GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Sporting an impressive mix of proven ability and promising young talent, Furman's offensive backfield appears poised to deliver in a big time manner this fall in the Paladins' balanced attack.

Three lettermen and a starter return to the unit, which features the squad's top two rushers from a year ago.

"Our backfield mirrors the outside linebackers' positions in terms of depth," said head coach Clay Hendrix earlier this week. "I think we can get some good production there.  These days you need several guys there because they are going to get dinged up.  We don't have a senior in the bunch and only one junior.  We're really excited about the group."

At running back, which combines principles of both a fullback and tailback, look for Devin Abrams (6-1, 218, R-Fr.) to lead the way. 

"Devin has solidified himself as the starter.  He played in three games a year ago, and we wanted to use him more.  He's had a great off-season, is about 220 pounds, and is athletic and powerful.  He does a great job blocking for us and is the total package with a great work ethic."

Carson Maples (5-11, 235, R-So.) will split time with Abrams after seeing action in seven games in 2018.

"Carson has had a really solid August. He got here from Air Force last year and had turf toe, which kept him out for the first 3-4 weeks of practice.  Once we got into the year he was very productive. 

"Those two guys give us a pretty good one-two punch."

Jeff McElveen (6-0, 209, R-So.) and Domenic Roberto (5-11, 236, Fr.) will also battle to see action at running back, which also includes Coleman Christensen (5-11, 205, Fr.).

Furman is well-stocked at tailback with a pair of experienced performers and one of the program's most highly regarded newcomers.

The leader is Devin Wynn (6-0, 203, Jr.), a preseason All-SoCon selection who had a breakout year in 2018, rushing for 722 yards and six touchdowns, including 343 yards and four scores over Furman's final three games (wins) that helped carry the Paladins to a share of the league championship. 

"Devin was really solid last year.  He is one of those guys we didn't want to have to play two years ago as a true freshman but had to because of circumstances.  He's been a totally different guy since that time; he's bigger and stronger and has a really good combination of speed and power.  He's also become much more of a leader on our team."

Set to see his share of duty is Corey Watkins (5-9, 198, So.), who ran for 420 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year while averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry.  Slowed for most of preseason camp with a toe injury, he is expected to be ready to go when the Paladins tee it up against Charleston Southern on Aug. 31.

"Corey is arguably the fastest player on our team and is another powerfully built guy who can break tackles.  

"One of the best things about Devin, Corey, and a couple of others is they can be home run hitters if we can block well for them, and they're pretty good sometimes when we don't."

Since the beginning of preseason camp Hendrix has been citing Wayne Anderson, Jr. (5-10, 185, Fr.) as a player to watch.

"Wayne has been impressive from the start, everything from conditioning, speed, acceleration, power, his intelligence, and how well he picks up things.  With Devin and Corey out, he's gotten a lot of No. 1 reps (repetitions).  He's a guy who is going to play, and we're also going to use him in the return game.  I think he's got a chance to be a difference maker."  

Hendrix also cited Chase Abshier (5-11, 190, R-Fr.) as a solid prospect.

"We moved Chase from receiver to give us a little bit more depth.  I think he will be a contributor for us".

J.J. Wang (5-10, 173, Fr.), a walkon, rounds out the tailback corps.