Bulldogs can win now, Chennis Berry says

For most, it was a first opportunity to meet Berry and hear his plans for the SC State program. A majority came away excited about the things they heard.

“It was great to get the chance to meet him,” offensive lineman Wheslen McCleod said. “I’m motivated by what he said and ready to get to work.”

McCleod said he didn’t know much about Berry as a coach before Tuesday’s press conference but what he was able to do with the Benedict program the last two seasons speaks volumes.

“We saw the attention coming out of Columbia … it was hard to miss,” McCleod said.

Berry said he had a number of conversations with retired head coach Buddy Pough and SC State president Alexander Conyers prior to taking the job.

“Going through the vetting process, I’m a guy that believes in fits,” Berry said. “I found like (SC State) was the right place (for me). There’s no shortage of talent on the current roster, my job is to put my stamp on it and cultivate it. We can win, and win now … immediately. We have a chance to be special right away.”

SC State quarterback Andre Washington said he loved everything Berry was talking about during his introductory speech.

“I’m excited about what he has planned on the field and also the discipline with which he coaches,” Washington said. “He recruited me when I was coming out of high school, so I got to know him a little bit. I’m ready to chase those A’s, B’s, C’s and D’s.”

Berry said his philosophy is to have A’s and B’s in the classroom while chasing C(hampionships) and D(egrees).

“Our job is to create an experience for our young men that is so rewarding that they don’t want to leave (via the transfer portal),” Berry said. “I know some of the higher-level schools will throw out other opportunities, mostly financial, but to me SC State is the blue blood of HBCU football. I’ve been on HBCU sidelines as a player and coach since 1991 and SC State is the top dog.”

Berry talked about the importance of recruiting his own team before going out to recruit. He announced that he would be setting up a Zoom meeting with the team Tuesday evening to meet and chat about his plans as head football coach.

Linebacker Aiden Weber, who transferred from Delaware State last season, said he’s excited about Berry’s energy and is looking forward to getting back to work after having surgery in the offseason.

“The energy in the room felt great (after he spoke),” Weber said. “It’s bittersweet, because Coach (Pough) was a great coach and a great guy. It was a blessing to experience that last season with him.

“It’s also a blessing to have another coach, with a great resume, to learn from this upcoming season.”