Development of Redhawks OL this spring 'is a process'

There certainly are position groups within the Southeast Missouri State football program, which will garner more attention this spring from the Redhawk followers. However, as anyone who can recall the 2022 season-ending FCS Playoff loss at Montana will attest, there is no more critical group than watching the development of a (somewhat) refurbished offensive line.

“When you see the busted plays or mistakes (this spring),” 10th-year Redhawk coach Tom Matukewicz said. “They’re not necessarily talent-based.

“That gives you hope that we have the size, we have the athleticism, they just need the reps.”

SEMO lost five players (Terry Cook, Phillip Wilder, Shyron Rodgers, Will Christopher, and Nate Korte) from its two-deep last fall, with Cook (left tackle) and Korte (right tackle) being starters. The positive is that SEMO offensive line coach, Lucas Orchard, has four players returning, three of whom (Clive Truschel, Zack Geig, and Kobe Sixkiller) have starting experience.

Orchard lost both left tackles from last season, so he has been working with redshirt freshman Jamarcus Hill (6-foot-5, 275 pounds) and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M transfer, Trey Gibbs (6-foot-3, 270) at that spot.

“We have a lot of young guys,” Orchard continued, “and transfer guys, and freshmen, who are competing for time.”

Truschel played in eight games and started two at left guard and can back up Gieg at center. But Truschel’s real value has been as a recruiter.

After starting his career at Fresno State, he lured former Bulldog teammate, Gieg, to Cape Girardeau, and that has been a boon for the Redhawks.

“They were the ‘Bash brothers’ on the (Fresno State) scout team,” Orchard laughed.

Gieg (6-foot-1, 287) was recognized last fall as the winner of The Rimington Award, as the top center at the FCS level.

“The biggest impact that Zack has made,” Matukewicz said, “is that he has helped change the culture in the offensive line. He is on the edge (emotionally) and the other offensive linemen took on that identity of being physical and nasty.”

Gieg will return at center, while junior Kobe Sixkiller (6-foot-2, 300), who also played at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, will start at right guard.

“The inside (positions) is a little smoother transition,” Orchard said of the center and guard spots. “We’re just trying to get everybody to work as one and become a unit.”

At right tackle, senior AJ Laux (6-foot-4, 297) has “bounced around positions,” according to Orchard, but has experience, having played in nine games last season.

“We’re trying to find a home for him,” Orchard said.

Also vying for reps at that spot is Jones (Miss.) Community College transfer, Marshakie Applewhite (6-foot-3, 290 pounds), who goes by the nickname of ‘Fat,’ according to his coach.

“That is his name,” Orchard explained. “That is what he goes by.”

Matukewicz knows well that the group needs experience, so he has increased the amount of 11-on-11 plays this spring, and the team scrimmaged on Friday.

“There is a little bit of a strength concern with some of those younger guys,” Matukewicz said. “As soon as we get done with spring, that May to July (period), that is a nine-week training cycle and we need to make sure some of those guys stay strong.

“At the end of the day, we have to keep coaching them and they have to accept coaching. They can’t get frustrated with where they are (now).”