Pough Says SC State Is Establishing Depth

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (SCSU SID) — South Carolina State conducted a little over two-hour preseason workout Thursday morning, beginning at 9 a.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. It was the lone workout of the day for the Bulldogs, who struggled a bit in the high temperatures, according to head coach Buddy Pough. “It was a little warm but we do the best we can under tough conditions,” Pough said. “Our coaches and players know that we have to deal with the elements. I thought I players fought pretty hard but I‘m not sure just how much we accomplished. But we made sure that our players stayed hydrated.” The Bulldogs return to the practice field on Friday when they will essentially complete their two-a-day staggered workouts. The morning session will be in shells and the evening session in shorts and helmets, according to Pough. SC State will devote most of Friday‘s drills to preparing for its Saturday 10 a.m. scrimmage, the second of the preseason for Pough‘s team. Pough noted that Thursday was the mid-way point of preseason preparations for his team. He said that despite a number of players – among three or four projected starters – being down with nagging injuries, he felt the squad was making progress in establishing depth. “You don‘t want to see any players down, but it‘s during such times when someone steps up and show that they can contribute. This is important as we seek to establish the depth we will need this fall.” Among the Bulldog players ailing are placekicker and punter Nick Belcher, running backs Asheton Jordan and Charles Brown, center Tristan Bellamy, defensive back Jakar Hamilton and defensive lineman Marquis Parks. MEET THE PLAYERS DAY SC State will hold its annual “Meet the Players Day” Saturday, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, following a 10 a.m. scrimmage. The annual event, sponsored by The STATE Club – the Bulldog boosters – will give fans an opportunity to meet the Bulldog players, take pictures, get autographs and have lunch with the players. Most of the activities are free, however, the cost of lunch with the players is $10 for adults and $5 for persons 17-years old and under.