Redhawks lose defensive stalwart

~ Hicks, a former Central standout, is no longer with the team.

Southeast Missouri State's defense was hit hard by graduation as several of the unit's top players completed their eligibility last season.

And the Redhawks' defense will be without an additional key player this year.

Outside linebacker Monroe Hicks is no longer with the program as he did not meet NCAA academic requirements.

Hicks, a Cape Girardeau native who would have been a senior, was Southeast's sixth-leading tackler last season with 45, and he tied for third in tackles for loss with six.

Among returning players, Hicks would have been the Redhawks' third-leading tackler and he would have been tied for first in tackles for loss.

Hicks, a former Central High School standout, spent his entire junior season as a starting cornerback before changing positions about midway through last year.

As a junior in 2005, Hicks led Southeast with two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He also led the team with nine passes broken up and ranked fifth with 46 tackles.

"He did a good job for us," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said. "He's a good kid and everything. We wish him well."

Hicks is one of two area products who had been starters for the Redhawks and had eligibility remaining but are no longer with the program.

Perryville High School product Zach Leible, a regular on the offensive line the past two years who had been hampered by various injuries, left on his own following the completion of last season. He remains enrolled at Southeast.

Southeast players are scheduled to report for fall camp Aug. 2. The season opener is Aug. 30 at Division I-A Cincinnati.