South Carolina State Inks 29 Prospects

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  – South Carolina State, Wednesday, announced the signing of twenty-nine (29) football prospects to national letters. Seventeen (17) of the signees are from South Carolina, seven are from Georgia, three are from North Carolina and two are from Virginia.

Among the Palmetto State prospects are eight North/South All-Star selections –OL Malcolm Garrett of Moncks Corner, SC, LB Chad Gilchrist of Johnston, SC, FB Buss Hamilton of Newberry, SC, TE Kijana Johnson of Bennettsville, SC, OL Francios McFall of Clio, SC, OL Patrick McNeill of West Columbia, SC, TE Tyler Schadewald of Lexington, SC, OL Austin Schofield of Aiken, SC and a Shrine Bowler in OL Demarcus Gilmore of Newberry, SC.

For complete 2016 Signee List click link: Click here.

SC State head coach Buddy Pough, who is looking to replace 17 seniors, expressed his excitement at the latest Bulldog signing class and noted that his staff addressed vital needs, on the offensive and defensive line spots with the departure of All-American Javon Hargrave. The Bulldogs were also looking at help at the tight end and running back positions.

"We think we address our needs with this signing class and I am really excited about these young guys coming in here and putting together a solid football team," Pough said. Once again I think our coaches did a great job with putting together another solid class. We always try and emphasize keeping talent in-state and we signed 17 from the palmetto state."

"We are right where we were last year with signing 29 kids, but once it's all said it done we should have around the mid-twenties that will actually make it. We took a few more offensive linemen that we normally would but for the most part it takes those guys longer to develop."

SC State signed four signal callers in the previous 2015 class. Freshman quarterback Caleb York returns for his sophomore season having had a breakout rookie season, throwing for 142-of-254 for 1,723 yards and 11 TD's in replace for injured starter redshirt junior Adrian Kollock, Jr.

Seven linebackers, five defensive lineman, five offensive lineman, four tight ends, four running backs, three defensive backs, and one quarterback.

For more information on South Carolina State Athletics log onto www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803)536-7060.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION