SE ADDS SIX MORE PLAYERS

Southeast Missouri State University's football recruiting class grew to 23 Thursday as six more players signed national letters of intent with the Indians, including a pair of Cape Girardeau Central High School standouts.

As expected, placekicker Brian Emmendorfer and linebacker O.J. Turner -- both Cape Central seniors -- officially committed to the Indians Thursday, as did four other high school seniors.

Emmendorfer and Turner each earned Class 4A All-State honors this past season.

Emmendorfer, 5-feet-11 and 170 pounds, has the second-longest field goal in state history, a 58-yarder, and he also booted a 57-yarder during his prep career.

With star kicker Jason Witczak completing his eligibility with the Indians, Emmendorfer figures to have a solid chance of winning the job as a freshman.

Turner (6-0, 205), arguably the region's premier linebacker, compiled 150 tackles as a senior.

"We're really excited to sign both guys. They're both excellent players," said Southeast coach Tim Billings. "Brian has a great leg and with us losing Jason, he has an opportunity to play early. He may be the guy who will be our kicker (next season).

"O.J. is very tough, a real competitor."

Also signing with the Indians Thursday were defensive backs Mike Miller (5-11, 185) of Melbourne, Fla.; Dimitri Patterson (6-0, 185) of Orlando, Fla.; and Chaun Tate (6-0, 190) from Pattonville High in St. Louis; along with linebacker Ricky Smith (6-2, 210) of Orlando, Fla. All four earned all-state honors.

Southeast had previously landed 17 players last week as the signing period began. Billings said the Indians will possibly sign two or three more players.