SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah State Tigers continued their spring football session Monday afternoon with the fourth practice of the season.

Monday was the second day for the Tigers to work in full-pads after strapping on gear for the first time in Saturday's practice. The squad will work in full-pads for the Monday and Wednesday practices then will work in just helmets and shorts on Friday's.

The next two Saturday's, March 31 and April 6 will be full scrimmages, ending with the annual Orange and Blue Spring Game on April 14.

Defense can win championships, and the Tiger coaching staff is well aware of how important building a strong defense can be. The addition of some key freshman from last year's recruiting class to the Tiger's squad began to show signs of improvement.

“Defense is playing well,” head coach Steve Davenport said. “We're excited and satisfied. They're running to the ball. Outside linebacker and newcomer Darius Alison has added tremendous leadership. John Wilson on the corner looks outstanding. The whole defensive up front is playing well.   LeRoy Cummings is playing well up front. So we're looking forward to that.”

On the other side of the ball, newcomer Hunter Vaughn and returning sophomore Antonio Bostick began working passing drills as the two continue to battle for the starting quarterback job currently up for grabs. SSU coaches got to see the two QB's work with potential offensive weapons as the wide receivers faced-off against corners in 1-on-1 passing drills Monday.

"Offensively, Vaughn has been tremendous,” Davenport said. “We've implemented, on the offensive side about 40 percent of the offense. So we've got a long way to go. Bostick is playing well too. So the quarterback battle is heating up between those two guys right now. Sheldon Barns is playing well for us at running back. Both Dillion Cook and Edward Lackey are playing well for us too.”  

Spring practice is only a taste of things to come, and nothing will be set for the Tigers during the early session. The biggest advent the coaching staff is looking forward to is the addition of the newcomers, scheduled to join practice this summer.

“We're going to be leaning on the newcomers,” Davenport said. “We have about 23 newcomers that will be here in the summer time. We're pleased with what we've got. The goal is to build on ever practice. That's what I tell the kids we've got to get better with every practice. The goal is to be as good as we can at the end of the spring. It's a process. It's daily and we have to work hard with a goal in mind.”

Six months from now the hard work put in the spring session will be realized when the Tigers open their season 1,100 miles to the west.

 “Right now, our main goal is to be prepared for Stillwater, when we head to Oklahoma State,” Davenport continued. “It's easier to be prepared when you know the task ahead. I think the kids are working hard and getting it done.”