NSU getting three starters back after open date

NATCHITOCHES - Bolstered by last weeks open date, the Northwestern State football team has regained the services of starting fullback Tyler Cheramie, starting nose tackle Albert Smith and standout tight end Kedrin Seastrunk heading into Saturday nights home game against Arkansas-Monticello. The Demons benefited from the off week in other ways, notably on the offensive line, where several regulars were able to recover from injuries that might have sidelined them if NSU had a game last weekend, said head coach Scott Stoker on Tuesday. "Im usually not a fan of an open date after three games, but it was a great time for us," he said. "We had seven weeks of work behind us from when we started fall camp, and playing two straight Big XII Conference teams (Kansas and Baylor) to open the season and then going against a good Delaware State team left us needing some rest. "Now weve got to go for at least eight more weeks, but weve gotten back some important players who make us a better football team," he said. Seastrunk, a 6-foot-4, 223 pound sophomore from Newton, Texas, who is considered perhaps the most versatile athlete on the team, has not played this season. He had knee surgery in the spring and was cleared to resume practice last week. He played in nine games last season, catching seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. He blocked a punt at Texas State. Cheramie and Smith were hurt in the season opener at Kansas and havent played since. Cheramie had a broken finger suffered in preseason camp that was reinjured at Kansas. Smith suffered a sprained knee on the first play from scrimmage and managed to play six more snaps before leaving the field for good. Cheramie (6-2, 240), a sophomore from South Lafourche High School, played in six games last season behind two senior fullbacks but was one of the standouts in spring practice. He did not have a carry or a reception at Kansas. Smith (6-1, 294), a redshirt freshman from Central Lafourche High School, made a tackle in his limited action at Kansas. Stoker has compared him to concensus All-American defensive tackle Tory Collins at this stage of Collins career. Seastrunk will play behind starter Clay Broyles, a 6-3, 248-pound junior who has sparkled as expected, and redshirt freshman Gordon Freeman. Eventually, Seastrunk and Broyles should be the top two tight ends. "We need to get Seastrunk some game experience, just to get him settled in. He cant wait," said Stoker. "We hope hell be ready for a bigger role on Oct. 7 (in the Southland Conference opener at home against Sam Houston State)." Cheramies replacements, redshirt freshmen Dante Austin and Quinten Goodie, have performed well "but Tyler is our best fullback and were happy to have him back," said Stoker. The Demons (1-2) worked for two hours Tuesday morning in shorts and shoulder pads, preparing for Saturday nights game against UAM (1-3).