Southern Illinois moved Desman Hearns (27) from receiver to defensive back, and the decision paid huge dividends in Saturday’s 26-25 comeback win against rival Southeast Missouri. (Photo by SIUSalukis.com)
By Dan Verdun
Things appeared bleak for Southern Illinois Saturday night in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Home-standing Southeast Missouri was on the verge of running out the clock to victory in the annual “War for the Wheel” game between the two rivals.
Following a timeout, SEMO faced a third-and-4 near midfield with a 25-20 lead and only a 1 minute, 55 seconds remaining.
Nearly three games into the season, the Redhawks had yet to suffer a turnover.
That’s when SIU safety Desman Hearns stepped up and into the 91-game rivalry’s history book.
The redshirt freshman made “one of the biggest plays that I’ve been a part of,” said SIU head coach Nick Hill, who also appeared in the rivalry as a Saluki quarterback.
SEMO gave the ball to running back Geno Hess, an All-American with more than 4,000 career rushing yards and to whom two pages are devoted in the Redhawks’ media guide.
Interior penetration by SIU linemen Peyton Reeves and Dante Cleveland — along with backside pressure by linebacker Dune Smith — plugged up an inside hole for a potential Hess cutback.
Linebacker Branson Combs, who lined up at the line of scrimmage on the left side of the SIU defense, forced Hess to swing his run further right than most likely intended.
Enter Hearns, who had grabbed an interception in SIU’s win at FBS Northern Illinois a week earlier.
“We needed the ball back. When they handed it to the running back, he went to the outside,” Hearns told Prairie State Pigskin. “I got a hand on the ball. On my first attempt to strip, I didn’t get it. It bobbled a little bit.
“So I tried again and it came out the second time. I pulled at it.”
This time the ball came loose.
“I had it in my hands,” Hearns said. “I tried to score (by returning the fumble for a touchdown) but failed.”
It was hardly a failure for the Salukis. Hearns’s game-changing play resulted in a 9-yard loss and set up the SIU offense at the SEMO 38-yard line.
SIU (3-0) wound up pulling out an improbable 26-25 win as quarterback Nic Baker delivered a 9-yard touchdown pass to Izaiah Hartrup with 11 seconds left.
“Two weeks in a row he’s come up with turnovers,” Hill said of Hearns. “And it’s not just those plays. He’s playing really solid football.
“The best days are ahead for him.”
In our Moving the Chains feature, Hearns explains what he learned earlier in that game that changed his fumble-forcing approach. He also shares what people from Illinois assume about Florida and what he misses about being on offense.
In addition, he identifies the best rapper on the Saluki roster.
What were you thinking about before you stripped Hess of the ball for the turnover?
I tried to punch it out a couple possessions before that. But, it (the ball) didn’t move. The second time, I went with the pull and it worked.
Have you ever heard of Tommy “Hitman” Hearns?
Yes, I’ve heard of him. I just know that he was a boxer and has the last name Hearns.
After Saturday’s forced fumble, “Hitman” might be a good nickname for you.
(laughing) Yes, sir. (laughing) Yes, sir.
What was it like growing up in Clearwater, Florida?
It was fun; good weather makes it pretty nice. I was always in sports.
What is something you miss about living in Florida?
The weather for sure. When it’s sunny all year long, it’s hard to beat.
What is something people from Illinois assume about people from Florida?
Well, athletically in football, they always say Florida players have speed.
What is something you enjoy about Carbondale?
I love the fans here. They’re really supportive. They really come out. It was that way (Saturday night).
You were a standout high school receiver. Do you miss playing offense?
I miss it a lot. I miss scoring touchdowns.
How did you feel when you were switched over to defense?
I was a little upset. But then I looked at it in a positive way, that this might be a better thing for me. Since I switched and got working on my craft, I’m just trying to be better every day.
What is the most challenging thing about switching to defense?
Guarding the receivers and instead of running forward, I’m running backward.
How does previously being a receiver help you as a defender now?
I know the route concepts that receivers are running. I know them all.
You are a young player among a veteran group in the secondary. What is that like for you?
It’s pretty neat. They always tell me to stay humble and stay in my playbook.
Who has really helped you in the secondary?
P.J. Jules. When I transferred over to defense, he helped me with my technique. He’s always telling me to stay in my playbook and that confidence is key. You’ve got to have confidence to play on defense.
What is the last show you binge-watched?
“Money Heist.” I loved it. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I kept wondering what was going to happen next.
Who is the best rapper on the team?
I’d have to go with (defensive lineman) Jaylen Banks. It’s like a Detroit style of rap; it’s more of an uptempo beat. He’s rapping faster than normal.
When you go home to Florida, do you drive or fly?
Fly. We drove one time, but it was a long ride. I wasn’t the driver, but I went to sleep, woke up, and we were still on the road . . . went back to sleep, woke up, still on the road . . . stopped at a gas station, got something to eat . . . got back on the road. It was a long ride.
Any idea how long it was?
Around 14 hours or so.
What are your future goals on and off the field?
I want to be a freshman All-American. Off the field, I just want to keep improving in the classroom and get good grades.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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