MCDONALD BACK IN INDIAN GAME PLAN

It doesn't count officially as a new recruit, but Southeast Missouri State University's football program has certainly bolstered its running game in a big way.

Back in the Southeast fold is talented tailback Tony McDonald, who spent last semester getting his grades in order at an Arkansas junior college.

McDonald played as a freshman at Southeast in 1995. He showed plenty of promise in limited action, rushing for 144 yards on 36 carries, and was being counted on as the Indians' main man in the backfield for 1996, especially after putting on a dazzling performance in the spring game.

But McDonald ran into academic problems and was not eligible for the '96 season. He left Southeast to attend junior college but is now back in school and attending classes this semester. He'll participate in spring drills and figures to be eligible for the '97 season.

"We're really glad to have Tony back," said Southeast coach John Mumford. "He gives us some explosiveness in the backfield that we need. He showed some good signs as a freshmen and we were really counting on him for last season.

"We thought he would be the guy that would come in and take over for Dione (Tyler, Southeast's 1,000-yard rusher in 1995). Then he ran into some difficulties, but to Tony's credit he went to a junior college and got things straightened out. I think he understands better now the academic side of things."

McDonald, a 5-foot-10, 190-pounder from Magnolia, Ark., has three years of eligibility remaining.

SEMO NOTES: With the return of McDonald, and with Corey Williams also returning from a knee injury suffered last year in fall practice, the Indians figure to be much better off in the backfield.

To that end, Mumford said that Gabe Jenkins, a junior-to-be from Cape Girardeau Central High, will be moved from fullback to linebacker in the spring. Jenkins rushed for 234 yards as a sophomore in '96.

"Gabe did a good job (in the backfield), but we'll need linebackers and we'll move him back there with his Cape Central buddy (Terrance Sterling)," said Mumford.

Mumford said the Indians will still be trying to sign a tailback in the next several weeks, although the need is not as pressing with the return of McDonald and Williams.