This is the era of college sports where testing the waters is not only frequent by players but advantages.

Southeast Missouri State loses players to the transfer portal but also gains players by the same means.

SEMO kicker DC Pippin is one example of someone who tested the transfer waters but ultimately chose to stay at the place he calls home.

After being the leading kicker for the Redhawks for two seasons, Pippin announced via X on Dec. 4, 2023, his entry into the transfer portal. He ultimately chose to return to the Redhawks.

“At the end of the day, you got to live with the decisions that you’ve made,” Pippin said. “I made the decision that I did but I did a lot of thinking and it was a time that allowed for a lot of reflection.”

The common saying is “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Pippin may be the first person to ask why that’s the case and whether or not he could have something to do about it.

“What’s truly important is here,” Pippin said. “You can look for happiness and all kinds of other places, but at the end of the day, what’s important is that you water the grass that you’re standing on.”

Not only did Pippin return to the Redhawks, he re-joined the program as a walk-on, much to the surprise of his teammates.

“I think that’s what earned the respect of the players, that he’s willing to pay to play with them,” SEMO head coach Tom Matukewicz said. “At the end of the day, he’s got to do what everyone’s got to do, make plays for his teammates. He’s done that this fall camp and I’m happy for him.”

One of Pippin’s main reasons for returning is the love he has for his teammates.

“I love this team,” Pippin said. “I love my coaches and the culture here. I realized this is where I wanted to be and finish my career.”

Pippin led the Redhawks with 68 points on 11-of-14 field goals and 35-of-36 extra points during last season. More impressive, Pippin was 6-for-6 from 40 yards deep. The Springfield, Illinois, native was a Second-Team All-Big South-OVC pick last season and enters his senior year among the Association's Players to Watch.

“I would say I definitely grown and matured into my role,” Pippin said. “I’m just a person that’s never satisfied. I always want to get to that next level and do better than I did the day before.”

Joining Pippin on the South-OVC watch list is SEMO punter Logan Leftrick, who punted 52 times for 2,110 yards and averaged 39.8 yards per punt in 10 starts last year.

“It feels like we’re gonna have another good year special teams-wise,” Matukewicz said.

The 2024 season starts early for the Redhawks, as they travel to Montgomery, Alabama, to take on North Alabama in the FCS Kickoff on Saturday, Aug. 24.