Tomco likely to start at QB

Although Jeromy McDowell's shoulder has felt fine this week, it looks like Jack Tomco will be Southeast Missouri State University's starting quarterback when the Indians open the season Thursday against Division II Arkansas-Monticello.

"Probably Jack will start. I'm pretty sure that's the way we're going to go, but I feel like all three of our quarterbacks will play," Southeast coach Tim Billings said Tuesday as the Indians worked out on their practice fields near the Rosengarten Athletic Complex.

Billings and McDowell were both encouraged by the way McDowell threw during practice Monday and Tuesday.

McDowell, who passed for a Southeast freshman record 2,051 yards last year, has been virtually shut down during the preseason as he continued to rehabilitate from offseason surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder that forced him to miss spring drills.

But McDowell was all smiles following Tuesday's practice. He let loose with quite a few throws after having taken a more cautious approach the previous day during his return to the field following an absence of more than two weeks.

"My shoulder feels great. I'm pretty pumped up," McDowell said. "It felt good after I threw some Monday and I opened it up today for the first time. It felt great."

Billings said he hopes to get McDowell some action Thursday, but doesn't want to push things.

"We're taking Jeromy day by day, but so far everything looks really good," Billings said. "We'd like to get him some work Thursday."

Meanwhile, Tomco said he is excited about the opportunity to display his skills and the strong-armed junior-college transfer believes he is ready after going through spring drills with the Indians and working with the first team for most of the preseason.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Tomco was a two-year standout at Scottdsale (Ariz.) Community College, throwing for more than 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns.

"I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to play again. It's been a while," Tomco said. "It's a higher level than I'm used to playing at, but I think I'll be able to adjust fine."

While Tomco said he relishes the chance to start Thursday, he also realizes that the No. 1 job is McDowell's. And, as long as he is healthy, McDowell figures to be the starter when the Indians visit Southern Illinois Sept. 7 for their second game of the season.

"Everybody wants to play and be the starter, the guy," Tomco said. "But after the season Jeromy had last year, he deserves to be the starter. I respect the coaches' decision."

Billings has said all along that he believes the Indians have three solid quarterbacks in McDowell, Tomco and redshirt freshman Jeff East, who is by far the best runner of the three. He's looking forward to giving Tomco and East extensive action Thursday while playing it safe with McDowell.

"Jack and Jeff bring two different strengths and they have both played well in fall camp," Billings said.Noteworthy

***The Indians will have five captains this season, following a vote by the players.

The captains are McDowell, senior wide receiver Willie Ponder, senior defensive tackle James Jennette, junior linebacker Ricky Farmer and junior defensive end Ryan Roth.

"Those five got by far the most votes," Billings said.

***Show-Me's Restaurant will be the site this season for Billings' weekly radio show that is broadcast live from 6-7 p.m. each Wednesday on KGIR-1220. The season's first show is today.