Indians will cap spring practices with game

Southeast Missouri State University concludes what coach Tim Billings terms a highly successful spring practice period with Saturday's intrasquad game.

The Indians' annual Red vs. White spring game begins at 6 p.m. at Houck Stadium. There is no admission charge.

"I think we've had a very good spring and we've basically done what we needed to do," Billings said. "This game is more for the fans, the players, the community. It should be a lot of fun. Hopefully a lot of people will come out and see what's in store for the fall."

Saturday's contest will mark Southeast's 15th and final workout of the spring, as allowed under NCAA guidelines. Billings said he has been most pleased with the squad's transition to new coordinators Rob Likens (offense) and Damon Bradford (defense).

"I think they've both fit in very well here and the kids have really picked things up," Billings said.

Southeast returns seven starters on both offense and defense, along with both specialists, from last season's team that lost its first five games and finished 5-7, including 5-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference (tie for third).

Billings said his main concern offensively is a line that is short of numbers and lost All-American center Eugene Amano. On the positive side, the Indians return three three starters on the line.

Starters return at most of the other offensive positions and Billings said quarterback Andrew Goodenough -- who became the Indians' full-time regular late last season and passed for more than 900 yards -- has had an impressive spring to solidify his status as the starter ahead of junior-college transfer Mike Haley.

"Andrew has had a real, real good spring. This spring has really helped him out experience-wise, and he is definitely our starter," Billings said. "In our offense the quarterback makes things go, and we think Andrew is really going to have a good year.

"Mike Haley is getting better and better. He's still learning, kind of in the same position Andrew was last year, but he's a big, mobile kid with a lot of talent."

Billings said Jamel Oliver, who was converted from wide receiver to running back during last season and led the Indians in rushing, then was moved back to wide receiver early in the spring, is in the backfield full-time again. The coach believes Oliver, along with returnees David Taufoou -- who was injured much of last year -- and Elton Peterson, will give the Indians a strong tailback rotation.

"They're all having good springs," Billings said.

Most of the wide receivers returned and two key transfers were added. All-American tight end Ray Goodson from Jackson High School is also back, although he has missed some time this spring with a sprained knee.

Defensively, Billings said there is also a concern about depth on the line and the Indians have to replace some key linebackers, although Central High School product O.J. Turner is back to solidify that unit.

Much of the secondary returns, but several players have missed considerable time rehabilitating injuries. Junior college All-American cornerback Charles McCoy will be coming in this fall take the place of All-American Dimitri Patterson, who transferred.

Billings said all of Southeast's injured players should be healthy once preseason practice begins in August.

"My biggest worries going into the fall are depth on both lines," Billings said. "But I think everywhere else we're good and solid."