SOUTHEAST FOOTBALL INDIANS PLAY MUSICAL CHAIRS

When Tim Billings took over as Southeast Missouri State University's new football coach a few months ago, he indicated he would likely be moving some players around in order to get as much speed on the field as possible.

Well, Billings has followed through on his promise. As the Indians go through their final week of spring practice leading up to Saturday night's spring game in Jackson, Billings has shifted eight players into new spots, including six on the defensive side of the ball.

"You don't know how it's going to turn out, but we feel like the moves we've made are going to help us," said Billings. "We feel like it's made us a faster team overall, and that's what we're looking for."

Defensively, some of the major moves have been at linebacker, where a host of players have either been shuffled in or shuffled out.

Asim Thomas, a defensive back last season, and Sturge Cumberford, who played running back a year ago, have both been moved to linebacker.

"We felt like they could both run and we're looking for good speed at linebacker," Billings said.

Conversely, three former linebackers have been moved up front defensively as Cape Girardeau Central High graduate Tatum Kitchen, Charlie Sorter and Sam Poggas are now playing end.

Also defensively, Chad Gwilliam was moved from end to tackle.

"We feel like all of those guys are doing a good job," said Billings.

Of the defensive moves as a whole, Billings said, "It's given us a lot more speed. We're a lot faster now than when we first got here."

In other position changes, West McKee was moved from the offensive line to tight end and Kyle Piper was moved from the defensive line to the offensive line.

* In addition to the usual assorted nicks, the Indians have suffered a few significant injuries during the spring, although all of the affected players should be fine when fall practice begins.

Wide receiver Andy Dunaway, a Cape Central product singled out by Billings as having an impressive spring until he was hurt, suffered a broken ankle early in workouts.

Offensive lineman Jonathan Jenson has missed all of the spring with a shoulder injury while wide receiver Glenn Haley has also been out with a shoulder problem.

* Billings said he has been pleased with the progress of all three of his quarterbacks as they get acclimated to the Indians' new one-back offense that features a no-huddle look much of the time.

"Rashad West, Bobby Brune and Mike Gross are all doing really well in picking up the offense," said Billings.

West is the returning regular, having put together a sensational final four games of the season after being inserted into the lineup. Brune, a Cape Central graduate, began last year as the starter while Jackson product Gross also started some before West took over for good and led the Indians to three wins in their final four games.

* Billings will be looking for some of his incoming signees to fill in at certain spots, but he's not sure just how much help his first recruiting class will offer right away.

"I think we signed some really quality football players, but they're mainly high school kids," he said. "Whether they can help us right away, you don't know. The opportunity (to help right away) is usually more in the skill positions, like running back and wide receiver."

* While being pleased overall with the way spring practice has gone, Billings said it's almost a shame that the workouts are coming to an end.

"I feel we're just now grasping the (new) offense and defense," he said. "It's a shame spring (practice) is over, but it should give us a good base for the fall.

"The good thing is we've gotten an opportunity to evaluate what we have and where we need help. And we've got a good foundation for the fall."

* Former Cape Central quarterback Frank McGinty, who spent last year at Southwest Missouri State, has transferred to Southeast, although he won't be eligible to play during the 2000 season.

* Billings emphasized that a major key for the Indians between the end of spring practice and the start of the 2000 season will be improving their strength, along with their speed.

"Improving our strength will be the most important thing between now and our first football game," he said. "We must get bigger, faster and stronger. It won't happen overnight, but we can improve and we can set the tone for the future."

* Saturday's spring intrasquad game, set for a 7 p.m. start, will be played in Jackson because a new artificial surface -- Field Turf -- is in the process of being installed at Houck Stadium.

Cape Girardeau mayor Al Spradling and Jackson mayor Paul Sander will serve as honorary coaches for the game.

There are a number of activities being planned for the evening. The team members and their parents will have a cookout at 4 p.m. and former Southeast players from Jackson will be introduced and honored at halftime.

There will be no admission charge for the game.

"We appreciate being able to play in Jackson," said Billings. "It's an opportunity for the fans to meet the players and coaches. It should be a fun night."