ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State's second preseason workout Wednesday evening, conducted under somewhat cooler temperatures, was a very good one, according to Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough.
“It was a good night for us,” said Pough, following the approximately two hour session. “The weather was very cooperative, almost like a cooling trend and I think it made a difference...we took advantage of it.
“I thought we really looked good on offense until right near the end when the defense stepped up and showed some dominance,” he continued. “I think our guys realize the urgency of things, and that it's important that we work hard against each other so we can all get better.”
Tuesday's workout, which was conducted in shorts and helmets, included group work , special teams and passing drills. He noted that all three quarterbacks vying to replace three-year starter Malcolm Long, got in a lot of reps during the drills. He thought all threw the ball well, but expressed a little concern with their accuracy.
“I think our quarterbacks understand they have to work hard to get better,” he said. “I'm confident that they will continue to improve and develop more consistency and accuracy in their throws.”
Pough, when reminded of the spat of deaths during football workouts in recent days that included three high school players and a college coach, said the Bulldog sports medicine staff was doing everything possible to make sure the players are monitored carefully.
“It's scary (those deaths),” Pough said, “But we are being very careful, making sure we have plenty of breaks. We have a great medical staff and our guys appear to be handling the weather conditions well and I hope that we can continue to do so.”
SC State returns to the field Thursday for its third practice, beginning at approximately 7 p.m. The workout will be the first in shoulder pads. SC State will follow the same schedule on Friday, and then conduct its “Media Day” Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.
--30--