Football | 8/9/2019 4:02:00 PM

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Savannah State University's colorful first-year head football coach Shawn Quinn likened Friday morning's first preseason practice to riding a bicycle.
 
Just about everyone starts off with training wheels.
 
The 2019 Tigers, with about 45 new players on the roster, have a long way to pedal, that's obvious, says Quinn.
 
"Every year, it's a whole new deal," he said. "I thought at the end of the spring, we made a lot of headway. But we have a lot of new faces."
 
During the offseason, he promoted a couple of familiar faces on his coaching staff. Russell DeMasi and Nate Baker will be co-offensive coordinators.
 
Both DeMasi and Baker have Georgia Southern ties and understand the Eagles' triple-option offense which will be implemented at SSU this season.
 
"I think long term we needed teachers and developers," Quinn said. "We felt if we could get some guys in the system, that believe in (the option) to the core, we'd have a better chance of being successful." 
 
Quinn, who was elevated from defensive coordinator, still hasn't announced how the defensive coaching staff will be layered.
And, of course, Quinn won't be making any decisions about his player depth chart after one two-hour practice in shorts and helmets.
 
He wasn't too happy with the effort Friday, but 92-degree noon heat may have had a lot to do with it.
 
"My expectation was to pick right up where we left off (in the spring)," Quinn said. "I think (the players') hearts are in the right place. I'm sure the film will look better, but as a coach you always want (effort) to be better.
 
"It's a little bit of two-hand touch right now. That's par for the course. I'll evaluate it better when we have shoulder pads on at least. But I appreciate the kids' willingness to learn. They've done a great job of doing that."
 
Quinn said 102 players participated in Friday's opening workout. About six are still in rehab protocol and could be released within the week.
 
University of Georgia transfer quarterback Mason Wood, a red-shirt freshman who is eligible immediately, attracted some attention Friday. Wood, a 6-foot, 185-pounder from Douglasville, earned second-team all-state honors after passing for 2,283 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior at Alexander High School in 2017.
 
"A lot of folks spoke highly of him," Quinn said. "He knew he was down on the depth chart (at Georgia) and would have to wait his turn, but could come here and compete for the job. We're excited about him. He's a great young man, smart, and he brings a lot to the table."
 
Quinn also had praise for freshmen linebacker Jaylin Thompson, defensive end Julian Roberts (from Memorial Day), DL Tyler Moore, running back/slotback Jordan Grant and speedy running back Einaj Carter.
 
Grant starred as a versatile athlete at Savannah Christian last season.
 
"Without giving our opponents too much info, he's going to do a lot," Quinn said. "Tim Tebow, let's put it that way."
 
SSU continues its preseason football workouts on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Tigers kick off the season Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. against Florida Tech at Theodore Wright Stadium.