Stauffer and sophomore Patrick Maloney both saw action last season and are slated to join Casper in the opening lineup.

Also figuring into the mix are sophomores Marvin Anderson, Jared Goodson and Leon Hill, along with junior Adam Schwent from Ste. Genevieve. All saw action last year, with Hill having the other sack by a returning player. Anderson intercepted a pass.

Secondary

Junior safety Kendall Magana returns after ranking third on the 2006 team with 58 tackles. He led the Redhawks with two forced fumbles and intercepted a pass.

Sophomores Salim Powell and Eddie Calvin are slated to open the season at cornerback. Powell made several starts last year, while Calvin also saw extensive action. Both intercepted passes in 2006.

Sophomore Walter Peoples is penciled in at rover after seeing considerable playing time a year ago.

Also back in the secondary is senior Romae Rucker, who tied for the team lead in interceptions last year with two.

Among others who figure to see action in the secondary are returning senior Joe Grant, junior Antoine Chillers, redshirt freshman Chris Nelson and true freshman Byran Blanfort.

Punter

Sophomore Doug Spada, who will also handle the kicking duties, takes over at punter for three-time all-American David Simonhoff.