MATHIS ONLY INDIAN NAMED TO PRESEASON ALL-OVC TEAM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Of the 27 players selected to the 2001 All-Ohio Valley Conference preseason football team Friday, Southeast Missouri State University had just one pick -- the fewest of any league team.

But Indians' coach Tim Billings figures more of his players will be recognized before the season is over -- at least that's the plan.

"We have some others they'll know about before the season is over. I hope," said Billings during OVC media day.

Corey Mathis, Southeast's lone All-OVC preseason selection as voted on by league coaches and sports information directors, is certainly a worthy honors candidate.

Mathis, a senior linebacker, made second-team All-OVC last year after his rookie season with the Indians. The junior-college transfer ranked among the conference leaders in tackles (97), sacks (7) and tackles for loss (19).

"Corey was a big player for us last year and we look for him to be even better this year," Billings said. "He's put on some weight. He's bigger and stronger and that should make a difference."

Three Indians made the honorable-mention preseason list: Sophomore offensive lineman Eugene Amano, junior defensive lineman Jermaine Motley and senior return man Curtis Cooper.

Amano became one of the Indians' best offensive linemen as a true freshman last year after moving into the starting lineup midway through the season.

Motley, after transferring from Marshall, started somewhat slow a year ago but came on strong toward the end of the season.

Cooper, second-team All-OVC as a return specialist last year, has been moved from wide receiver to running back and Billings is looking for big things from the electrifying Cooper.

"Those three are all really solid players," said Billings. "We have some others and, like I said, we hope the rest of the league will get to know a lot about them."

Murray State and Tennessee State -- despite being picked to finish fourth and fifth in the conference -- tied for the most All-OVC preseason picks with six each. Five of the Racers' selections are off their high-powered offense that was one of the nation's best last year.

Preseason favorite Eastern Illinois had five individual selections, led by reigning OVC Offensive Player of the Year Tony Romo, who passed for 2,583 yards and tied a league record with 27 touchdown passes in 2000.

Tennessee Tech had four picks, followed by Eastern Kentucky with three and Tennessee-Martin with two.

A complete list of the All-OVC preseason team is in Scoreboard on Page 2B.