Simonhoff selected pre-season All-American

Southeast Missouri State football coach Tim Billings was not a bit surprised when he found out that punter David Simonhoff was recently selected to The Sports Network's 2005 Division I-AA preseason All-American first team.

"It's quite an honor for him, but he certainly deserves it," Billings said. "He's the leading returning punter in the nation, and I expect him to show continued improvement this season."

Simonhoff, who will be a junior this year, earned second team All-American honors after last season, when he set Southeast and Ohio Valley Conference records by averaging 46 yards per punt, which ranked second nationally. He was a first team all-OVC pick.

A native of Coral Gables, Fla., Simonhoff averaged 41 yards per punt as a true freshman. He has placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line during his career.

"He's one of the best kickers I've ever been around, and he's really turned into a leader for our football team," Billings said. "I coached several NFL kickers when I was at Marshall, and he's as talented as any of them.

"He's got a great work ethic, and with continued hard work, I don't think there's any doubt he's got an opportunity to punt in the NFL."

Simonhoff and Eastern Kentucky linebacker Jerome Jones are the only OVC players selected to The Sports Network All-American first team.

Southeast will begin practice early next month. The Redhawks open the season Sept. 1 at home against Southern Illinois.