CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Playing with confidence is a huge priority for Southeast Missouri's offensive line, which is under the direction of first-year coach Cooper Bassett.
 
Bassett enters his first NCAA Football Championship Subdivision gig at SEMO this season after previously working at Missouri, Maryland and West Texas A&M. He also enjoyed a successful playing career at Oklahoma State before joining the coaching ranks.
 
"I want to be a great teacher. In order to do that, you have to keep things simple enough for guys to gain confidence in what you are teaching," said Bassett. "I think I bring a high level of urgency and enthusiasm to this position, and want to continue to grow confidence in our guys."
 
Four starters return on the offensive line, including Preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference selections Jaden Rosenthall and Shyron Rodgers.
 
Rosenthall claimed First-Team All-OVC honors after starting seven games at left guard, while Rodgers was a Second-Team pick who logged eight starts at center. Rodgers is working at right guard this preseason.
 
"Jaden is talented and has a lot of experience, while Rodgers is a very physically gifted player," said Bassett. "They hold themselves to a high standard like everyone else in our position group."
 
Nate Korte and Sage Sobrado are SEMO's other starters back from last season.
 
Korte started every game at right tackle and Sobrado started six of the seven games he played at right guard. 

"Nate is a smart player and puts us in position to win games. Sage has all the talent in the world and we're working to get him consistent with his details," added Bassett.
 
A good competition between Phillip Wilder and Terry Cook is ongoing at left tackle. 
 
Wilder started two of SEMO's final three games there in the spring. Cook participated in all eight games and started one contest. 
 
Fresno State transfer Zack Gieg is making an immediate impact and will battle for the starting role at center. He did not see game action at Fresno State in 2020 after redshirting his rookie season.
 
Clive Truschel adds to the depth at both the center and guard spots. Truschel is also a transfer from Fresno State, where he was teammates with Gieg the last two seasons.

AJ Laux, Khalyl Warren and Braden Higgins look to contribute as well. Laux played multiple positions in a backup role, and Warren and Higgins did not see game action in 2020.
 
Returnees Jake Steward and Will Christopher, and newcomers Alex Curry and McKel Brumfield are the rest of SEMO's offensive linemen.
 
"We have a great group of guys," said Bassett. "They are coachable and work very hard. Being able to work with a group that is hungry to get better makes it fun to come to work every day. There is a lot of strength, potential and quickness in this group."
 
Bassett is challenging his offensive line with the following as it prepares for the 2021 season which is now 22 days away – lead the OVC in rushing yards per carry and fewest sacks allowed. 
 
SEMO wasn't too far off those marks last season as the Redhawks tied for second in both areas with 3.9 rushing yards per carry and 13 sacks allowed.
 
"If we do those things, we are going to be in position to win a lot of games," said Bassett. 

Follow the Redhawks this preseason at SEMORedhawks.com.