Spring practices begin for Redhawks FB

Preparations for the 2024 college football season have begun for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, who began their slate of 15 spring practices on Tuesday, March 19, at Houck Field.

SEMO’s 15 practices will stretch over the next five weeks, concluding with the team's annual spring game on Apr. 20. 92 total players arrived at the stadium to participate in spring drills and put on the pads and helmet for the first time since November of last year.

While Matukewicz said it’s too early for him to fully evaluate the new guys in camp, the fact that they’re here is what he likes the most.

“I was excited,” SEMO head coach Tom Matukewicz said. “I think specifically I loved our energy and intensity. I love there weren't a lot of balls on the ground or penalties, but we got to make sure we learn how to practice. Too many guys on the ground, you know that comes from being excited and stuff. But when you're on the ground with no pads on that's how you get hurt, and so we got to learn from that today.”

The 2024 Redhawks comprises 17 seniors, seven graduates, 33 juniors, 29 sophomores, and six freshmen. Some of the newcomers include offensive lineman Zane Coon, who recently concluded his high school career at Jackson. He was a freshman when linebacker Bryce Norman was a senior leader on the Indians’ 2020 state championship team.

Another local product to keep an eye on is Scott City alum Trenton Lathum. Once a Semoball Awards defensive finalist in 2023, Lathum arrived at SEMO as a preferred walk-on and redshirted his freshman season to build himself up in the program.

“I think all of those young local guys fit in well,” Matukewicz said. “I think they've got strong relationships on the team, which is nice.”

The Redhawks return 11 starters, including six on defense and five on offense. Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent returns to lead the offense alongside tight end Danny Joiner and offensive linemen Zack Gieg, Jamarcus Hill, and Kobe Sixkiller.

Tyler McMillan, a transfer from Northwestern State, will look to provide reinforcements to the offensive line.

Norman returns to lead the defense with Keandre Booker and Sam Cook. Ty Leonard and Joedrick Lewis return to the secondary and Steven Lewis is back to man the interior of the defensive line.

SEMO reloaded the defense with some Division I transfers including linebackers Jared Pedraza from Northwestern State and Nate Rubel from Northern Illinois.

The Redhawks also received reinforcements from the junior college circuit, including cornerback Trel Riley, who caught the eye of the 10-year coach during practice.

“I saw made some nice plays today,” Matukewicz said. “I thought he had a nice day.”

The Redhawks will open the new season against North Alabama at the FCS Kickoff in Montgomery, Alabama on Aug. 24. SEMO will host UT Martin (Sep. 7), Northwestern State (Sep. 28), Tennessee Tech (Oct. 12), Gardner-Webb (Oct. 26), and Western Illinois (Nov. 16).