A MEAN (IT) LOOK FOR '97; INDIAN PLAYERS SPEAK SINCERELY

To the skeptics who say they heard all the same kind of talk last year, Southeast Missouri State University's football players answer that this time around there is one noticeable difference.

"This year, we really mean it," said preseason NCAA Division I-AA All-America defensive tackle Angel Rubio.

Rubio was referring to the optimism that always runs rampant at this time of the season -- when no team has played a game yet, meaning every team is undefeated right now.

And make no mistake about it -- optimism was the word of the afternoon Friday as Southeast held its annual football media day.

As players and coaches were busy being photographed and interviewed on the green grass of Houck Stadium, nobody seemed to much remember last year's 3-8 record.

Which is exactly the way head coach John Mumford wants it.

"We're not even talking about what happened last year," said Mumford. "This is a new season."

And one that the Indians say will be a memorable one -- this time for all the right reasons.

Rubio acknowledged that, at last year's media day, the players pretty much said the same thing. It's sort of a rite of passage at all media days across the country, players talking about how good the season will be.

"You kind of go through the motions and have to say it. You have to be positive," said the 6-foot-3, 290-pound Rubio with a smile. "But this year we're sincere when we say it."

Rubio said there are a few primary reasons for that sincerity, namely increased talent and a better attitude.

"The talent is a lot better on this team. We've brought in some new players (including seven transfers from Division I-A programs) and they've really increased the level of competition within the team," he said. "Everybody knows that everybody's job is open, which makes you play that much better.

"Attitude is a big difference. Everybody is really positive, from the coaches to the players."

As a veteran player who has spent several seasons sizing up the competition in the Ohio Valley Conference, Rubio has seen the kind of talent level it takes to win the OVC championship. He firmly believes that the Indians are on that same plane now.

"I think this team has more talent than teams I've seen win the OVC," he said. "We've got talent at every position. I feel we have the talent to win the OVC."

Several other key returning players from last season echoed Rubio's thoughts.

Dante Bryant, the team's leading returning wide receiver who caught 25 passes in 1996, also talked about talent and attitude.

"The coaches have done a great job of recruiting players in the right positions. And the new players have helped increase the competition level," he said. "The attitude is so much better, from the coaching staff on down. This year, I think everybody actually means it."

Said a laughing Justin Martini, the returning regular at quarterback who is battling Southern Mississippi transfer Heath Graham for the starting position, "Last year coach Mumford kind of stressed to us to be positive with our comments. But inside, there were some doubts. It's different this year."

Graham, a guy who knows what big-time talent looks like since he spent the past three seasons throwing passes against some of the nation's top I-A programs, said, "We've got some talent here, talent that the teams we'll be playing don't know about. I think we're going to surprise some people."

Fullback Britt Mirgaux, a Scott City High product who led the team in rushing last year with 661 yards, said the Indians' improved talent and attitude are noticeable every day in practice.

"The talent is a lot better. Last year our offense just didn't get the job done, but we're a lot bigger, faster and stronger this year," he said. "The attitude is a lot different. You can see it every day in the coaches' eyes and the players' eyes."

Mumford loves to hear that kind of talk from his players and he agrees with everything they're saying. Sure, he realizes people have the right to be skeptical, especially with the kind of season the Indians had last year.

But Mumford said there is a big difference this year.

"I think they (the players) are upbeat because they see what's out on the football field," he said. "Not to disrespect other teams we've had in the past, but we just have more talent this year.

"You can do all the X's and O's you want, but the bottom line is good players make good coaches. We've got better players, and the players from big-time programs we've brought in have been a catalyst for the rest of the team. I think it's raised everybody's level."

Of course, Mumford and his players realize that talk is cheap. The Indians can chatter all they want about being so much improved over last season, but they've still got to prove it on the field. That process will start Aug. 30 when Lambuth comes to Houck Stadium for the season opener.

"We can't wait for the first game," said Rubio. "All we need is for people to come out that first game and see what we can do, then they'll be back."