Defensive consistency is Indians' next order

Southeast Missouri State University's defense had its shining moments last year, namely during upset wins at Middle Tennessee State and Eastern Kentucky.

But overall, the Indians' defense continued to struggle and allowed 387 yards per game, ranking fourth in the seven-team Ohio Valley Conference. Southeast gave up 29 points a contest, which was third in the league.

"We're good enough on offense, but the key is to mature on defense," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "If we can have a good defense, that puts less pressure on our offense. We had some really good defensive games last year, and the key is to get that consistency.

"If we're going to compete for the conference championship, we need to be in the top two or three defensively, and I think we can get to that point."

Southeast defensive coordinator Shannon Morrison, whose unit returns 10 starters, agrees.

"I think the talent has been there, but last year we were still young," Morrison said. "They've all gotten bigger, stronger and faster, and I think we're going to be a lot better. I think, for us as a team to go to the next level, it will be on our shoulders. I think this team will go as far as the defense will take us, and I feel confident we will have a very good defense this year."

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

LineSenior end Ryan Roth, junior end Adam Jones and junior tackle Caleb Daniel are returning starters up front.

Roth was a second-team all-OVC selection last season and led the Indians in tackles for loss with 13 while ranking second in quarterback sacks with five and third in total tackles with 65.

Jones, who has recovered from offseason knee surgery, had 45 tackles, including seven for loss and three sacks. Daniel, from Jackson High School, had 33 tackles, including five for loss and two sacks.

Sophomore Brandon Bohnert, who also played sparingly last season, is scheduled to start at the other tackle spot.

Junior end Cal Jillson, also an experienced player coming off knee surgery, has been a part-time starter the last two years. Last season he had 20 tackles -- six of them for loss.

Several others will battle for playing time, including junior end Justin DeShon, redshirt freshman tackles Jared Odom and Bernard Quinn, true freshman tackle Fred Amano and true freshman end Edgar Jones.

Linebacker

The Indians have plenty of depth and experience at this position with all three starters returning, led by senior middle linebacker Ricky Farmer, a second-team all-OVC selection last year who is entering his fourth season as a regular. Last year he led the Indians and was third in the OVC with 120 tackles, including nine for loss and three sacks.

Returning starters on the outside are junior O.J. Turner from Central High School and senior Kelvin Jones. Turner was second on the team last year with 68 tackles, including six for loss. Jones had 41 tackles, five of them for loss.

Senior Michael Irving (28 tackles, three for loss) saw plenty of action last year and has battled Jones for one of the starting outside spots.

Other experienced returnees are junior Travion Brock (12 tackles) and sophomore Ricky Smith (nine tackles).

SecondaryAll four starters return to this unit, including cornerbacks Marco Tipton and Dimitri Patterson, a senior and junior who were both second-team all-OVC last year. Tipton had 43 tackles and broke up six passes while Patterson had 35 tackles and broke up nine passes.

Junior Mike Miller and sophomore Anthony Lumpkin both moved into starting roles at safety midway through last season. Miller was the Indians' fourth-leading tackler with 63, including eight for loss, while Lumpkin had 25 tackles and tied for the team lead with two interceptions.

Other experienced returning secondary members are junior safeties Chaun Tate (32 tackles) and Nate Johnston (10 tackles), along with sophomore cornerbacks Kellin White (28 tackles) and Kendrick Percell (25 tackles).

Punter

True freshman David Simonhoff, a former soccer player who was in the Olympic development program, will be counted on to solidify a position that was a problem area much of last season.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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