Pough Inks 20 New Prospects Including Three Transfers For The Upcoming 2023 Season

ORANGEBURG, SC –South Carolina State, Wednesday (Feb.1st), head coach Buddy Pough announced the signing of twenty (20) football prospects to national letters of intent (NLI). This year's class hails from the Palmetto State once again, with thirteen (13) from South Carolina and two from North Carolina, three from Georgia, one from Mississippi and one from Pennsylvania. The class includes two graduate transfers and one transfer from Delaware State. "I think with this class we address all our needs on where we needed to improve and get better from last year," said Pough. "We signed four running backs, and we added three tight ends and one with experience in order to give us that extra punch right away." Four defensive backs, four running backs, four defensive lineman, three offensive lineman, three tight ends, and two linebackers are the newest additions to this year's 2023 class. Pough added another addition to his coaching staff in the hiring of Kevin Magourik as offensive coordinator, an experienced offensive mind with over 21 years coaching experience. This will be Magourik second stint with the Bulldogs, while he previously served on Pough's staff from 2008-12, where SC State captured MEAC Titles in 2008, 2009, and 2010. With the addition of the new recruits, Pough returns veterans on both offense and offense this fall, led on offense by experience signal caller quarterback Corey Fields, Jr (6-1,188), wide receiver Rakim White (6-4, 185) and graduate transfer at tight end Keshawn Tony (6-3,225). The offensive line returns mostly all the starters except for left tackle Chris Simon. All-MEAC performers Nick Tasite (6-1, 295), Eric Brown, Jr. (6-3, 320) and Cam Johnson (6-2, 285)will be a force upfront. On defense All-MEAC performers defensive ends Jeblonski Green (6-1, 280) and Patrick Godbolt (6-3, 235) will spearhead the defensive front along with Octaveon Minter (6-2, 245). At the linebacker spot Aaron Smith returns as the leader along with Zanjerry Dunham (6-2, 215) and transfer linebacker Aiden Webber (6-2, 220) from Delaware State looks to add some depth. Another graduate transfer added to the secondary look to contribute is Malcolm Magee (5-11, 190) from Alcorn State along with returners Jordan Watkins (6-2, 195), Jaylen Evans (6-0, 185) and Jamare Benjamin (6-2, 180) just to name a few. Pough noted, "I'm really excited about this team and what we are adding to what we have coming back. You add that and with a new offensive coordinator we should be able to mix things up and get back on track after last season's disappointing finish." The Bulldogs kickoff the 2023 campaign in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta, GA. It will be a rematch of the 2021 Celebration Bowl Championship game, when South Carolina State takes on Jackson State. Kickoff is TBD. Follow the Bulldogs For complete coverage of SC State Athletics, follow us on social media @SCStateAthletic (Twitter), SCStateBulldogs (Facebook), and @SCStateAthletics (Instagram), or visit the official home of SC State Athletics at www.scsuathletics.com.