Curious fans galore flocked to Oliver C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium Tuesday night for the opening of South Carolina State's spring practice.

From diehard football fans to visiting former Bulldog assistants like Clemson University recruiting coordinator Billy Napier, there were plenty of anxious onlookers on hand to get an early glance of the 2007 Bulldogs. They witnessed close to 75 players donning only helmets and practice jerseys and shorts participating in a 90-minute practice session held first on the practice field and later moved inside the stadium where 7-on-7 drills took place.

Offensive linemen Nygel Pearson and James Simmons, both sidelined with foot injuries, and tight end Rolandes Breland (knee) of Denmark-Olar, were the only returning players not involved in team drills. Coming off a disappointing 7-4 campaign and facing two Division I-A opponents in the first three games this fall, SCSU head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough was pleased with his team's overall conditioning and enthusiasm.

"We're probably in better condition than we've been in previous years," he said. "Our early-morning conditioning and strength and conditioning program has us looking a little bit better. Besides that, our guys have a lot better knowledge, especially offensively, of what we've done that's carried over from last year."

With two more non-contact practices scheduled before the first full scrimmage this Saturday, Pough's focus is getting his team in sync on both sides of the football and understanding the urgency of this year's workouts in light of the formidable early-season schedule.

"All you're trying to do now is establish tempo, establish knowledge of the particular intricacies both offensively and defensively," he said. "And then, last but not least, you want to just see your guys pull together cohesively."

It appeared returning starting quarterback Cleveland McCoy was reconnecting with his wideout weapons. The Baptist Hill native completed several passes during 7-on-7 drills, including hitting wide receiver Trey Young for a couple of long touchdown plays.

Along with the wide receiving corps, the running back position is considered among the team strengths this season. However, Pough still has some concerns on the offensive side of the football with the graduations of All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standouts running back Deshawn Baker and offensive lineman Clyde Reed.

"We've got to make sure our running backs are straight again," he said. "Although we've got some good ones coming back, Baker's a big loss," he said. "We'd like to get comfortable with the fact that these guys now, that they've got the responsibility to carry the load. We also need to continue to improve our offensive line. I think we've lost Clyde, but we ought to improve some there. And then our receiving corps is better. We ought to be the best we've been there with Tre Young and those guys getting some experience. Getting (North Carolina State transfer) Octavius Darby at tight end, he's a tight end/wide receiver kind of combination."

Defensively, all eyes were on new defensive coordinator John Hendricks. The fiery former Benedict College head football coach wasted little time getting the attention of the players with his booming voice and demonstrative style.

"I'm excited about having John," he said. "He's an enthusiastic guy who brings a style of play that I think fits our style of kids and we want to get an opportunity to do some of the kinds of things he's done in his previous experiences. I think John will be a nice addition to our staff."

Hendricks does inherit a secondary which grew into a cohesive unit by the end of the season and a solid linebacking corps, although his defensive line will be young. One of those lineman Pough is high on is redshirt freshman Sterling Blunt (6-5, 285 pounds) of Hemingway.

SCSU resumes practice tonight at 8 p.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. session Friday and the first of three Saturday scrimmages.

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