Snyder wins Southeast QB battle

It took a year longer than originally anticipated, but Kyle Snyder is finally Southeast Missouri State's starting quarterback.

Southeast coach Tony Samuel made the announcement following Wednesday's practice at Houck Stadium.

"Kyle is talented. He can run and throws the ball well," Samuel said. "We are excited for him to lead our offense."

Snyder, a native of Barberton, Ohio, suffered a season-ending knee injury nine days into fall camp last year.

That came after Snyder, a transfer from Ohio University, an FBS school, had an impressive 2012 spring and firmly established himself as the Redhawks' starting signal caller.

"It was a tough deal when Kyle went down, but he's bounced back very well," Samuel said. "He looks good."

Snyder, a 6-foot-1, 216-pound junior, said his knee has been totally healthy for some time and he's excited about directing Southeast's offense beginning with the Aug. 29 season opener at Southeastern Louisiana.

"The recovery process was good. My knee feels great and I'm ready to go," Snyder said. "I've been taking lots of reps and I can't wait for our season to start next week."

While Snyder is Southeast's starter, Samuel doesn't rule out using more than one quarterback in what is among Southeast's deepest positions.

Sophomores Scott Lathrop and Blake Jackson combined to take all the snaps in Snyder's absence last year.

Kyle Snyder

Lathrop, a 5-10, 177-pounder from Warrenton, Mo., made the most of his opportunity after Snyder's injury.

Lathrop was by far Southeast's most pleasant surprise in 2012 as he earned Ohio Valley Conference freshman of the year honors, becoming the first Southeast player to win that award since it's inception in 2004.

Lathrop, who previously had not taken a collegiate snap -- he redshirted during his first season at Southeast -- rushed for 824 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. He completed 91 of 158 passes (57.6 percent) for 1,025 yards, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

Jackson, a 6-foot, 191 pounder from Houston, Texas, saw action in eight games as a true freshman, completing 4 of 9 passes for 36 yards and a touchdown. He ran for 119 yards and one TD on 30 carries.

"You've got to keep every option open with all the weapons you have on your team," Samuel said. "I don't know how it's going to unfold, but it would be nice to make sure they all contribute.

"I think we're fortunate to be in this situation. We've been in situations before where we only had one quarterback. They all bring something athletically, they're all multi-dimensional."

Even Southeast's fourth quarterback, fourth-year junior Tyler Peoples, has looked solid during practice and scrimmages.

Peoples has not yet taken a collegiate snap as he missed much of the past two seasons due to several serious knee injuries.

Southeast had its final two-a-day practice session Wednesday. The Redhawks are scheduled to practice this morning before taking some time to help with move-in day as students return to campus. Classes begin Monday.