GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman head football coach Clay Hendrix today welcomed the addition of 13 recruits to the Paladins' program on NCAA National Signing Day.

Defense was the highest priority, commanding eight spots in the class.  There were four additions on offense and one specialist among the group of newcomers.  Five linemen — three on offense and two on defense — comprised the largest group, and the Paladins also added a pair of inside linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties.

Geographically four recruits hail from Georgia, three each from Tennessee and Florida, and one from both South Carolina, Texas, and Ohio.

Heading up the class is All-Region 8-5A inside linebacker Evan DiMaggio from 2019 Georgia 5A state champion Buford High School (14-1), who chose Furman from among 14 offers, including 12 from FBS programs. 

Offensive lineman E.J. Wilson from Xenia, Ohio, collected the most scholarship offers (17) in the class, including Colorado State, Air Force, Navy, and Akron, before deciding on Furman. Fellow offensive line signee Dylan Davis spurned Iowa State and Illinois to ink with Furman following a career that saw him twice land all-state honors on both sides of the football for St. Stephen's (Fla.) Episcopal School.

Jack Rhodes, a safety at Alpharetta, Ga., and Milton High School, registered 70 tackles and a pair of sacks, interceptions, and fumble recoveries this fall while collecting Region 5-7A Athlete of the Year honors and weighing 14 scholarship offers.  Rhodes and fellow Paladin safety signee Caden Richards from Gaffney (S.C.) High School plan to enroll at Furman in January and take part in spring practice.

Ivan Yates from Roswell (Ga.) High School and Micah Robinson of Westlake (Ga.) High School, represent the Paladins' two cornerback signees.  Yates had 16 scholarship offers, including four from SMU, Air Force, Liberty, and South Alabama.  Robinson, meanwhile, gave Furman the nod from among 12 schools vying for his talent after garnering All-Region 2-7A honors this fall.

Inside linebacker Ty Youngblood was a two-way standout who racked up 338 tackles and rushed for 2,157 yards and 46 touchdowns in a career that saw him land all-state honors as a sophomore and as a junior while helping powerhouse Greeneville (Tenn.) High School to a 40-3 record over the past three seasons, highlighted by a pair of 15-0 campaigns in 2017 and '18.

Furman's two additions along its defensive front include Seth Johnson from Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School and Jeremiah Jackson from Fleming Island, Fla.  Johnson was a two-time all-region selection who scored 34 on his ACT, and Jackson fashioned a senior season that yielded 80 tackles, including 20 for-loss, and 13 sacks.

Offensive lineman Blake Hundley, a three-time All-Region 7-5A pick  from Clarksville, Tenn., committed to Furman on Dec.8 after holding offers from Kansas, South Carolina, and Kentucky.  He and fellow Paladin signee Ty Youngblood played in Tennessee's East-West All-Star Game.

The Paladins' lone backfield addition is Round Rock, Texas, running back Kendall Thomas, who fashioned a superb senior season that saw him run for 2,247 yards and 25 touchdowns, average10.2 yards per carry, and bag District 13-6A MVP honors.

Punter Ryan Leavy, a 2018 second team all-state selection from Berkley Prep in Tampa, Fla., rounds out the Paladins' Dec. 2019 signing class.

The second NCAA signing period begins on Feb. 6, 2019.

Furman posted an 8-5 record in 2019, finished the regular season ranked 16th in both AFCA and STATS FCS Polls, and earned an at-large berth into the FCS playoffs.
 
2019 Furman Football Recruits (Dec. 18-20 NCAA Early Signing Period)
Dylan Davis, OL, 6-4, 270, Fr., Bradenton, Fla. / St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Evan DiMaggio, ILB, 6-3, 225, Fr., Buford, Ga. / Buford High School
Blake Hundley, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. / Clarksville High School
Jeremiah Jackson, DE, 6-0, 250, Fr., Fleming Island, Fla. / Fleming Island High School
Seth Johnson, DL , 6-2, 280, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn. / Baylor School
Ryan Leavy, P, 6-1, 175, Fr., Tampa, Fla. / Berkeley Prep
Jack Rhodes, S, 6-1, 185, Fr.,  Alpharetta, Ga. / Milton High School
Caden Richards, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Gaffney, S.C. / Gaffney High School
Micah Robinson, CB, 5-11, 170, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. / Westlake High School 
Kendall Thomas, RB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Round Rock, Texas / Stony Point High School
E.J. Wilson, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Xenia, Ohio / Xenia High School
Ivan Yates, CB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Roswell, Ga. / Roswell High School
Ty Youngblook, ILB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Greeneville, Tenn. / Greeneville High School

