Cheramie commits to the Colonels

Parish President responds to Times editorial
February 7, 2018
Colonels climb back atop Southland standings
February 7, 2018
Parish President responds to Times editorial
February 7, 2018
Colonels climb back atop Southland standings
February 7, 2018

Nicholls State University football coach Tim Rebowe loves local, and he loves college-level size, too.


He got both this week – inking one of the best local linemen in the class of 2018.

South Lafourche High School offensive lineman Chad Cheramie posted on social media that he has committed to Nicholls – a pledge he made after visiting the campus.

Cheramie stands 6-foot, 4-inches and weighs 265 pounds. He was a four-year started on the offensive line for the Tarpons, playing just about every position along the line during his career with the team.


The powerful blocker said he’s happy to be a Colonel, calling the chance to compete at the next level a blessing and an honor that he will not soon forget.

“It feels amazing to be a part of this program,” Cheramie said this weekend. “They have proven to be a major competitor at this level and they are growing fast.”

Cheramie is battle tested.


At the high school level, he recorded more than 30 starts, dating back to his freshman season with the team.

The past two seasons, Cheramie did some of his best work, recording several pancake blocks, while also developing his footwork to help in the passing game.

“He’s a really powerful player and a good senior leader,” South Lafourche football coach Blake Forsythe said earlier this season.


Throughout the process, Cheramie has been recruited by several schools in the Southeast, but Nicholls always felt right to the big, powerful blocker because of their proximity to home, as well as the team’s rise to prominence in recent years.

The Colonels always savored Cheramie’s ability, but had to get a little bit creative to take him in the 2018 class because of a lack of scholarships due to last year’s young team.

But the two sides made it work and found a way to keep Cheramie home for the next four years – a huge get for Nicholls.


“The things I liked best about Nicholls is the family vibe I got from the coaching staff,” Cheramie said. “They have been very supporting of me and everything throughout the recruiting process and the team has some really great guys – guys that I can definitely see myself calling my brothers for the next four or five years.”

For Nicholls, they liked the fact that Cheramie already has a college-sized body, while also owning the ability to play several positions at the next level.

Cheramie said he’s met with Rebowe several times during his recruitment and each time, the coach said he liked the fact that Cheramie has versatility.


With the Tarpons, Cheramie was a solid straight-ahead blocker, but also a player that had the ability to move along the line of scrimmage to open up holes for the Tarpons’ run-heavy offense.

Cheramie said Rebowe also liked his desire to finish plays, which could come in handy at the next level of play.

“Coach Rebowe likes my versatility on the line of scrimmage,” Cheramie said. “And also my ability to pull and get on blocks in open space. They also like my heart and passion for the game. I was starting on varsity since I was a freshman at South Lafourche. That demanded me to have more heart than anyone who put their hand in the dirt in front of me.


“I’ll be honest, I don’t care what they want me to play. I can play at any spot on the line. I will learn every position like the back of my hand and will perform to the best of my ability on every snap.”

Cheramie is a quality student who is easily an academic qualifier to compete at the next level.

He plans to major in General Business.


SHANKLIN ALSO MAKES HIS PICK

Another local made his pledge this week, securing his position at the next level.

E.D. White halfback Nik Shanklin announced on Twitter that he has committed to Mississippi Valley State – his new home for the next four years.


Shanklin earned his place at the next level after a solid career at E.D. White – a multi-year standout who helped lead the Cardinals to the District 7-4A Championship last season.

Mississippi Valley State was Shanklin’s first D-I offer. He committed to the team the next day.

“I want to thank God and my family for guiding me throughout my life,” Shanklin said in a statement. “I am very grateful and blessed to be in this position in the first place. I want to thank my E.D. White teammates for being supportive throughout my years. … I’m honored to say that I am committing to Mississippi Valley State for the next four years. One goal, one team, one Valley in motion!”


Shanklin is a physical runner who can make an early impact at the next level.

He was a 1,000-yard rusher for E.D. White.

Chad Cheramie


Follow Casey on Twitter for more. 

https://twitter.com/casey_gisclair