Last updated July 24, 2016
Salim Powell heads into his sixth year on the Southeast Missouri coaching staff.
Powell will coach the cornerbacks in 2016 after spending three years overseeing the wide receivers and two working with the defensive line and special teams.
Two-time First-Team All-Ohio Valley Conference wide receiver Paul McRoberts was under Powell’s tutelage.
McRoberts signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams after a remarkable four-year Southeast career. A three-year starter, McRoberts made 175 catches for 2,435 yards and a school record 29 receiving touchdowns. He started each of the final three seasons of his career and averaged 13.9 yards per catch and 62.4 receiving yards per game in 39 games and 28 starts. McRoberts finished his career among Southeast’s all-time leaders in receiving touchdowns (1st), receiving yardage (3rd), pass receptions (2nd), total touchdowns (t2nd, 30) and points scored (t6th, 180).
In addition, McRoberts tied for fifth in the OVC in career receiving touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass in 18 of his last 24 games as a Redhawk. He had eight 100-yard receiving games, ranking eighth all-time in school history in that category. McRoberts caught nine touchdown passes in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. His 76 receptions and 940 yards in 2015 were most in a season during his career.
Southeast returns both of its starting cornerbacks for Powell in 2016.
Mike Ford earned Second-Team All-OVC accolades in his first year starting at cornerback last season. He led the Redhawks and the conference with five interceptions. Ford also tallied 44 tackles, a team-high seven pass breakups and ranked ninth in the Football Championship Subdivision in interceptions per game.
Moore was fourth on the team with 54 tackles in 11 starts a year ago. His 36 solo stops were also good for second-best.
As a player, Powell registered 98 tackles and two interceptions in 44 games and 33 starts as a cornerback at Southeast.
In his first year coaching, Powell assisted a Redhawk defense which led the OVC in scoring defense (21.5 ppg allowed), interceptions (20) and turnover margin (+13) in 2010. Southeast also ranked second in the league in total defense (317.1 ypg allowed), pass defense (164.8 ypg allowed) and pass defense efficiency (105.0 rating). Southeast also ranked fifth in the nation in turnover margin and 12th nationally in turnovers gained (29).
Powell was selected to participate in the inaugural American Football Coaches Association 30 Under 30 Coaches’ Leadership Institute on Jan. 10, 2016.
The AFCA created this institute to provide advanced education and training to 30 of America’s top young coaches who will be the future leaders of their profession. This program will stress the importance of ethics and professionalism, as well as the qualities of great leadership.
A native of Willingboro, New Jersey, Powell played cornerback for the Redhawks from 2006-09 and was a starter at his position the final three years of his career.
As a prep, Powell was an All-Conference and All-County defensive back at Willingboro High School. He was part of the Super 100 All-State team.
Powell received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Southeast.
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