It's play before work for Southeast's James

~ The Southeast offensive lineman already has job lined up after his graduation in December

Matt James feels fortunate.

Unlike many college seniors, James is ready to step into a full-time job -- with GMR, a national marketing company -- as soon as he graduates in December.

"I've been working with them since I was 18," James said. "I have it all lined up."

First, however, Southeast Missouri State's starting right offensive tackle out of Jackson High School hopes to go out with a bang on the football field after being slowed by injury last season.

"It really hurt, having to sit out some games last year," said James, who was limited by a foot ailment to four starts in 2008. "Hopefully I can stay healthy."

The 6-foot-5, 300-pound James finally got healthy at the end of 2008 as he started the season's final three games.

James' other start came in the season opener, but the injury prevented him from taking the field the following week at nationally ranked Missouri in a 52-3 loss.

"I really wanted to play against Missouri. I hated missing that game," James said.

James was able to avoid injury in 2007 as he played in all 11 games, making six starts. That came after he saw limited action as a freshman in 2006.

"It would be nice to play in every game this year," said James, who has moved to right tackle after playing left tackle the previous two seasons. "I feel good."

James is one of only three players remaining who was recruited to Southeast by former coach Tim Billings and his staff.

"It's just me, Jaunell [Pugh, fellow offensive lineman] and Brad [Stewart, wide receiver]," James said. "It makes you feel real old, with all the younger guys coming in."

James never got to suit up during Billings' final season at Southeast in 2005. Since he did not meet NCAA eligibility standards, he could not play in games or practice.

But James has more than made up for that with a solid career on the field and in the classroom as he is on the dean's list.

"Matt has done a good job for us and hopefully he can stay healthy this year," said fourth-year Southeast coach Tony Samuel, whose squad had its fourth practice of fall camp Monday.

While James is relatively satisfied with his career, Southeast has not had a season with more than four wins since he's been in the program.

James said he believes the Redhawks have the ability to change that, thanks in part to an offensive line that has more depth this year.

"I feel like we have a team that can do some things," he said. "I know a lot of guys really busted their butts over the summer."

James has been busy since arriving at Southeast, juggling his football and academics with his marketing job that has led to a full-time opportunity after graduation.

"It's tough to make time, but I love football and I love my job," he said. "My bosses have been great and I feel blessed to have a job coming out."

James also would feel blessed if he could add some more highlights to a college football career that has included some notable upsets, including Jacksonville State in 2007 and Tennessee State last year, but no sustained success.

"I just want this year to be one big highlight," he said.