ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State hit the field Friday morning for the first of 27 preseason football practices as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2015 campaign. Approximately 95 players participated in the two-hour workout drills in helmets at Oliver. C. Dawson Stadium.
Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough, who is beginning his 14th season at the helm, said he, and his staff is excited to get off to a great start during fall camp and that day one was your typical first start of camp.
"Today was a great opening day and I am excited about getting things started again," said Pough. "We have a lot of new guys so we will try and see where they fit into things moving forward."
One change on the coaching staff this season will be Jonathan Saxon, who was promoted to full-time linebacker coach after spending a year as a graduate defensive assistant last season. He replaces Ben Barton.
Pough said, it feels good to have depth and a lot of the key components in place from last year's squad, with All-Americans defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (Sr., 6-2, 311) and defensive back/punt returner Antonio Hamilton (r-Sr., 6-0, 185) and last year's MEAC Rookie of the Year Darius Leonard (r-So.,6-3, 200).
The quarterback position shows plenty depth with returning starter Adrian Kollock, Jr. (r-Jr., 6-2, 202), and incoming freshmen Dewann Ford (6-2, 180), Marquane Goodman (6-1, 200), Caleb York (6-1, 210), Quin Suber (6-3, 205) and junior Devin Kennedy (6-2, 220).
The Bulldogs will conduct most of its practices during the morning session with the second on Saturday (Aug. 8), beginning at 9:30 a.m. in helmets, followed by a morning practice on Sunday (Aug. 9) at 9:30 in helmets and shells.
Coach Buddy Pough's team will hold its annual "Press and Picture Day" Saturday (Aug. 15), beginning at 9 a.m. at the O.C. Dawson Stadium before conducting its first preseason scrimmage at 3:10 p.m. The team's annual "Meet the Players Day", sponsored by The STATE Club, will be held August 22nd at 3:30 p.m. and will be preceded by the second preseason scrimmage at 1 p.m.
The Bulldogs open the 2015 season on Sept. 6 in the 11th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge against SWAC foe Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Orlando, Fla. Kick-off is 3 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPNU/ESPN3.
Season tickets to SC State's five home games are still available for more information go online to www.scsuathletics.com or contact the SC State Ticket Office at 803-536-8579 or 1-800-298-9157.
2015 Bulldog Preseason Football Information
Saturday Aug. 8-9:30 a.m. (Helmet) #2
Sunday Aug. 9-9:30 a.m. (Shells) # 3
Monday Aug. 10-9:30 a.m. (Shells) # 4
Tuesday Aug. 11-9:30 a.m. (Full) #5
Wednesday Aug. 12-9:30 a.m. (Full) #6 and 7:10 p.m. (Shells) #7
Thursday Aug.13-9:30 a.m. (Full) # 8
Friday Aug. 14-9:30 a.m. (Full) #9 and 7:10 p.m. (Shells) # 10
Saturday Aug. 15- Picture/Media Day
Scrimmage # 1-3:10 p.m. # 11
Sunday Aug. 16- OFF
Monday Aug. 17-9:30 a.m. (Full) # 12 and 7:10 p.m. (Shells) #13
Tuesday Aug. 18-OFF (Classes Begin)
Wednesday Aug. 19-7 a.m. (Full) #14
Thursday Aug. 20-7 a.m. (Full) #15
Friday Aug. 21- 7 a.m. (Full) # 16
Saturday Aug. 22- Scrimmage # 2- (Full) 1 p.m. #17
MEET THE PLAYERS DAY-3:30 p.m.
Sunday Aug. 23-OFF
