A fresh start: SEMO football's new faces and rising leaders for the 2024-2025 season

The Redhawks debuted at No.3 in the Big South-OVC preseason polls conducted by the league's head coaches. This season introduces fresh talent donning the Red and Black, alongside notable departures such as record-setting running back Geno Hess, Ryan Flournoy, who was selected No. 216 in the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and Lawrence Johnson, who signed with the New Orleans Saints.

Last season, the Redhawks finished with a less-than-favorable 4-7 record, while finishing 3-3 in conference play. Head coach Tom Matukewicz remains focused on hammering down the fundamentals entering the season.

“Well, I think being the best and talking about it doesn't help you be the best. So we're just really focused on trying to do the things that win football games, specifically fundamentals, something that really let us down last year. That's been a big emphasis for this fall camp,” Matukewicz said.

With many players departing through graduation and the transfer portal, new leaders have emerged in the Redhawks’ locker room. Last season, Coach Matukewicz discontinued the captainship program. When asked about its possible return for the 2024-2025 season, he stated:

“If I have to name you a captain, you're not a captain. So if they're listening to you, make sure you're doing a good job leading them, and if they're not listening to you, shut up,” Matukewicz said.

When asked about the current leaders on the team, Matukewicz named quarterback Paxton DeLaurent, interior offensive lineman Zack Gieg, inside linebacker Bryce Norman and CB Joedrick Lewis.

SEMO President Carlos Vargas and Quarterback Paxton Delaurent share a moment after a victory.Photo by Beto Vaca Diez

DeLaurent, whose season was cut short by injury, is determined to come back stronger, fully aware of the leadership responsibilities resting on his shoulders.

“I took this year to really focus on my physical strength. The past two seasons, I missed some games, and I know that let the team down in a way. So I’m just trying to work on every aspect of my game.” Delaurent said.

Junior wide receiver Tristan Smith catches the ball in SEMO's first annual spring game.Photo by Beto Vaca Diez

“Dorian Anderson is probably the senior that stood out and made a lot of guys stand up. I’m really, really excited about Kyron Downing and even Danny (Joiner) at the tight end spot. So, I think we have a group of guys that are coming together. They will probably all share about 500 to 600 yards this year,” Delaurent said.

On the other side of the offense, the running back room enters the season with high expectations, and Coach Matukewicz is eager to see what this group can deliver.

Freshman running back Payton Brown stiff-arms the defense as he rushes the ball.Photo by Beto Vaca Diez

While veterans and familiar faces often claim the spotlight, the Redhawks' roster includes several lesser-known players who could make a significant impact this season.

“I'd say McCoy Casey, an outside linebacker. He's a guy that you know had some real nice flashes in the spring and has probably stood out all around defensive and outside linebackers,” Matukewicz said.

“I think Kyron Downing, he's a slot receiver that's gonna have a really big season. You know, I think he started opening day and didn't play another snap of the special teams last year on the offense. I think he's gonna have a really big season,” Delaurent said.

The Redhawks are set to kick off the season on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. in Montgomery, Alabama, facing the University of North Alabama in the FCS Kickoff Classic.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Bryce Norman ILB

Paxton DeLaurent QB

Brandon Epton, Jr. RB

Kyron Downing WR