SOUTHEAST'S OFFENSE CONTAINS A MIXTURE OF OLD, NEW FACES

Following is a position-by-position look at Southeast Missouri State University's offense:

Quarterback

Junior Rashad West is definitely the headliner at this position after taking over as the starter late last season and directing the Indians to their only three wins. He completed 56 of 98 passes for 917 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 364 yards on 64 carries and scoring six TDs. Those 364 yards on the ground ranked second on the team.

But coach Tim Billings said he is impressed with all three of Southeast's signal callers. Backup Bobby Brune, a junior, has been a part-time starter for two seasons, passing for 2,052 yards and 11 TDs, while true freshman Jeromy McDowell is the state's career high school passing leader.

Running Back

Considered a position of strength for the Indians, even though senior K.D. Koleosho -- last year's leading rusher with 475 yards -- has been slow to recover from offseason knee surgery that has his status up in the air.

All of the other backs either have seen limited action in the past or are newcomers, but Billings and Martin still like the talent at this position.

Sophomore Mark Blissett is listed as the starter. Hampered by leg injuries, he carried just twice for nine years last year.

Sophomore Iven Brown, probably the fastest and quickest of the backs, rushed for just 64 yards in limited action last season, but he figures to be much more involved in the offense this year.

Senior Byron White, the biggest of the backs at 220 pounds, is a Marshall transfer who will contribute while true freshman Marcus Patton has opened eyes in practice and figures to see some playing time.

Wide Receiver

Probably considered Southeast's deepest position, and that depth is necessary, since the Indians will at times spread out five receivers at once.

Senior Leslie Weaver led the way last year with 35 receptions, good for 497 yards and four TDs, and he has 85 career catches.

Also back are the players who ranked third through fifth in receptions last season: senior Corey Chester (22), junior Andy Dunaway (17) and sophomore Jerl Huling (15, 5 TDs).

A newcomer -- Marshall transfer Tarik Simpson -- is being counted on for big things, although he missed most of preseason practice with a separated shoulder.

Several other newcomers could also see considerable action, including junior-college transfer Curtis Cooper, sophomores Jake Hill (a Mississippi transfer) and Joe Overstreet, and true freshmen Chris Nessmith and Mark McCluney.

Junior Mike Gross, a converted quarterback, is also in the mix.

Tight End

The graduation of all-OVC and honorable-mention All-America John Borne leaves this position extremely inexperienced.

Sophomore Ryan Roth, a converted tackle who became a backup to Borne late last season, is listed as the starter, with juco transfer Collie Moore also figuring to see plenty of action.

Offensive Line

Billings believes this unit, featuring a blend of experienced players and newcomers, will hold a major key as to the overall success of the offense.

Returning starters are seniors David Fielder and Chris Evertsen, at right guard and right tackle, respectively.

Sophomore tackle Daniel Joyner, a backup last year, and junior guard Mike Green, a Nebraska transfer, man the left side.

Sophomore Jonathan Jenson, a backup last year, is listed as the starter at center, where junior Kyle Piper, who played defense last year, also figures to see action.

A player to watch could be true freshman Eugene Amano, a backup guard who has been impressive in practice. Other backups who could see action are sophomore Justen Meyer, sophomore West McKee and senior Jay Eckert.

Kicker

Senior Nick Reggio returns for a fifth year after being granted a medical redshirt because of a back injury that sidelined him after the second game last season. He is 24-for-25 in extra points and 9-for-20 in field goals during his career.

Junior Jason Witczak, a strong-legged Marshall transfer, is also be in the mix, and he will do the kicking off.