Unit has nowhere to go but up

Southeast Missourian

By Southeast Missouri State coach Tim Billings' own admission, there is absolutely no other way to put it:

The Redhawks' defense was horrible last year.

Marked improvement within that unit this season figures to be vital if Southeast has any hopes of bouncing back from its 3-8 record in 2004.

"There's no question we have to get a lot better on defense," Billings said. "It's a must."

And, as the man largely in charge of the unit -- Billings will be his own defensive coordinator for the second straight season as Damon Bradford continues to serve in Iraq -- the coach believes a major upgrade is attainable.

"I think we can be a lot better defensively," he said. "We had so many injuries last year, but those guys are healthy now.

"Nobody really ran it down our throat last year; we just gave up so many big plays. We just have to eliminate the big plays that killed us. Potentially, we have a chance to be good, but we won't know until we start playing."

Last year's defensive performance was particularly distressing to Billings, who was Marshall's defensive coordinator in 1999 when the Thundering Herd went 13-0, finished ranked 10th in Division I-A and featured one of the nation's top-ranked defensive units.

Southeast's defense had improved significantly in each of Billings' first five seasons -- until the bottom fell out last year, when the Redhawks ranked last among 119 Division I-AA teams in total defense, allowing 492.8 yards per game.

The Redhawks also were toward the bottom nationally in rushing defense (244.4 yards per game, 115th), pass defense (248.5 yards per game, 113th) and scoring defense (36.7 points per game, 110th). All but the rushing figure ranked last in the nine-team Ohio Valley Conference, and that was eighth.

"It was very disturbing, especially since I'm pretty much a defensive guy," said Billings, whose squad returns seven defensive starters from last year, including six of the top seven tacklers and players who accounted for all 11 interceptions. "Hopefully we'll be better. We have to be better."

A position-by-position look at Southeast's defense:

Line

Several players with experience return along the line, and they'll be bolstered by some key newcomers.

Senior tackle Brandon Bohnert was one of the Redhawks' most productive down linemen last year, when he tied for the team lead in quarterback sacks with four and was second in tackles for loss with 7.5. He had 31 overall tackles.

Junior Bernard Quinn, a part-time starter at tackle in 2004 when he had 15 stops, is slated for regular duty this year.

Listed as starters at end are senior Justin Komondoreas and junior Edgar Jones. Komondoreas, a converted linebacker, had 33 tackles last year, with 4.5 for loss. Jones was plagued by injuries in 2004, when he posted 18 tackles.

Also in the mix at tackle are sophomore transfer Aaron McKenzie from Wake Forest, junior college transfer Nick Ferguson and redshirt freshman Brandon McCrary.

At end, junior Jared Odom (11 tackles, two sacks) returns, while junior college transfer Kyle Hunt -- who was impressive in the preseason -- and sophomore transfer Sam Scroggins from Minnesota should also help out, along with junior college transfer Jeff Steemer.

"We feel good about our front four, with the guys we have coming back, and some of the new guys who should help us," Billings said.

Linebacker

The Redhawks have plenty of veteran linebackers with starting experience, although leading 2004 tackler O.J. Turner completed his eligibility.

Starting in the middle will be junior Seth Harrell, a Jackson High School graduate who transferred from the University of Missouri last year but was slowed by knee problems and played in just four games, compiling four tackles.

Projected to start on the outside are junior Tunde Agboke, a part-time starter last year who had 46 tackles, including three for loss; and senior Travion Brock (10 tackles, two for loss), who has battled injuries through his Southeast career.

Senior Elijah Willis also figures to see plenty of action as he ranked fourth on last year's squad with 68 tackles (4.5 for loss) as a part-time regular. Another returning linebacker with starting experience is junior Corey Andrade (33 tackles, three for loss).

Several more linebackers should add additional depth, including sophomore Nick Schmidt (10 tackles), redshirt freshmen Nick Stauffer and Mark Stolle, and sophomores Adam Casper and Fred Williams. Casper is a converted fullback.

"We have veteran linebackers who have played a lot of college football," Billings said.

Secondary

Billings considers this position to be the strength of the defense, after it was racked by injuries last season and, like much of the defense, struggled mightily. As many as eight or nine secondary members have starting experience.

Senior Kellin White returns at cornerback after tying for the team lead in interceptions last year with four -- returning three for touchdowns -- while ranking fifth in tackles with 54.

Listed as the regular at the other corner is sophomore Romae Rucker (11 tackles), who moved into the starting lineup late last season and also was Southeast's top kick returner.

Also projected to see action at cornerback are sophomore Monroe Hicks, a Central High School product who transferred from Central Missouri State; senior Marco Tipton, a former starter who missed most of the last two seasons with injuries; sophomore returning starter Brennan Spain, who had 48 tackles and broke up six passes; and junior college All-American Charles McCoy, now eligible after missing last season following his transfer.

At free safety, senior Mike Miller was second on the team last year with 86 tackles, including five for loss. He also intercepted three passes. Miller's backup is Central High School graduate Mark Dunaway, a sophomore who was pressed into a starting role as a true freshman last year and had 16 tackles.

Junior college transfer D'Eldrick Taylor had moved into the starting strong safety spot at press time, while also back at that position are senior Reggie AuBuchon, who was pressed into a starting role last year and wound up as the Redhawks' third-leading tackler with 72 while tying for the interception lead with four; and junior Anthony Lumpkin, Southeast's third-leading tackler in 2003 who had 22 tackles in four games last year before being sidelined by injuries.

"We have a deep and talented secondary," Billings said. "I really think we're going to be good there."

Punter

On a team loaded with question marks virtually across the board, this position should -- on paper at least -- be no worry for the Redhawks.

Junior David Simonhoff, a second-team All-American last year, is a consensus first-team preseason All-American. As a sophomore, he set Southeast and OVC records by averaging 46 yards per punt, which ranked second nationally.

"He's a great punter, and we only expect him to get better," Billings said.