The frustration Tarik Simpson felt for several weeks has given way to satisfaction of again being a key component of Southeast Missouri State University's offense.

Simpson, a senior wide receiver, has battled back from a nagging hamstring injury to catch seven passes in the last two games and he's likely to again be heavily involved in the action tonight when the Indians (2-2) play at Division I-A Middle Tennessee State (0-3).

"It was definitely frustrating, but it feels good to be contributing again," said Simpson, who missed several weeks of practice as well as the season opener. "It's like I'm still going through camp. I'm still getting my legs under me, but it's coming back pretty good."

While not as spectacular as fellow senior wide out Willie Ponder, a Division I-AA All-American who leads the Ohio Valley Conference in receptions and receiving yards, Simpson gives the Indians an experienced complement to Ponder on an otherwise youthful receiving corps.

"I think I can help take some of the heat off of Willie, and when people double-team him it helps me out," Simpson said.

After missing the season opener against Arkansas-Monticello, Simpson was eased back into action the following week at Southern Illinois, but he did not have any passes thrown his way.

Simpson got involved in the offense again two weeks ago at Eastern Michigan when he caught four passes. He had three receptions -- including his first touchdown of the season -- during last Saturday's 28-21 loss at Southwest Missouri State.

"Having Tarik back has really helped us," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "He's strong and he has real good hands. He's basically been a two-year starter for us. He's one of the leaders of our team."

The 6-foot, 200-pound Simpson began his college career as a walk-on at Division I-A Marshall, where he redshirted in 1999. When Billings, an assistant at Marshall for 10 years, became Southeast's head coach in 2000, Simpson followed him to Cape Girardeau.

"It was basically an opportunity for me to play here," Simpson said.

Simpson caught 23 passes for 297 yards and one touchdown during his rookie Southeast season in 2000. Last year he had 28 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns.

A Brooklyn native, Simpson is one of two New Yorkers playing for the Indians this year, the other being fellow Marshall transfer Kelvin Jones, a linebacker who is off to a solid start. Simpson and Jones both graduated from Canarsie High School in Brooklyn.

"It's different, being in Cape after growing up in New York," Simpson said, smiling. "It was a big adjustment, but having Kelvin here is good and the people are nice."

While Simpson hopes to have another solid season, he's excited about the chance of playing one final season next year. Originally a proposition 48 student, Simpson will be able to regain the year of eligibility he lost as a freshmen if he graduates this year, which he is on track to do.

"I'm excited, knowing I'll be able to play one more year," he said. "This is the best team we've had since I've been here and I want to help us keep getting better."

Today's game

The Raiders have seemingly made a smooth transition to the I-A level after leaving I-AA and the Ohio Valley Conference following the 1998 season.

MTSU went 3-8 in 1999, 6-5 in 2000 and 8-3 last year, when it shared the Sun Belt Conference title.

The Raiders, whose first three games have been on the road, have recorded 11 straight home wins. They are led by senior tailback Dwone Hicks, who has gained more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and has scored a school-record 51 touchdowns. Hicks has just 172 yards so far this year, but MTSU has faced three strong opponents in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Hicks has a bruised knee and is listed as doubtful for tonight's game.

Quarterback Andrico Hines also is dangerous. He has passed for 476 yards and rushed for 148 yards.

"They're an excellent football team," Billings said.

MTSU coach Andy McCollum said his team can't overlook the Indians.

"This is a Southeast Missouri team that is improved and is a very well-coached team," he said. "They have a lot of athletes in a lot of areas. We're going to have to be good to come out and get our first win."

mmishow@semissourian.com

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