ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State conducted its annual “Media Day” Saturday morning and also had an evening workout that the team got in despite the weather. The Bulldogs' Friday evening practice was cancelled due to a thunderstorm in the area.
Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough lamented the fact that his team missed an opportunity to practice Friday but expressed some pleasure in the progress his team is making, especially several freshmen who may be called upon to contribute in 2011.
It's very early in our preparation, but I am real pleased with the work ethic of our players,” Pough said. “We have a lot of guys working real hard and it appears they realize a sense of urgency and are aware that we have to get going early.
“I'm really excited about the play of some of our freshmen,” he continued. “We have a lot of talent in our freshman class and there may be seven or eight that will play this fall. We don't want to play a freshman unless we think he will be able to make an impact because you don't want to waste a year of eligibility but some of them seem ready to help us.”
Pough, who lost 15 seniors – 11 starters – from the 2010 team that shared the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference crown and got an at-large berth to the FCS playoffs, said the Bulldogs would put just as much talent on the field this year as SC State enjoyed last season, however, he added that his team would be missing a lot of experience in key positions, including quarterback.
Three candidates are vying to replace three-year starter Malcolm Long, who set eight passing records during his career.
Long's backup Derrick Wiley appears to have the inside track for the starting duties; however, the redshirt junior is in a tight battle with redshirt sophomore Richard Cue. Wiley's younger brother Tedarrius Wiley, a redshirt freshman, is also in the mix, according to Pough.
“Replacing Malcolm (Long) is a big challenge for us,” said Pough. “Derrick (Wiley) is beginning to show some maturity and is the likely guy. But Richard Cue has been impressive as well and will most likely play some.”
Pough said the Bulldogs will also be looking for big years on offense from running back Asheton Jordan, the top returning rusher with over 600 yards who missed several games due to injury last year, wide receiver Tyler McDonald and offensive lineman Juahvahr Nathan. He also lauded the play of the Bulldog defense, which will be headed by end Patrick Washington, linebacker Donovan Richard and safety Dominique Ellis
“We have to get good quick,” he said. “The schedule is probably the toughest we've had since I've been here. Two of our first three games are against FBS teams – Central Michigan and Indiana – but the toughest game for us is that second game (Sept. 10) against Bethune-Cookman. We have our work cut out for us, but we are always optimistic.”
SC State will take Sunday off before returning to the field Monday for the first of two-a-day practices. The morning workout is scheduled for 6:50 and the evening session for 7:30.
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