JONESBORO, Ark. -- Arkansas State lost its leading returning
rusher for the season because of a knee injury.
Chris Easley tore his anterior cruciate ligament in practice
last week while changing direction as he carried the ball. Indians
coach Steve Roberts said running back Reginald Arnold, a redshirt
freshman, will start Saturday in the season-opener against Army,
with Chris James also getting playing time. Roberts said fullback
Oren O'Neal might also play.
Easley was considered a top candidate to replace Antonio Warren
and Shermar Bracey as Arkansas State's top running back. Warren
rushed for 1,066 yards last season and Bracey added 699, but both
were seniors.
Easley missed the 2004 season because of a knee injury, but
returned in '05 and ran for 187 yards on 32 carries. He is expected
to have surgery this week.