SAVANNAH, Ga.- The Savannah State University football team started the Thomas Howard era with the opening of fall football camp last week.

The Tigers reported to campus on August 3 and had their first practice on August 5 at 7 a.m. at Theodore A. Wright Stadium.

Howard said the team was happy to be back on the field and the energy was high.

"As the guys reported to camp,  I believe everyone in and around the program is very excited to getting started.   It has been a long process and now we are finally here.  As we hit the field, the energy was running very high."

The first year coach said that 95 players reported to camp. "We have about 50 new players and 15 are transfer players."

After a week of drills under their belt, the coaching staff has taken notice of hos the returning players are jelling with the newcomers.

"So far, I believe the guys are gelling very well," said Howard. "The game brings out the best in all of them, and everybody is working toward the same goal."

Howard said that the older players are taking the new players under their wings, even though they might be competing at the same position.

"Yes, the older guys are definitely talking to the younger guys.  We are doing a lot of team building activities to build team chemistry and help to make us a closer team.  We have to trust each other."

When asked what will the team be focused on in preseason camp, Howard responded "As we have talked about from the time I arrived on campus we are focused on the Discipline and Details of everything that we do."

The team will also worship together on Sundays, during the preseason.  They attended Southside Baptist Church together on August 9 and will attend St. Phillip AME Church on August 16 at First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on August 23.

Howard said that this is part of building our team chemistry.  "It allows us all to see each other outside of just the football setting coaches included.  It also allows the guys to interact with the community."

Howard said that the quarterback and tight end positions had the most depth as they entered camp.

And when asked about the quarterback and kicking battles, he said  "At quarterback, there is a lot of experience.  We are looking now for the player that can be the most productive and that will also take care of the football.  The kicking battle is one where we are showcasing some young talent.  We will see how that will go as we get a little further into camp.  It will definitely be exciting to watch."

The 2026 season will begin on Saturday, August 29th with a road matchup against defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and HBCU National Champion South Carolina State, with kickoff set for 6:00pm.

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