CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Danny Joiner is the leader in the tight ends room and his high energy sends a jolt across Southeast Missouri's offense.
 
A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Joiner is back after starting 10 games at tight end in 2023, where he caught seven passes for 90 yards. He is one of the top players in the Big South-OVC Association at his position.
 
"Danny is a really good athlete," said SEMO Tight Ends Coach Luke Berblinger. "He is a smart player and wants to be a coach when he's done playing. Danny is strong, fast and brings a lot of energy to our offense."
 
Joiner starts his third season as one of four tight ends back from a year ago.
 
Behind Joiner on the two-deep is Braden Thompson.
 
Thompson, who hails from Nebraska City, Nebraska, is also in his third season at SEMO. He played in the first five games before a hand injury ended his 2023 campaign.
 
"Braden is a guy that can make a big jump in the offense and has that big play capability," commented Berblinger.
 
Andrew Civey and Nolan Reed round out the returnees.
 
Civey redshirted as a freshman and Reed played in nine games mainly on special teams. 
 
"Both Andrew and Nolan have made strides and will contribute on special teams in addition to increasing our depth at tight end."
 
Freshmen Logan Eggart and Wesley Dabbs complete this year's group of tight ends.
 
Eggart attended James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama and Dabbs is out of Briarcrest High School in Memphis, Tennessee.
 
Berblinger, who coached the Redhawks running backs the last three seasons, is in his first year overseeing the tight ends. The move has been smooth for Berblinger so far.
 
"It's been a great transition," said Berblinger. "This is more of the position I played in college. We have a good group and I enjoy coaching these guys."