SEMO FB 2024: Five Redhawks to eye this spring

The Southeast Missouri State football squad took its next step in development for the 2024 season on Tuesday, as the squad gathered for the first of 14 spring practices before playing in its annual spring game on April 20 at Houck Field (5:30 p.m.).

The Redhawks coaching staff brought in 45 new players this winter, many of whom will be expected to contribute significantly and quickly.

Here is a look at five players to keep an eye on this spring.

__Jared Pedraza, graduate student, linebacker__

The transfer from Northwestern State University in Louisiana was the Demons’ top tackler in 2023.

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound athlete made 50 tackles last fall with 4 ½ being for a loss.

He will bring not just talent and athleticism to Cape Girardeau, but experience, as well. During his career, the Texas native made over 200 tackles in 37 games.

Pedraza will have two years of eligibility and will vie to fill the holes left by the departing Christian Fuhrman, Jacob Morrissey, and Mike Matthews.

__Tate Crane, graduate student, wide receiver__

Crane was the top pass-catcher for NCAA Division II Truman State over the past two seasons. He has amassed over 100 passes for 1,200-plus yards and 10 scores.

The Iowa native will have one season of eligibility and will compete with returning wide receivers Jack Clinkenbeard and Dorian Anderson, among others.

Crane brings talent, experience, and size (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) to the Redhawks.

__Tyler McMillan, sophomore, offensive line__

McMillan is another transfer from the FCS program at Northwestern State.

In his first season with the Demons, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound athlete started at left tackle and played in all six of Northwestern State’s games (the Demons canceled the remainder of their season following a death within the program).

The Detroit native will join an experienced group of linemen, including 2022 FCS Rimington Award winner Zack Gieg at center, Tyson Miller (left guard), Kobe Sixkiller (right guard), Rashad Turner (right tackle), Jamarcus Hill (left tackle), Chris Frye (right guard), as well as newcomer Jalen Nettles, who transferred from FBS program UAB.

__Brandon Epton, Jr., junior, running back__

The most productive running back in the history of Southeast Missouri State, as well as the Ohio Valley Conference, Geno Hess, has graduated, and his backup, Keveon Robbins, is no longer with the program. That leaves a massive amount of opportunity for someone to step in and fill the offensive load, and with graduate student Darrell Smith out for most of the spring with a shoulder injury, Epton, Jr. will get a long look with the Redhawk offense.

The 6-foot, 193-pound athlete transferred in from junior college power Hutchinson Community College, where he ran for 535 yards and scored five times last fall.

The Dallas native began his career with two seasons at Southern Methodist University, where he carried the ball nearly 40 times for over 100 yards and scored three touchdowns.

In high school, Epton, Jr. was rated as the 52nd top running back in the country and held scholarship offers from Houston, Ole Miss, Purdue, Texas Tech, and Tulsa, among other FBS programs.

Epton, Jr. will have two seasons of eligibility for SEMO.

__McCoy Casey, junior, linebacker__

Veteran Redhawk coach Tom Matukewicz wasn’t satisfied with the lack of a “dominant pass rusher” being recruited in the past couple of signing classes, so he is hoping that Casey, a Trinity Valley Community College transfer, can remedy that area.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound athlete made 93 tackles last fall at Trinity Valley, including eight sacks.

In two seasons, the Texas native totaled nearly 150 tackles and 11 sacks to go with a fumble recovery and an interception.

Casey being brought in with Pedraza and being paired with returning edge rusher Sam Cook, and All-Everything Bryce Norman should make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.