Preseason Football Report
SCSU holds first scrimmage; will conduct Press/Meet the Players Day Saturday
8/18/01
Orangeburg, SC - South Carolina State held its first scrimmage of the preseason Friday night, getting in about 50 scripted plays, according to head coach Willie Jeffries.
"We haven't had the benefit of grading the film yet," said Jeffries following the scrimmage, but a few things happened out there that made the staff feel pretty good. We still have a long way to go, but I thought the offense clicked pretty good at times and the defense, especially the front line, showed more consistency in its execution. We will have a truer assessment after viewing the film."
Jeffries said the staff got a chance to look at a lot of young players and he saw several that should step in and help out this year's squad.
"We got a chance to take a look at a lot of our young players," he said "and that's what you like to do in your first scrimmage. Three were a few surprises from that group, and that's good. We also want to make sure that the older guys perform with some consistency."
Newcomers who drew some attention included quarterback Michael "KJ" Kearney of North Charleston, running back Jermaine Brown of Green Pond, linebacker Dreak Pooler of Dublin, GA and defense back Johnnie Williams of Columbia.
S.C. State used five quarterbacks in the scrimmage. Projected starter Brett Young, a redshirt freshman, and last year's starter Reese McCampbell shared the signal calling duties with Kearney, Adrian Rodriquez and Wesley Middleton of Holly Hill, all newcomers.
Running back Coty Martin, who is battling for the starting duties at tailback, sustained a knee injury early in the scrimmage, however, the severity of the injury was not immediately known.
SCSU will conduct its annual Press and Photo Day, Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. at Dawson Bulldog Stadium. A "Meet the Players" program will follow at 10:30. The public is invited to come out for photographs with the players, autographs and lunch.
| 
