Bender named SEMO's starting quarterback

Southeast Missouri State junior transfer Tay Bender was named the Redhawks' starting quarterback following Thursday's practice.

Bender secured the No. 1 quarterback jersey midway through spring ball after joining the team as a mid-year transfer from Iowa Western Community College and did not relinquish it throughout fall camp.

Bender beat out Jackson graduate and Southeast freshman Dante Vandeven, who was promoted to the No. 2 jersey at the beginning of this week, and senior Alex Niznak for the starting nod.

The Redhawks open the season against Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, on Sept. 5