Dylan Davis, OL
6-4, 270, Freshman
Bradenton, Florida
St. Stephen's Episcopal School

High School: Committed to Fuman on August 6, 2019, after fielding offers from Iowa State, Illinois, Army, and Cornell...projected 2020 graduate of St. Stephen's (Independent) Episcopal School...football coach was Tod Creneti...saw action at center, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle, registering 44 starts in his career...served as team captain his junior and senior years, helping lead St. Stephen's to a pair of state championships...four-year record during his tenure was 40-4...recorded 150 tackles, including 60 for-loss, and 18 sacks in his career...three-time all-area selection on both offense and defense...two-time all-state pick on defense and all-state selection on offense...selected to play Blue-Grey All-Star Game and Florida North vs. South Senior Bowl...also starred in basketball, track, and wrestling...won district and region championships and finished third in the state in the shotput in 2019.

Personal: Full name is Dylan Shane Davis...born March 15, 2001, in Sarasota, Florida...son of Meghan and Nathan Davis...has two brothers, Connor and Brody, and a sister, and Evan.

Evan DiMaggio, ILB
6-3, 225, Freshman
Buford, Georgia
Buford High School

High School: Chose Furman from among 14 offers, including 12 from FBS programs: UCF, Colorado State, Cincinnati, Nevada, Air Force, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, South Alabama, Akron, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, and Liberty...committed to Furman in July 7, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Buford (5A) High School...football coach was Bryant Appling...played middle linebacker and tight end...paced Buford in tackles in 2019 and was named first team All-Region 8-AAAAA while helping his squad to a 14-1 and state championship with 17-14 win over Warner Robins...2019 season followed 10-3 campaign in 2018 and third round appearance in the state playoffs...posted a record of 43-9 and finished as runner-up at the 2019 state wrestling championships in the 220-pound class.

Personal: Full name is Evan Patrick DiMaggio...born May 22, 2002, in Buford, Georgia...son of Heather and Patrick DiMaggio...has two sisters, Ashley and Emily.

Blake Hundley, OL
6-3, 275, Freshman
Clarksville, Tennessee
Clarksville High School

High School: Entertained offers from eight schools, including FBS members Kansas, South Carolina, and Kentucky...committed to Furman on December 8, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Clarksville (5A) High School...football coach was Isaac Shelby...played offensive guard and on the defensive line...three-time 7-AAAAA All-Region and all-area selection (all-state teams TBA)...served as team captain and was named region offensive line MVP in 2019 after helping lead Clarksville to a 7-5 record and the program's first playoff victory in a decade...selected to play in Tennessee East-West All-Star Game.

Personal: Full name is Robert Blake Hundley...born October 16, 2001, in Clarksville, Tennessee...son of Jamie Best and Jason Hundley...has a sister, Payton, and two brothers, Laney and Cline.

Jeremiah Jackson, DE
6-0, 250, Freshman
Fleming Island, Florida
Fleming Island High School

High School: Collected 15 offers before committing to Furman on November 15, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Fleming Island (7A) High School...football coach was Damenyum Springs...saw action at fullback, linebacker, defensive tackle, and defensive end during his prep career...topped 80 tackles and 20 tackles for-loss, including 13 sacks in 2019, in helping Fleming Island to a 10-1 campaign, district championship, and two rounds into the state playoffs...earned first team All-Clay County honors as a defensive lineman...also exceled in weighlifting in the clean and jerk and bench press, qualifying for state in both events his junior year (senior season upcoming).

Personal: Full name is Jeremiah Deshawn Jackson...born January 31, 2002, in Hampton, Virginia...son of LaTanya and Marvin Jackson...father played football at Alabama State...has a brother, Ladarius.

