The work Savannah State University’s Tyler Hagan has been putting in during the offseason isn’t just the normal effort for a collegiate athlete.

The former South Effingham High School two-sport standout is striving for the start of football season — just months after suffering a knee injury during basketball season. Hagan is undergoing rehabilitation to get his knee and himself ready for the Tigers’ 2015 football season, before returning to the basketball court.

“It’s good,” he said. “I’ve been doing rehab every day. It’s just getting better and stronger.”

Hagan played in four games last season, catching 10 passes for 61 yards. He had eight receptions for 60 yards in a loss to Florida A&M and also recorded a reception in the Tigers’ loss to Brigham Young.

He played in one game during the basketball season, getting three minutes of action against Middle Georgia. But after making his one and only shot attempt of the season, Hagan injured his knee and was shelved for the season.

The 6-foot-7 sophomore is awaiting the onset of football season eagerly and he wants to add more size to his 210 pounds.

“Oh yeah,” he said. “I think I’m more ready for football than I am for basketball. I think once I get bigger, faster and stronger, it’ll be a lot better. I’m trying to get a lot bigger than I am right now.”

Hagan has been trying to run on his repaired leg to get back into shape, though it hasn’t been easy.

“Trying to run on it is a challenge because it’s still a little sore,” he said.

It’s been hard to run patterns for the Tigers quarterbacks in informal practices, but Hagan still is going through the summer paces to try to get timing down.

“We all work out together,” he said. “I do as much as I can.”

The Tigers open the season on the road at Colorado State, one of two FBS teams on their schedule. The date is less than two months away, and Hagan is already anxious for the first game.

“A little bit,” he said. “But then again, I’m ready to play. I can’t wait for that clear date.”