SAVANNAH, Ga.- The Savannah State University football team reported to campus on Tuesday as the Tigers prepare for the 2009 season under second-year head coach Robby Wells.

SSU players spent Tuesday checking into their residence halls and getting physicals.

Eighty-one (81) players reported on Tuesday morning and another four (4) are expected to arrive later in the day.

The Tigers return 56 lettermen and have 29 newcomers.

Wells will have 16 starters back from last season's 5-7 squad with nine on offense and seven on defense.

SSU will conduct their first practice on August 5 from 2:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in shorts. The team will practice in helmets and shoulder pads August 7 and 8 and will go in full gear on August 9 starting at 9:15 a.m.

The first scrimmage is slated for August 15 at 10 a.m.

The Tigers will conduct their annual Media Day on August 7 at 3 p.m. in the Tiger Arena Multi-Purpose Room.

SSU kicks off the 2009 season on September 5 in Greenville, South Carolina against Livingstone in the HBCU Classic. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. in Sirrine Stadium.