Wide loads - New bodies at fullback figure to be an armful

Southeast Missouri State University has primarily used a one-back offense in recent years, but the fullback position figures to play a bigger role this season.

And Southeast coaches believe that spot is in good hands, thanks to a converted defensive end and a true freshman from the local high school ranks.

Junior John Paul Usrey, a part-time regular on the defensive line the past two seasons, is the starter but backup Adam Casper -- who starred at Anna-Jonesboro (Ill.) High School last year -- will also see action. And even starting tight end Ray Goodson, a Jackson High School product, will sometimes line up at fullback, which was also the case last season.

"We'll use the fullback more this year, so John Paul and Adam both should get to play a lot, and they've looked good," Southeast head coach Tim Billings said.

Bigger than advertised

Usrey, listed in the Southeast media guide as 6-feet-1 and 225 pounds, said he actually weighs 248 pounds -- and the rock-solid product of Midland, Texas, certainly looks it. He plans on putting his physical style of play to good use.

"I try to be real physical," a smiling Usrey said prior to a recent practice. "Hitting or getting hit, I like it either way. There will be some big collisions."

Usrey was a solid if not spectacular part-time starter at defensive end the past two seasons. Last year he had 19 tackles, including one quarterback sack, and as a redshirt freshman in 2001, he compiled 39 tackles, including one sack.

But Usrey said not getting to play as much as he would have liked caused him to contemplate a position switch.

"I didn't play as much as I wanted so I talked to coach Billings about maybe changing positions, although I didn't know which one," Usrey said. "He talked about moving to fullback."

Usrey made the switch in the spring, which helped him have some preparation for preseason practice that began Aug. 5.

"I played a little fullback in high school, but it's been a big adjustment, mainly learning the plays," Usrey said. "It's taken some getting used to. The spring was real tough, but it helped me pick things up for the fall."

Usrey likes when he hears that the Indians plan to use the fullback position more this season, but he's not about to get carried away with visions of glory.

"Hopefully I can get a few touchdowns, but I'm not really worried about that. My main job is to block for our tailbacks," Usrey said. "I'm just looking forward to being out on the field."

So is Casper, who last year was running roughshod over Illinois high school defenders as he gained nearly 1,500 yards and helped Anna-Jonesboro reach the state quarterfinals.

The 6-1 Casper is also much bigger than his listed playing weight of 230 pounds -- he said he is at 257 pounds, up about 12 pounds from his prep days -- and, like Usrey, has had to make a big adjustment.

"It's a lot different than high school," Casper said. "There's a lot more to learn, a lot more to know as far as X's and O's, and the speed is so much faster than what I was used to in high school."

Still, Casper has opened plenty of eyes as he scored a touchdown in both of Southeast's intrasquad scrimmages. He hopes to contribute during his rookie college season.

"I'm second team, but I hope I can prove myself and get a lot of playing time," he said.

Southeast running backs coach Tony White believes good things are in store for both Usrey and Casper.

"John Paul, because of having to learn a new position, it's taken him some time but he's coming along well. And there won't be a guy more physical than him. He can also run," White said. "Adam, for a freshman, has really come along. He has very good vision."