From the online Paragould Daily Press (http://www.paragoulddailypress.com):


Indians to rely on young lineup


JONESBORO (AP) - In several ways, Arkansas State will be learning on the job this football season.

The Indians are unexpectedly starting a new quarterback and on defense will start six players who have never been on the field for one down of college ball.

''All of them are going to be good football players, but they just lack the game experience needed to make a prediction about what's going to happen,'' said ASU head coach Steve Roberts.

The Indians, who were 5-7 last year (3-4 Sun Belt Conference), will have to prove themselves early with seven of their first nine games on the road.


Junior quarterback Nick Noce will lead the offense with the unexpected departure of last year's starter, senior Elliot Jacobs, who quit in the preseason to concentrate on baseball. Roberts said Noce emerged from a pack of contenders by taking care of the ball in spring and preseason practice, and by making good reads and passing well.

The starting tailback position is up in the air. Antonio Warren and Shermar Bracey split duties last season, but Warren has missed part of preseason with a pulled hamstring. Starting fullback Oren O'Neal also has been practicing at the position.

Seniors Jerome Stegall and Jason Wood lead the receiving corps. Roberts said the team will likely pass more this year, and true freshman Joe Smith will see some playing time.

On the offensive line, Tanner Jenkins returns as starting center, a position he took over during last season when Tab Slaughter was injured. Matt Roth and Nyeem Wesley will start at tackle and Steven Gibbs and Sam Vegas top the depth chart at guard.


Roberts said Gibbs broke a hand in the preseason but is not expected to miss any games.

The defense features a redshirt sophomore and a freshman on the line, a freshman linebacker and three freshmen in the backfield. Roberts said the squad will look toward lineman Courtney Todd and linebackers Steven Tookes and Eddie Walker.

''Those are our three seniors and they have to have tremendous seasons for us and lead those youngsters,'' Roberts said.

Reshirt freshman Jamarrow James will be on the line, backed by freshmen Brian Flagg and Josh Williams with Montis Harrison, Tyrell Johnson and Khayya Burns in the backfield.

Punter Jarod Little returns, as do placekicker Eric Neihouse and special team snappers Josh Long and Mike Brooks.

Roberts said the defense is the youngest he's ever worked with, but will be faster than in years past.

''I've got a lot of confidence in them with what they've shows us in spring football and the preseason,'' the coach said.

Arkansas State opens the season Sept. 4 at Missouri.