NINE PLAYERS SIGN WITH SE FOOTBALL ON FIRST DAY

Tim Billings has officially started to put his stamp on the Southeast Missouri State football program as nine recruits committed to the school Wednesday, the first day players could sign letters of intent.

Billings, at least after the first day of signings, has apparently focused on bringing in defensive players. Six defenders, including four linebackers, were among the recruits to sign Wednesday. The four linebackers one of also listed as a wide receiver did not include Mehlville standout Terrell Jones, who led his team to a Class 5A state championship. He is expected to sign soon.

Of the nine prospects, four are from Texas and three of those play linebacker. The Texans who signed are Charles Hawkins, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound tight end from Grapevine; linebacker Cal Jillson (6-4, 245) from Stephenville; linebacker Alfred Simmons (6-2, 220); and linebacker John Usrey (6-1, 215) from Midland.

Two in-state players signed Wednesday, including former North County quarterback Jeremy McDowell (6-3, 198), the all-time Missouri high school leader in passing yards. Marcus Patton, a 6-1, 195-pound running back signed out of Jennings.

Others to signwere Travis Bucher, a 6-4, 235-pound defensive lineman from Huntsville, Ala., and Joseph Hart, a 6-3, 195-pound wide receiver/linebacker from Oxon Hill, Md.

Corey Mathis was the only junior college transfer to commit Wednesday. The 6-0, 200-pound strong safety went to Blinn Community College and is from Lawton, Okla.

More players are expected to sign within the next few weeks.

In addition to the players who committed Wednesday, there are three transfers from Marshall -- where Billings was defensive coordinator -- who are already enrolled. They include junior running back Byron White (5-10, 212), sophomore wide receiver Tarik Simpson (5-11, 173) and sophomore defensive lineman Jermaine Motley (6-2, 270).