Seth Johnson, DL
6-2, 280, Freshman
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Baylor School

High School: Fielded offers from seven FCS programs...committed to Furman on August 23, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Baylor (Division II 3-A) School...football coach was Phil Massey...played virtually every position along the defensive and offensive lines, plus tight end, during his prep tenure...served as team captain and captured all-region honors for a second straight year after helping lead Baylor to a 9-1 season — the first winning campaign in three years and program's best record in a decade...also competed in track & field, specializing in the shotput, and basketball...served as editor of his school newspaper...scored 34 on the ACT.

Personal: Full name is Seth Alexander Johnson...born March 20, 2002, in Chattanooga, Tennessee...son of Brent and Kim Johnson...has four brothers: Cole, Gate, Rhet, and Teag...brother, Cole, plays football at Chattanooga...father also played football at Chattanooga and spent the 1987 with the Chicago Bears...mother ran track at UTC.

Ryan Leavy, P
6-1, 175, Freshman
Tampa, Florida
Berkeley Prep

High School:  Chose Furman over an offer from Fordham...committed on December 13, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Berkeley (3A) Prep...football coach was Dominic Ciao...served as punter but also as a holder and backup placekicker...earned FloridaHighSchool.com second team all-state honors in 2018 on squad that posted a 7-3 record and appearance in the state playoffs...also played baseball...went 17-for-17 in stolen bases and posted a 2.37 ERA as a junior.

Personal:  Full name is Ryan James Leavy...born September 28, 2001, in Tampa, Florida...son of Jim and Selena Leavy...has a sister, Paige, who plays tennis at Bucknell...uncle, Dave Moore, played football at Penn and later 15 years in the NFL, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2006 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jack Rhodes, S
6-1, 185, Freshman
Milton, Georgia
Milton High School

High School: Entertained 14 Division I offers, including a pair from Air Force and Coastal Carolina... committed to Furman on July 11, 2019...December 2019 graduate of Milton (7A) High School who will enroll at Furman in January (along with fellow Paladin signee Caden Richards) and take part in spring practice...football coach at Milton was Adam Clack...saw action at six positions at Milton, including linebacker, cornerback, and safety on defense...named Region 5-AAAAAAA Athlete of the Year after helping Milton to an 8-4 record and region championship...credited with 70 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2019 (all-state teams TBA)...strong senior season followed 13-2, state championship 2018 season that included all-region and academic all-state honors...career statistics include 233 tackles, including 22 for-loss, seven interceptions, and five fumble recoveries, and three sacks...also starred in baseball.

Personal: Full name is Jackson Ware Rhodes...born May 11, 2001, in Alpharetta, Georgia...son of Marylynn and Hugh Rhodes...has two sisters, Anna and Allison.

Caden Richards, S
6-1, 185, Freshman
Gaffney, South Carolina
Gaffney High School

High School: Chose Furman from among four offers, including Army, Richmond, and Mercer...committed on May 22, 2019...December 2019 graduate of Gaffney (5A) High School who will enroll at Furman (along with fellow Paladin signee Jack Rhodes) and take part in spring practice...football coach at Gaffney was Dan Jones...played free safety...served as team captain his junior and senior seasons...helped Gaffney to 11-2 campaign in 2018 and 10-4 season and appearance the state playoff semifinals in 2019...career statistics include 105 tackles, four fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and 10 pass breakups...invited to play in South Carolina's North-South All-Star Game...also played baseball.

Personal:  Full name is Caden Dean Richards...born June 30, 2002, in Gaffney, South Carolina...son of Billy and Paula Richards...has two brothers, Casey and Colby, and a sister, Chloe...father played football at Wofford.

Micah Robinson, CB
5-11, 170, Freshman
Atlanta, Georgia
Westlake High School

High School: Entertained 12 offers, including one from Air Force...committed July 15, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Westlake (7A) High School...football coach was Bobby May...played cornerback and also served as a return specialist...served as team captain in 2019 on 6-5 team that advanced to the state playoffs...earned All-Region 2-AAAAAAA honors as a senior (all-state teams TBA)...led Westlake in interceptions his junior and senior seasons, finishing with eight in his career...also competed in track...

