GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman head football coach Clay Hendrix today welcomed the addition of 15 recruits to the Paladins' program on the first day of the NCAA early signing period.

"I could not be more pleased with this impressive group we were able to sign today," said Furman head coach Clay Hendrix on Wednesday.  "Our assistant coaches did an incredible job identifying and recruiting outstanding young men who are terrific students and football players.  We had some specific needs and believe we addressed them.  The fact that we signed 15 players is even more of a testament to the work our staff did during a pandemic and an almost year-long dead period."

Offense claimed nine of the 15 spots in the class, which featured three linemen, two tight ends, two running backs, one wide receiver, and one quarterback.  Defensively the Paladins' newest additions included two ends, three linebackers, and one cornerback  

Seven states are represented in this year's recruiting class, paced by talent-rich Texas, which yielded five signees.  Georgia followed with three and Tennessee and Florida with two each.  The Paladins also signed players from North Carolina, Ohio, and Delaware.

Among Furman's highest profile signees are defensive end Bryce Stanfield from Acworth, Ga., tight end Brandon Whittemore from Lafayette, Tenn., and Buford, Ga., inside linebacker Tommy Beuglas. 

Stanfield, who picked Furman from among 25 offers, played a pivotal role in Harrison High School's 6A state championship (15-0) run in 2019 and helped lead the Hoyas to a Sweet 16 playoff appearance after moving up to the 7A ranks in 2020.  Whittemore, a 2019 Tennessee Coaches Association 4A All-State selection, netted 23 scholarship offers along with a invitation to the state's prestigious East-West All-Star Combine.  Beuglas, holder of 21 offers and an all-state selection who helped lead gridiron powerhouse Buford to a 5A state championship (13-2) in 2019, has keyed his program to another playoff run as the Wolves face Valdosta in Georgia's 6A semifinals on Friday.

Amaah Achina from Greensboro, N.C., and Alex Maier of Fleming Island, Fla., represent additions at outside linebacker.  Achina collected offers from 13 schools, including Army and East Carolina, prior to having his 2020 campaign at Northern Guilford High School postponed.  Maier, meanwhile, turned in a stellar senior season at Fleming Island High School, keying the Golden Eagles to a 10-3 campaign that included a 21-0 first round playoff victory over Tate when Maier scored a pair of touchdowns via fumble and interception returns.

Joining Stanfield at defensive end is Lehigh Acres, Fla., product Christian Paraison, who earned 13 scholarship offers in one season of play at Bishop Verot High School.

The Paladins' lone defensive back signee is Spring, Texas, cornerback Dominic Morris, who spent the fall semester at Air Force Academy Prep School.

Furman's three additions along the offensive front include Alex Cain from Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Ryan Lamb from Plano, Texas, and Akron, Ohio's Luke Petit.

Cain, who played at Wilson Central High School and picked the Paladins from among 16 offers, joined fellow Paladin signee Landon Whittemore in earning an invitation to Tennessee's East-West All-Star Combine.  Lamb starred at Lebanon Trail High School and recently earned an invite to January's Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Dallas.  Petit, meanwhile, was an all-state performer at Ohio football power Bishop Hoban High School, which claimed a pair of state championships during his prep tenure, including the 2020 crown.

Jack Healy from Wilmington, Del., joins Whittemore in giving Furman two additions at tight end.  The Salesianum School product was a two-way standout who earned all-conference honors twice and all-state honors as a linebacker his junior year.

Newnan, Ga., wide receiver Joshua Harris, who had four FBS offers in his recruiting process and an invitation to the Georgia-Florida All-Star Game, brings a record of achievement to the Paladin program, including All-Region 2-7A honors following a 2020 season that saw him register 45 catches for 785 yards and six touchdowns as part of Newnan High School's 9-2 campaign.

Furman landed pair of highly productive Texas running backs in Myion Hicks from Desoto and Grant Robinson from Plano.  Hicks was a decorated two-way performer as a running back and linebacker for Pandego Christian Academy, twice earning district defensive player of the year honors as well as 2019 all-state laurels.  This fall he averaged 10.3 yards per carry and rushed for 11 touchdowns after running for 1,042 yards and 10 scores in 2019.  Robinson rushed for 991 yards and six scores as a junior at Pope John Paul II High School.

The Paladins' strong recruiting effort in the Lone Star state netted Missouri City quarterback Jace Wilson, who passed for 1,680 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 307 yards and five scores in an eight-game senior campaign at Mayde Creek High School.  Prior to his year at Mayde Creek, Wilson starred at Dell Valle High School, where he passed for 2,526 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior.  

The NCAA regular signing period begins on Feb. 3, 2021.

The Paladins are scheduled to kick off their rescheduled season on Feb. 20 at home versus Western Carolina.

Furman posted an 8-5 record in 2019, finished the regular season ranked 19th the final AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, and earned an at-large berth into the FCS playoffs.

