Goodson, Simonhoff top big years with all-america honors

Southeast Missouri State University had a struggling football season this year, but that doesn't mean the squad was without its share of standout players.

Two of them, senior tight end Ray Goodson and sophomore punter David Simonhoff, were honored Monday as second-team selections on The Sports Network Division I-AA All-American team.

Goodson, a Jackson High School graduate, led Southeast with 58 receptions for 593 yards. A first-team all-Ohio Valley Conference pick, Goodson ranked third in the OVC in receptions per game and sixth in receiving yards per game.

Goodson also led Southeast in receiving last year, catching 66 passes as he was named a second-team All-American by College Sports Report.com.

Simonhoff led the OVC and ranked second nationally with an average of 46 yards per punt. That average is also a school and OVC record. The first-team all-OVC selection had five punts of over 70 yards, with a long of 82.

"Both players are very deserving and I'm proud for them. They both had great seasons," said Southeast coach Tim Billings, whose team went 3-8 this year. "Hopefully Ray will have an opportunity to play at the next level after having four great years with us.

"We're happy that David will be back with us for two more years. If he continues to improve, he will be a first-team All-American selection before he leaves here."

Several more Division I-AA All-American teams will be announced in the next few weeks, meaning Goodson and Simonhoff could be honored again, along with some other Southeast players.

Goodson and Simonhoff were among seven OVC players on The Sports Network All-American list, which included three teams for both offense and defense.

First-team selections from the OVC were Tennessee State running back Charles Anthony and Eastern Kentucky defensive back Pierre Wright.

On the second team were Jacksonville State running back Oscar Bonds and Eastern Illinois defensive lineman Marcus Lorick. Making the third team was Jacksonville State offensive lineman John Pettus.

Southern Illinois of the Gateway Conference was represented with first-team offensive lineman Elmer McDaniel and second-team defensive back Alexis Moreland.