GREENVILLE, S.C. -- With many key pieces seemingly in place to fashion a strong season, Furman's biggest position question mark heading into the 2019 campaign is quarterback and who will succeed graduated signal caller Harris Roberts.

The top contenders are a pair of second-year performers, Darren Grainger (6-4, 195, R-Fr.) and Hamp Sisson (6-0, 188, R-Fr.).

Grainger, who only played one year of quarterback at Conway (S.C.) High School before signing with Furman, saw action in four games and made one early season start a year ago for the injured Harris, passing for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Sisson, meanwhile, appeared briefly in two contests in 2018, competing 3-of-4 passes for 41 yards.

"It's been a two-man battle among the four quarterbacks we have," said Clay Hendrix on Thursday. "There has been good competition between them, and they've supported each other very well.

"Darren has had a really good camp and is way ahead of where he was a year ago when he played in four tough ball games (Clemson, Elon, ETSU, and Samford).  Physically he's better, and the guys in front of him are clearly better, which has allowed us to settle into what we want to do.  He's a really good athlete with a big-time arm who has improved his accuracy and conistency.  He's also so much more confident.  Our guys have a lot of confidence in him. Nothing much seems to rattle him.

"Hamp has had a solid August.  He's very smart and does a lot of things very well.

"Those two will be our guys."

Backup up Grainger and Sisson will be Jack Hardin (6-1, 198, R-So.)

"Jack has developed into a solid No. 3.  That's the reason we were able to move (Middle Tennessee State transfer) Luke Shiflett to wide receiver.

Rounding out the quarterback corps will be Jack Murrah (6-1, 194, Fr.).