SAVANNAH, Ga.- As the Savannah State football team continues to prepare for the 2025 season, head coach Aaron Kelton took time to answer a few questions to give Tiger fans a update of how the team has progressed in preseason camp.

The Tigers have seven quarterbacks competing for the starting job and although nobody has separated themselves from the pack, Kelton says that Christian Burks remains in the lead for being the opening game starter.

"All of the quarterbacks have done a great job. There is no clear cut guy but Christian is a three-year guy in the system. They are all improving and pushing to win the QB1 spot."

Kelton went on to add that the quarterback competition has benefited the defensive unit because they face multiple quarterbacks on a daily basis.

"Defensively, the different styles of the quarterbacks has been a huge help. They give us unique looks like we will see during the season.  All of the quarterbacks have done a great job this camp as well."

The head coach also had praise for his guys in the trenches along the defensive and offensive lines.

"The defensive line is really progressing well. We are building our depth and rotations. I feel like we are a solid three deep there. On the offensive line, we continue to develop. They have done a good job with the defensive pressure and their physicality. We need to become more consistent on the offensive line. They are working hard and are much improved."

When asked which position group has shown the most improvement since the beginning of camp, Kelton pointed to his wide receivers and offensive linemen saying "the wide receivers are basically a new group and they keep getting better. Second, I would say the offensive line group is getting better."

While Kelton is still trying to settle on a quarterback and he adds that he sees improvement in his pass catchers, he also has taken notice of those wanting to carry the pigskin.

"We are deep at the running back position. They are running physical, seeing the holes and blocking in pass protection. We feel great about anyone we put out there at running back."

The head coach acknowledged that there are a lot of eyes on transfer tight end Arik Gilbert. The Marietta, Georgia native spent time at LSU, Georgia and Nebraska before coming to Savannah State.

 Kelton said that Gilbert is doing a good job to adjusting to his new surroundings and is picking up on the system.

"Arik has done a great job adjusting and is really showing why he is such a good quality football player. He was slowed early in camp but is back at full speed and has done a great job picking up the system. He will be a much needed asset for us on offense."

Kelton is also pleased with the progress of his linebackers who he says enters the season with a lot of experience. "The linebackers have the most experience but they aren't the deepest. They are all interchangeable which adds to our depth but the physicality of the position can cause nagging injuries. When we are completely healthy they are the leaders and the deepest group on the team because of the versatility."

Not to be left out is the special teams unit which is one-third of the game. Kelton says that those on special teams are working hard to be sure that those units are going to be strong for us. "Both our punter and kicker have been really consistent. We are continuing to build depth at long snapper and working the second punter and kicker some."

Kelton added that he has not picked team captains yet. "We have position leaders and we will have game captains."

With the first game of the season a little less than two weeks away, Kelton stated that they will start their game plan for Edward Waters on Thursday.

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