ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State, Tuesday, reached the mid point of its 2010 preseason football workouts with a two-hour workout in shorts, helmets and shoulder pads. The Bulldogs, who have a little over two weeks left in preseason camp, are headed in the right direction, according to head coach Buddy Pough.

“We are making progress,” Pough said. “There have been some ups and some downs but I believe we are headed in the right direction. The players appear focused, have worked hard on refining and figuring out how to connect with those things that make you a good team.

“We still have some improvement to do,” continued Pough, “but as we go along, we will see it (improvement). And, our effort is still good.”

During Tuesday's drill, the Bulldogs worked on some individual and team-style drills, as Pough and his staff continue to look at a lot of players. The Bulldog passing game received quite a bit of attention during the workout, and one Bulldog receiver has been a big surprise in camp, according to Pough.

Tyler McDonald, a freshman from Stratford High near Charleston, appears to be setting the pace in the receiving corps.

“It's good to have a guy of his ability,” said Pough of McDonald following Tuesday's practice. “He spent a year at Prep School and is a little older than your regular freshman, and he looks pretty much like he's ready to step in and help us.

“Our receivers, overall, are working hard, showing a good attitude and as they get more reps, I expect to see the fruits of their labor. We took a pretty big hit in losses in the secondary.”

The Bulldogs will be without their three-leading receivers from a year ago, including Oliver (Tre') Young, who established two receiving records and is now in the Carolina Panthers' camp. Richard Christie, a redshirt junior, is the top returning pass catcher with 24 catches last year and is expected to be a leader at the position. Lennel Elmore, a redshirt sophomore of Allendale, should also play a major role.

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