After two years of battling injuries, Marco Tipton plans to play

Marco Tipton can hardly contain his enthusiasm when asked how it feels to be healthy again.

Tipton, a Southeast Missouri State cornerback, has missed virtually all of the past two seasons with injuries.

But he said during Friday's media day at Houck Stadium that he has rarely felt better -- and he's looking forward to finally playing a full senior season.

"For the first time in years, I'm finally 100 percent again, and I am so happy," said Tipton, flashing a big smile. "It feels kind of weird, but good.

"It's so exciting, after the last two years, to be out here again. I can't wait for the season."

Tipton was a key member of the Redhawks' secondary from 2000 through 2002. In fact, as a junior in 2002, he was so impressive that he was voted preseason all-Ohio Valley Conference prior to the 2003 campaign.

"We had just gone 8-4 [in 2002 for the program's best record since 1969], everybody was fired up, and I was ready for a great senior year," Tipton said.

But it never came. Tipton tore up a knee early in 2003 and was out for the year, forcing him to use a medical redshirt.

Tipton spent plenty of time rehabilitating the knee and was primed for another go at it last season -- only to suffer a hamstring injury early in the year that simply never got better.

"It was really frustrating," he said. "I got the knee well and was looking forward to playing again, then I tore my hamstring. I didn't think I'd ever be able to get back out here."

Fortunately for Tipton, he was granted a somewhat rare sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA because of his injury woes.

"At first I was worried, because I really thought last year would be my last year," he said. "I thank God that I'm able to play again this year."

Tipton, a St. Louis native who starred at Ladue High School, stands 5 feet, 8 inches and weighs about 170 pounds. He said he has delighted in proving wrong the many doubters who believed his size would hold him back.

"I always felt I had to prove myself," he said. "I've always played with a chip on my shoulder. I like to have a tenacious attitude."

Tipton, whose career totals at Southeast include 79 tackles and two interceptions, is going to have to prove himself all over again this year as he ranks third on the current depth chart. But he doesn't seem fazed.

"Not playing the last two years, I kind of expected it. I know I have to work my way up," he said. "But I plan to start against SIU [in the Sept. 1 season opener at Houck Stadium]. That's my goal, but even if I don't, I just want to help the team any way I can."

Southeast coach Tim Billings has no idea whether Tipton will break into the starting lineup this season, but he appreciates the hard work Tipton has done in getting back on the field healthy.

"He was an all-conference player three years ago," Billings said. "He's got to work the rust off, but he's stuck it out through some tough times and bounced back."

Billings is just as appreciative that Tipton took his academics seriously throughout his on-the-field struggles. Tipton has already graduated with a degree in sports management.

"He got his degree, which is the main thing," Billings said.

The diploma also excites Tipton, who said he has his sights set on becoming a sports agent.

"That would be a great job," he said. "I'd love to do it."

In the meantime, Tipton would love to get through a final season with his body intact and help revive the Redhawks, who went 3-8 last year and are picked to finish eighth in the nine-team OVC.

"It was so much fun in 2002, when people didn't think we'd be any good and we surprised them all," Tipton said. "I think we can get back to that level, and even past it. I feel we're going to surprise the country."