CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri always wants competition at the quarterback spot and this year's race between Dante Vandeven and Jesse Hosket has been neck-and-neck.

With three days left of preseason camp, Southeast isn't ready to name its starter just yet. The Redhawks, who are working to finalize their two-deep, should be ready to make that decision late this weekend once they have a chance to evaluate their last intrasquad scrimmage.

"The major separation Dante and Jesse have is that they are simply different styles of quarterbacks," said Southeast offensive coordinator Jon Wiemers. "They both offer something good. I just don't think it's separated enough to make a decision right now."

Nearby Jackson native Vandeven (6'2", 185) is currently in the black No. 1 jersey, signifying he is at the top of the depth chart at quarterback.

The 2015 Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year, Vandeven started his rookie campaign as Southeast's third-string quarterback. He took over as the starter in the second half at nationally-ranked Indiana State and stayed in that role the final eight games of the season.

Vandeven completed 155-of-250 passes for 1,568 yards and 11 touchdowns, and rushed for 292 yards and another six TDs. He became Southeast's first true freshman quarterback to throw for over 1,000 yards in a season since 1999. Vandeven ranked fifth in the OVC in passing average (174.2 ypg), seventh in pass efficiency (123.6) and fifth in total offense (206.7 ypg). Nationally, he was 26th in the Football Championship Subdivision in completion percentage (62 pct.), 41st in completions (17.2 per game) and 46th in points responsible for (12 ppg).

Vandeven secured OVC Newcomer of the Week accolades on two occasions and was named the STATS FCS Freshman of the Week once. He threw a touchdown pass in seven of the nine games he played and scored a rushing touchdown in four of his final five starts of the season.

"No doubt, Dante had a big year," said Wiemers. "He handles pressure well and is a little more of a creator. Anytime you come in as a freshman and do what he did is impressive. Dante can throw in the pocket and has the ability to create some plays that others can't."

Right there with Vandeven is Hosket, who joined the Redhawks from East Central Community College last spring.

At 6'4", 221 pounds, Hosket ranked fifth in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges in passing. He completed 117-of-191 passes (61.3 pct.) for 1,504 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2015. Hosket averaged 222.3 passing yards per game as the Warriors finished 10th in the final National Junior College Athletic Association Football Poll after advancing to the semifinals of the MACJC Playoffs.

Prior to that, Hosket saw limited action at Itawamba Community College as a freshman.

"Jesse comes from an offense that is a little more NFL style -- drop back, if it's there take it. If not, go through a progression and throw the ball away," said Wiemers. "He is an athletic kid and we're working to train him that it's okay to run once in awhile."

Freshmen Nick Sprague and Colby Cornett are the other quarterbacks in camp.

Sprague (6'3", 210) attended Garden City Community College, but did not play football last season. He garnered Suburban West All-Conference honors at Parkway South High School.

Cornett (5'11", 155) went to Joplin High School, where he completed 163-of-244 passes for 2,199 yards and 21 touchdowns his final year as a prep.

Wiemers, who was promoted to offensive coordinator, says consistency is important as the quarterback race inches closer to the finish line.

"Our quarterbacks have had some ups and downs and we are still working to establish consistency," said Wiemers. "It's a really hard decision. We evaluate this position with a lot of scrutiny. There's always going to be two or three good quarterbacks and a lot of times you find out in the end who's going to be the guy who can lead your team."

Football student-athletes and other Southeast teams assisted students moving back to campus early Thursday morning. The Redhawks are scheduled to practice this afternoon from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Houck Stadium.

Southeast ends its preseason camp with a scrimmage Saturday. Start time is 10 a.m., CT, at Houck Stadium.