Redhawks try to replace known commodities with athleticism, speedy newcomers

While the defense took the bulk of the blame for Southeast Missouri State's dismal season last year, the Redhawks' offense wasn't exactly stellar either.

And, after many of the key components from that unit completed their eligibility in 2004, there are loads of question marks for the Redhawks' offense.

"We did lose a lot of offensive talent," Southeast coach Tim Billings acknowledged.

But Billings and second-year offensive coordinator Rob Likens both believe there is plenty of potential for explosiveness in Southeast's wide-open attack that features plenty of passing.

"We've got some questions on the offensive line, but if it develops, we have the skill people to be very good offensively," Billings said. "I think we'll be able to score some points."

Added Likens: "We felt we really lacked overall speed in our offense last season, but we have added speed at running back and at wide receiver. We have the athleticism and skill players to be an exciting offensive team if our line develops. We just need to make plays."

Billings believes that already having a season under Likens' direction will help the offense become more productive.

"I think it's going to make a big difference," Billings said. "The players should be a lot more comfortable now that Rob has been here a year, and Rob will be a lot more familiar with everybody."

Although the Redhawks led the nine-team OVC and ranked 15th nationally in passing offense last year (262.2 yards per game), they were last in the league in rushing offense (84.3 yards per game), sixth in total offense (346.5 yards per game) and eighth in scoring offense (23.3 points per game).

"We moved the ball well at times, but we had trouble putting it in the end zone," Billings said.

Not helping matters is the fact that five all-conference performers used up their eligibility. Gone are quarterback Andrew Goodenough, who led the OVC with 2,820 yards passing; All-American tight end Ray Goodson, Southeast's top receiver with 58 catches; linemen Dan Connolly and Dan Bieg; and placekicker Derek Kutz. Leading rusher David Taufoou (570 yards) also was a senior last year.

"We've got holes to fill, but I think we can fill them," said Billings of a unit that returns seven players who saw at least some starting action in 2004.

A position-by-position look at Southeast's offense:

Quarterback

Billings and Likens both like the potential and tools of the two players who figure to see all of the action at this crucial position.

But both senior Mike Haley -- the starter entering the season -- and junior Kevin Ballatore are almost totally untested at the Division I-AA level.

Haley, big and mobile at 6 feet, 6 inches and 225 pounds, saw little action as Goodenough's backup last year, his first in the program, completing 5 of 15 passes for 64 yards.

"Mike has got a pro arm and body. He's got the tools to be the best quarterback we've had at Southeast," Billings said. "But he has to prove it on the field."

Ballatore, like Haley a capable runner, passed for 3,029 yards and 35 touchdowns last season at Santa Rosa (Calif.) Community College. Even with Haley being the starter, Ballatore will probably play some -- especially early -- and figures to be ready to step in if Haley falters.

"With those two, we feel good about the quarterback position. We just have to give them protection," Likens said. "They can both take off and run, which is a dimension we haven't had."

Running back

Another position virtually without any Division I-AA experience after Taufoou completed his eligibility and leading returning rusher Jamel Olver was moved to wide receiver.

But considering the Redhawks were last in the OVC in rushing offense last year, perhaps having a new-look backfield isn't such a bad thing.

Four players competed in preseason practice for the feature role in Southeast's one-back offense, with only junior Elton Peterson having ever carried the ball on anything higher than the junior college level. He gained 60 yards in a reserve role last year, averaging 2.4 yards per carry.

Junior college transfers Austen Collins and John Radney, along with true freshman Tim Holloman, have all joined Peterson in impressing Southeast coaches during practice. Collins emerged as the starter, but several figure to see significant action.

"I think we've got more speed at running back than we've ever had since I've been here," said sixth-year assistant coach Kip Shaw, who works with the running backs. "Even though they don't have experience at this level, they've all looked good."

Wide receiver

Probably the deepest position on Southeast's offense. Likens believes he has as many as eight quality receivers, including several who saw starting action last year and some speedy newcomers expected to make an impact.

The Redhawks return their top four receivers among wide outs from last season, led by senior Brian Matthews, who caught 39 passes for an 11.4-yard average and scored five touchdowns, most among the receivers.

Also back are senior T.J. Milcic (37 receptions, 14.4-yard average), senior Oge Oge (33 receptions, 12.9-yard average) and junior Antonio Scaife (11 receptions, 19-yard average), who is also Southeast's primary punt returner.

Oliver, a senior who caught 45 passes out of the backfield last year, is back at his original position and adds speed to the unit.

Also being counted on for speed and elusiveness are a pair of junior college transfers from California, Samora Goodson and Brandon Simpson, who both opened plenty of eyes in the preseason.

Sophomore Scott NesSmith, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in last year's opener, also returns to add even more depth.

"We felt we needed more speed at receiver and we think we've gotten it, which should allow us to break some big plays," Likens said.

Tight end

Yet another offensive position lacking experience as Ray Goodson was a two-time All-American who led the Redhawks in receptions the last two years.

But Likens believes Joseph Tuineau -- a 6-8, 280-pound sophomore from New Zealand who is still learning the game -- has the athletic ability to be one of the OVC's premier tight ends. He had nine receptions in spot action last year.

"We have big shoes to fill with the graduation of Ray, but we think Joe has a chance to be a dominant player in the OVC," Likens said. "He has the size and speed to give us another dimension at tight end."

Junior Seth McDowell, a Jackson High School product who played sparingly last year, should also see action, while returning junior Matt Boyack also adds depth.

Line

Despite returning several experienced players, this is another offensive position of concern after three starters -- including four-year regulars Connolly and Bieg -- used up their eligibility.

Juniors Austin Russell at guard and John Ball at center both started last year. Ball has moved to guard in place of sophomore Francisco Perez, who broke into the starting lineup late last season but figures to miss some early action with an injury.

Taurean Robinson, the lone senior on the line, was a starter at tackle in 2003 who returns after missing all of last season.

Junior college transfer Joe Hadley is slated to start at center, with redshirt freshman Zach Leible from Perryville High School manning the other tackle spot.

Junior college transfer Jon Penrod and redshirt freshman Joe Goff provide line depth at several positions.

"We feel we've got some good athletes on the line, but the key is how they come together," Billings said.

Kicker

Another major question mark as the Redhawks try to replace Kutz, who handled the kicking duties the past four years.

Redshirt freshman Colin Schermann from Central High School, after receiving a strong challenge from true freshman Chris Abed, will open as the regular kicker.

"They've both got good legs," Billings said. "It's just a matter of being consistent."