ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State almost half way through preseason camp resumed its regular two-hour practice session Tuesday (Aug,13^th) afternoon in full-gear at Oliver. C. Dawson Stadium.

Despite the hot and humid heat, the players seemed to be focus and enthusiastic after their first scrimmage this past weekend.

"The defense does what it normally does which is stop people," said head coach Buddy Pough. "We got some big plays from our offense but we still have a long way to go to get prepared for the season. I am pleased with the way our players are responding to correcting some of our short falls after the first scrimmage."

Pough noted, "For the most part the team is pretty healthy. A few minor issues but nothing that will stop us from moving forward. I am really excited about this season we have a chance be a really good football team."

The Bulldogs had a surprise visit on Monday night from former All-MEAC and recently retired safety Rafael Bush during Bulldog Experience. Bush retired after nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL) having spent time with several teams including Atlanta, Denver, New Orleans, Detroit and most recent Buffalo.

Bush message to his former team, "Keep the tradition alive, wear that SC State jersey with pride and know that guys like myself and players before me paved the way of winning the MEAC Championship tradition."

The Bulldogs will wrap up its final week of preseason practices with morning sessions at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday (Aug. 14^th), Thursday (Aug. 15^th) and Friday (Aug.16^th) .SC State will conduct its second scrimmage Saturday (Aug.17^th) in the morning at 10 a.m., before attending their annual "Meet The Players" at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Pough's team will be off Sunday (Aug. 18^th) before returning to the field on Monday (Aug.19^th) morning, before classes begin Tuesday (Aug. 20). Practice times vary during the school year.

The annual "Meet the Players Day/Fan Fest," hosted by The S.T.A.T.E Club will be held Aug. 17th from 1 p.m-3 p.m. at S-H-M. The event is free and open to the public. Come out and meet and greet your favorite Bulldog football players along with introduction of the volleyball, cross country and women's soccer team.

Season tickets for S.C. State's six-game home schedule remain available. Reserved seating is available and may be purchased by contacting the S.C. State Ticket Office by phone at 803-536-8579 or online at www.scsuathletics.com.