Savannah, Ga. -- Effort, consistency, fly to the ball, come as one – Savannah State University's defense took those values to heart Saturday morning in the team's first intersquad scrimmage at Theodore A. Wright Stadium.

The Tigers defense registered a fumble, an interception and five tackles for losses and three sacks while making it a humbling day for the offense.

SSU did some drills at the start of Saturday's practice before turning the last half of practice into a 38-play scrimmage.

"(The defense's) intensity is growing," said head coach Aaron Kelton. "They're getting better and they believe in what we're doing and when we start playing fast, we're not bad."

Last season, the Tigers defense led Division II in fewest yards allowed through the air (126.3 yards a game) and ranked 35th among 163 teams in total defense (298.3 yards a game).

They picked up where they left off, surrendering only quarterback Jaden Adams' bootleg run down the sideline en route for an apparent touchdown before a whistle blew.

Defensive lineman Nathaniel Chisholm knew the TD-interuptus feeling after picking up a fumble and seeing only green turf ahead only to hear a whistle.

"I'm kind of mad at Coach because I was planning on scoring," Chisholm said. "The defense had a good day. The defense is the heart of the team. Eleven hats to the ball. We're going to get it. And when the defense comes around, the offense is going to follow."

SSU used four quarterbacks – Adams, Christian Burks, Austin Williams and Garvin Douglas.

"(The scrimmage) is really about building the depth we need," Kelton said. "We know one guy can't get it done throughout a season so what we're doing is developing guys to give us depth and that helps keep up the competitive spirits."

The defense made a few more strides. Linebacker Tavare Brewton, the team leader with 66 tackles last season, had consecutive tackles for losses against the reserves.

Another linebacker, Uchenna Nwoha, who saw action in only seven games in 2022, had solo tackles on the first two plays and later recorded a sack.

Defensive tackle Jamar Walker, a transfer from Los Angeles Valley Community College, had a tackle for loss.

Graduate Dwayne Ruff, a safety, made the biggest play of the day with a leaping interception along the sidelines.

"I read it off the jump," said Ruff, who saw limited time during his career at East Tennessee State University.

"(Ruff) did a good job baiting the quarterback into a throw," Kelton said. "The throw was a little late, but to tip the ball and get his feet down (in bounds) was impressive. He's had a good camp and we're excited about having him in our program."

Ruff, who graduated high school from nearby Calvary Day, also brings a special lineage to SSU. His father, also Dwayne Ruff, played with Tiger legend and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe in the 1980s.

"I decided to come home and finish what my dad started," said the younger Ruff, who earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies at ETSU and now will be working on a graduate degree in business administration.

"(Earning playing time) is the goal," Ruff said. "We want to compete with the offense so they can get better and we can all get better as a team. That's the ultimate goal, so we can win a championship at the end of the year."

SSU opens the football season on Sept. 2 against Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla.