Running backs audition at Southeast Missouri State's football scrimmage

The Southeast Missouri State football team faces plenty of question marks after losing 20 key seniors, 15 of them starters, from last year's history-making squad.

Among the biggest is who will be the primary running backs after Southeast lost its top three at that position, led by record-setting Henry Harris.

That question might not be answered until the fall but several backfield contenders were on display Saturday during the Redhawks' first spring scrimmage.

"It's a work in progress," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said following the hour-long controlled session at Houck Stadium that concluded the opening week of spring practice.

Southeast was among the nation's top rushing teams last year, averaging 265.1 yards per game.

Southeast Missouri State running back Lennies McFerren carries the ball during Saturday's spring scrimmage at Houck Stadium. (Laura Simon)

Of the 3,181 rushing yards the Redhawks compiled, underclass running backs accounted for a grand total of 18.

But all-Ohio Valley Conference senior quarterback Matt Scheible, Southeast's second-leading rusher last year behind Harris with 887 yards, isn't concerned.

"We'll have a running back committee type of thing, but we're going to have the same type of running game as last year," Scheible said. "We had a lot of guys step up today. They gave a lot of effort. We're not worried."

Three backs accounted for most of the rushing yardage Saturday.

While they likely won't make Southeast fans quickly forget about Harris' school-record 1,735 yards and 19 touchdowns from a year ago, all flashed ability.

Southeast Missouri State coach Tony Samuel blows his whistle during Saturday's spring scrimmage at Houck Stadium.

Junior Renard Celestin, the elder statesman among the trio, gained 31 yards on six carries.

"He's got the most experience. He's always been solid," said Samuel, whose squad is coming off the program's first OVC title and first playoff berth.

Celestin, entering his fourth year in the program after redshirting as a freshman, is Southeast's top returning rusher among backs. He had 15 yards on four carries last year after recording 84 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown in 2009.

"It's not so much an individual thing, but we have shoes to fill. We're going to need everybody," Celestin said. "We're all positive with each other, energizing each other."

Celestin said having spent so much time at Southeast is an advantage.

"Most definitely. I'm pretty comfortable with the all-around situation," he said.

Redshirt freshman Lennies McFerren gained 46 yards on six carries Saturday.

"I think he has a chance," Samuel said.

McFerren has regional ties. He attended New Madrid County Central High School through his sophomore season before playing his final two years in Paris, Tenn.

"Everybody is trying to do their part. We have a lot to live up to," said McFerren, whose grandfather is the former area basketball coaching legend by the same name. "It's good competition. We have some good backs. We're all pushing to the limit."

McFerren said redshirting last season was a plus, and now he's ready to show what he can do.

"I got a lot faster and stronger," McFerren said. "Our running backs will be great fun to watch."

That includes sophomore Bryant Worts, Saturday's top rusher with 57 yards on just four carries. He scored the only touchdown of the trio, barreling over two defenders during a 9-yard burst.

Worts saw limited action at linebacker last season but has plenty of backfield experience from high school.

"We recruited him as a running back, but we moved him to linebacker last year," Samuel said. "He did some good things."

Redshirt freshman Jordan Solomon also got some carries Saturday, as did sophomore fullback Josh Nicks and redshirt freshman fullback Ron Coleman.

Nicks accounted for Southeast's other 2010 yards by an underclass running back, gaining three yards on three carries.

Two touted freshman running backs will join the program in the fall, making for a fluid situation that also has Southeast needing to replace four starting offensive linemen -- including two All-Americans -- and a starting tight end.

That's in addition to the Redhawks having a new offensive coordinator. Former defensive coordinator Tim McGuire fills the spot vacated by Vincent White's departure for New Mexico.

"But we've kept most of the same stuff as last year," Scheible said. "We have to replace a lot of people, but we're still confident we'll have a really good running game."