Southeast linebacker Woodlief leaves jarring first impression

Justin Woodlief delivered one of the biggest hits of Southeast Missouri State's football season so far.

That shot, during Saturday's 29-22 loss at Tennessee-Martin, officially didn't count because of a penalty.

But Woodlief has laid plenty of other licks on the opposition so far during his rookie season with the Redhawks.

Woodlief, a middle linebacker who spent time at a California junior college and San Jose State, leads Southeast with 32 tackles, which is tied for fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference.

"He's been doing a very good job," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said of the 6-foot-3, 240-pound junior. "He's a big kid who can really run."

Among Woodlief's 10 tackles from Saturday's game was a crushing sack of Tennessee-Martin quarterback Cade Thompson early in the fourth quarter.

Woodlief was flagged for helmet-to-helmet contact -- a point of emphasis with officials this year -- that negated the sack.

Samuel said that after reviewing game film, it appeared that Woodlief made contact with Thompson around the shoulder area. But Samuel refused to blame the official who made the call, saying that considering the speed at which Woodlief made contact with Thompson, it would be easy to think the blow was to the helmet.

"I could see where the referee would call it," Samuel said. "But that was a great hit and a great play."

Woodlief said following Tuesday's practice that he's not sure if the call was accurate, but he also did not want to blame the official.

"I felt it could have went either way," Woodlief said. "I understand they're trying to protect the quarterback.

"He [Thompson] saw me coming and moved some. It wasn't like I was trying to go helmet to helmet."

Samuel previously lauded Woodlief for turning in one of the top special teams sequences of the year, during a season-opening 72-3 rout of NAIA Quincy that stands as the lone win for the Redhawks (1-3, 0-2 OVC).

Woodlief got four knockdowns in the span of about 50 yards on the opening kickoff to help spring Jacob McKinley for a long return, according to Samuel.

Following that contest, Samuel called Woodlief's effort "one of the all-time great plays on special teams."

Woodlief, who didn't begin the season as a starter, opened some eyes with 10 tackles against Quincy. He made his first start in the OVC opener against Eastern Illinois two weeks ago and had 10 tackles, followed by 10 more tackles Saturday.

"It's nice to be starting and helping the team," Woodlief said.

Woodlief was an all-conference performer at Cabrillo Community College in his native northern California in 2007 but missed most of the 2008 season with an injury.

Woodlief then enrolled at San Jose State in the winter and went through spring practice with the Division I-A program as a preferred walk-on.

But financial considerations led to Woodlief leaving San Jose State.

"It was becoming too expensive" without a scholarship, he said.

Woodlief had a connection to Southeast in that two of his former junior college teammates, offensive lineman Frank Knights and defensive back Taylor West, already were in the program after transferring in January.

"My buddies from back home, they told me they liked it a lot," Woodlief said. "I sent the coaches some tape, things worked out and I got here as soon as possible."

Woodlief arrived at Southeast in the summer, had a solid fall camp and now is established as one of the Redhawks' better defensive players.

Woodlief said he has enjoyed his time at Southeast so far, save for the fact the Redhawks don't have more wins. They'll get another crack at their first OVC victory Saturday at Tennessee State.

"This is one of the better teams I've been on talent wise. A few mistakes each game cost us," Woodlief said. "But I'm glad I'm here. I like it."