JACKSON'S KEEN INKS WITH SE

Another Jackson Indian football player officially declared his intention to remain in the tribe Friday -- signing to play for the Indians of Southeast Missouri State University.

Jackson quarterback Justin Keen made his decision official Friday afternoon, joining classmates Devree Flint and Kent Langston, who inked with Southeast on the opening day of the signing period Feb. 4.

"I wanted to see some options I had in basketball," said Keen of his decision not to sign earlier. "I decided I liked SEMO better than some other schools I could have went to. I thought SEMO was my best bet."

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Keen was a first team all-district and all-conference selection this past season at quarterback after seeing most of his varsity action as a receiver the previous two seasons. Keen threw for over 900 yards and tossed 11 touchdowns while completing over 50 percent of his passes for the 11-1 Indians.

"I liked the way he ran the Jackson (football) team," said Southeast head coach John Mumford. "He showed a lot of poise for a kid who only played (varsity) quarterback one year. He's a heck of an athlete."

Keen is also a key member of Jackson's basketball team, which currently stands at 18-5 and will be the top seed in the Class 4A, District 1 Tournament at the end of the month. Keen got offers to play both sports in college and hasn't ruled out the possibility of playing hoops for Southeast next season.

"I'm just looking to play football right now," Keen said. "One sport is a lot easier on your body than two."

Keen is the third quarterback to sign with Southeast this month. Mumford got earlier commitments from junior-college recruit Kevin Seto and Poplar Bluff's Andy Cisne also signed on Feb. 4.

"We're real happy to get Justin," said Mumford. "He certainly has a lot of potential. I like his personality and demeanor. He has a good head on him."

Jackson head football coach Carl Gross also announced senior receiver Travis Wilson will be walking on to the Southeast football program. Including walk-on freshman Michael Gross and sophomore John Smith, that will bring the total number of Jackson graduates in the Southeast program to six this fall.

"Justin will be over there with a bunch of familiar faces," Gross said. "It's close to home, he enjoys the game and we all think has a chance of being very successful there as a quarterback."