Missouri State

At MSU: Nathan Stokes is the returner as both the placekicker and punter for the Bears and should have a firm hold on both jobs entering 2007 preseason camp. Stokes led the Gateway Conference in punting last season by a comfortable margin with his 42.8 average that was easily the second best figure in school history for a season. He was over 45 yards for average in three games and above 43 in three others. He also hit 64 percent of his field goal attempts and all but one PAT. He was perfect on four FG attempts from the 20-29 and 5-of-9 from 30-39 yards. He hit all three of hie field goal tries at Indiana State and booted one in each of six other games. He got his chance to take over the kicking duties last year after sitting behind All-American Jon Scifres two years. Stokes had his first varsity action and booted five punts for a 37.4 average in 2004, his first year for the Bears after redshirting the previous year.

Background: Stokes signed with the Bears after an outstanding career at nearby Ozark High School. He was a three-time all-stater, three-time all-Ozarks and four-time all-district and all-conference as a kicker and punter. Stokes is listed by ProKicker.com and Ray Guy's Kicking Academy as one of the top prep kickers in the nation.

Personal: Nathan Thomas Stokes was born 6/20/84 in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Tom and Joy Stokes. His academic major at Missouri State is recreation and leisure studies.