By Thomas Grant Jr.


The Northeast area has recently become a hotbed for South Carolina State football talent.
Wide receiver Jordan Smith of Ridge View is one of six players from that region. The redshirt
junior has caught 18 passes and three touchdowns the past two seasons and will have a new
starting quarterback when the Bulldogs open the season Saturday at Florida A&M.

“It’s been a blessing so far ever since I’ve been here,” Smith said. “I love the atmosphere and
the community. When I was at Ridge View, it was more so like everybody was sort of family and
everybody looked after each other. When I got here, it was like a natural transition. I love playing
here.”

The other Northeast players on the S.C. State roster include:
RB Dhani Dixon (Blythewood)
LB Patrick Jenkins (Blythewood)
DB Ake’le Pauling (Spring Valley)
OL Chandler Mueller and Chandler Robertson (both of Ridge View)

Smith has bought into the “1-0 everyday” philosophy of new head coach Chennis Berry. He’s
spent the off-season focusing “on the little things” such as blocking to help his game reach the
next level.

S.C. State will look to blend in veterans with newcomers like former Benedict and Murray State
quarterback Eric Phoenix. A dual-threat quarterback, he’ll look to target returning players like
Smith in an offense looking to improve from the past two seasons.

Kickoff is 6 p.m. Saturday and the game is available on ESPN+.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
(Thursday’s Game)
Presbyterian at Mercer 7 p.m.
Wofford at Gardner-Webb 7 p.m.
Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State 8 p.m.
(Saturday’s Games)
Clemson at Georgia noon
Old Dominion at South Carolina 4:15 p.m.
The Citadel at Charleston Southern 6 p.m.
S.C. State at Florida A&M 6 p.m.
Furman at Ole Miss 7 p.m.
(Sunday’s Game)
Benedict College at Virginia State 4 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
(Thursday’s Game)
Presbyterian at Mercer 7 p.m.
Wofford at Gardner-Webb 7 p.m.
Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State 8 p.m.
(Saturday’s Games)
Clemson at Georgia noon
Old Dominion at South Carolina 4:15 p.m.
The Citadel at Charleston Southern 6 p.m.
S.C. State at Florida A&M 6 p.m.
Furman at Ole Miss 7 p.m.
(Sunday’s Game)
Benedict College at Virginia State 4 p.m.