Personal: Full name is Micah McKhi Robinson...born February 5, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia...son of Steven and Tiffany Robinson (step-mother)/Misty Fluellen...has six siblings: Roman Robinson, Cannon Robinson, Aubrey Fluellen, Cupress Fluellen, Kymer Fluellen, and Jesel Fluellen.

Kendall Thomas, RB
5-9, 175, Freshman
Round Rock, Texas
Stony Point High School

High School: Chose Furman from among offers by Air Force, Dartmouth, and Princeton...committed on July 14, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Stony Point (6A) High School...football coach was Craig Chessher...saw action at running back, quarterback, wide receiver, and as a return specialist...rushed for 2,247 yards and 25 touchdowns, and averaged 10.2 yard per carry and 204.2 yards per game in 2019 en route to earning District 13 (AAAAAA) MVP honors (all-state teams TBA)...earned team player of the game honors 10 times in 2019...totaled 3,429 rushing yards and 35 rushing  touchdowns over his final three seasons as a prep...also competed in track & field.

Personal: Full name is Kendall Isaiah Thomas...born May 8, 2002, in Austin, Texas...son of Yolanda and Kwame Thomas...has a brother, Kory...father played football at Alcorn State.

E.J. Wilson, OL
6-4, 280, Freshman
Xenia, Ohio
Xenia High School

High School: Entertained offers from 17 schools, including FBS programs Colorado State, Navy, Air Force, and Akron...committed on July 19, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Xenia (Division 2) High School...football coach was Trace Smitherman...played offensive and defensve line...started 31 games at left tackles....earned first team All-Miami Valley League (MVL) and second team All-Southwest District honors in 2019, as well as first team Academic All-Ohio after helping lead Xenia to a 9-2 record (best since 1969), MVL championship, and first playoff appearance in school history...as a junior played a role in Xenia winning its first conference championship in 50 years...strong play keyed school season rushing standard for third consecutive season...also starred in track and bowling.

Personal: Full name is Eric Jason Wilson...born January 24, 2002, in Kettering, Ohio...son of Eric and Jennifer Wilson...has a sister, Rachel...cousin, Tristen Cox, plays football at Elon.

Ivan Yates, CB
5-11, 175, Freshman
Roswell, Georgia
Roswell High School

High School: Picked Furman from among 16 offers, including FBS members SMU, Air Force, Liberty, and South Alabama...committed on November 25, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Roswell (7A) High School...football coach was Matt Kemper...played cornerback...helped lead Roswell to a 8-3 record, Region 4-AAAAAAA championship, and second round playoff appearance in 2019...also ran track. 

Personal: Full name is Ivan Wyatt Yates...born March 3, 2002, in Dallas, Texas...son of Nile and Cory Yates...has a sister, Brooke...father played football at Texas A&M-Commerce.

Ty Youngblood, ILB
6-0, 215, Freshman
Greeneville, Tennessee
Greeneville High School

High School: Chose Furman from among seven offers, including three from FBS Navy, Air Force, and Army...committed to Furman on July 5, 2019...projected 2020 graduate of Greeneville (4A) High School...football coaches were Dan Hammonds and Caine Ballard...two-way standout at middle linebacker and fullback...racked up 338 tackles, 27 tackles for-loss, and four sacks on defense in his career while rushing for 2,157 yards and 46 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry...named Region 1-AAAA Player of the Year in 2019 and was a Mr. Football Finalist after helping lead Greeneville to a 10-3 record and quarterfinal finish in the state playoffs...played in the 2019 Tennessee East-West All-Star Game...member of 15-0, state championship teams his junior and sophomore years...two-time all-state selection by Tennessee Coaches and Tennessee Sportswriters (2019 all-state teams TBA)...two-time all-state track performer (110m hurdles).

Personal: Full name is Arthur Vester Youngblood...born August 19, 2001, in Johnson City, Tennessee...son of Trey and Misty Youngblood...has a sister, Ellie Beth...father played football at Carson-Newman.