The Redhawks Football team had a lot to celebrate on Wednesday, February 7, as it welcomed 22 new student-athletes to the SEMO Football family on National Signing Day. Seven of the signees are already on campus this semester and will participate in spring drills.
Headlining the signing class, the Redhawks addressed an urgent need at quarterback, following the graduation of two-year starter Jesse Hosket. Three quarterbacks were part of this year’s signing class, including transfer Daniel Santacaterina. “Santa,” as he’s otherwise known, started six games at Northern Illinois last season, including a win on the road over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Joining “Santa” at the quarterback position are Joe Pyle, a junior college transfer who had originally signed at FBS-level Nevada out of high school, and high school senior Jacob Buie. The three newcomers, along with the returning QBs, will make for some serious competition as head coach Tom Matukewicz and new offensive coordinator Jeromy McDowell look for a new starting quarterback.
The defensive backfield, offensive line and running back were other positions of need addressed in the signing class. At running back, the Redhawks added Mark Robinson, a transfer from FCS-level Presbyterian where he led the team in touchdowns as a true freshman last year.
As for local products, Charleston High School standout Jeremy Tucker also signed with Southeast. Tucker was the Derland Moore Award winner as the top defensive player in the SEMO Conference as a senior for the Blue Jays. Tucker was the only local standout to sign with Southeast, but Coach Tuke expects a number of other locals to join the program as walk-ons.
More information on the complete 2018 signing class is available at GoSoutheast.com.