2020 Furman Football Signees (Dec. 16-18 NCAA Early Signing Period)
Amaah Achina, OLB, 6-1, 192, Fr., Greensboro, N.C. / Northern Guilford High School
Tommy Beuglas, ILB, 6-1, 220, Fr., Buford, Ga. / Buford High School
Alex Cain, OL, 6-3, 285, Fr., Mt Juliet, Tenn. / Wilson Central High School
Jack Healy, TE, 6-3, 225, Fr., Wilmington, Del. / Salesianum School
Joshua Harris, WR, 6-2, 177, Fr., Newnan, Ga. / Newnan High School
Myion Hicks, RB, 5-11, 210, Fr., Desoto, Texas / Pantego Christian Academy
Ryan Lamb, OL, 6-2, 320, Fr., Plano, Texas / Lebanon Trail High School
Alex Maier, OLB, 6-4, 225, Fr., Fleming Island, Fla. / Fleming Island High School
Dominic Morris, CB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Spring, Texas / Klein Oak High School
Christian Paraison, DE, 6-3, 240, Fr., Lehigh Acres, Fla. / Bishop Verot High School
Luke Petit, OL, 6-3, 285, Fr., Akron, Ohio / Archbishop Hoban High School
Grant Robinson, RB, 6-0, 210, Fr., Plano, Texas / Pope John Paul II High School
Bryce Stanfield, DE, 6-2, 250, Fr., Acworth, Ga. / Harrison High School
Landon Whittemore, TE, 6-4, 220, Fr., Lafayette, Tenn. / Macon County High School
Jace Wilson, QB, 5-11, 172, Fr., Missouri City, Texas / Mayde Creek High School

Amaah Achina, OLB
6-1, 192, Freshman
Greensboro, North Carolina
Northern Guilford High School

High School: Committed to Furman on November 20...entertained offers from 13 schools, including FBS members Army and East Carolina...projected 2021 graduate of Northern (3AA) High School...football coach was Erik Westburg...played safety...senior year delayed to spring of 2021 due to COVID-19...earned 3-5A All-Conference honors in 2019 after helping lead his squad to an 8-5 record and second round of state playoffs.

Personal: Full name is Amaah Muluh Achina...born Janurary 6, 2003, in Voorhees, New Jersey...son of Linus Achina and Doris Nkwenti...has two brothers, Nkwenti and Khan, and a sister, Lum.

Tommy Beuglas, ILB
6-1, 220, Freshman
Buford, Georgia
Buford High School

High School: Committed to Furman on June 13 from over 20 offers, including FBS programs Maryland, Liberty, South Alabama, Army, and Middle Tennessee...projected 2021 graduate of Buford (6A) High School...football coach was Bryant Appling...played linebacker and running back...helped lead Buford to 5A, 13-2 state championship in 2019...program moved up to 6A in 2020 squad, claimed 8-6A region crown, and is currently 11-1 and entering the fourth round of state playoffs...two-time first team all-region choice...2019 all-county and all-state pick...2020 season awards yet to be announced...

Personal: Full name is Thomas Stephen Beuglas...born November 6, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia...son of Tom and Wendy Beuglas...has a sister, Ashton.

Alex Cain, OL
6-3, 285, Freshman
Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Wilson Central High School

High School: Committed to Furman in October...entertained offers from 15 schools, including FBS members Air Force and Army...projected 2021 graduate of Wilson Central (6A) High School...football coach was Brad Dedman...played both offensive and defensive line...earned first team All-Wilson County as a senior...selected to participate in Tennessee's East-West All-Star Combine, which replaced the East-West All-Star Classic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Personal: Full name is Alexander Ross Cain...born December 7, 2002, in Hermitage, Tennessee...son of Kim and Greg Cain.

Joshua Harris, WR
6-2, 177, Freshman
Newnan, Georgia
Newnan High School

High School: Committed to Furman on July 25...had offers from eight schools, including FBS members Air Force, Navy, and Bowling Green...projected 2021 graduate of Newnan (7A) High School...football coach was Chip Walker...played wide receive and safety...caught 45 passes for 785 yards and six touchdowns in 2020, helping Newnan to a 9-2 season and state playoff appearance...had an 86-yards touchdown reception in a 42-23 win over North Paulding...All-Region 2-7A pick...three-time first team all-county selection...invited to play in Georgia-Florida High School Showcase...had 39 receptions for 769 yards and four TDs in 2019.

Personal: Full name is Joshua Perry Harris...born August 29, 2003, in Atlanta, Georgia...son of Patrick and Vera Harris...has a two brothers, PJ and Brandon.

Jack Healy, TE
6-2, 225, Freshman
Wilmington, Delaware
Salesianum School

High School: Committed to Furman on August 25 after fielding offers from eight schools...projected 2021 graduate of Salesianum School...football coach was Bill Dinardo...played tight end and linebacker...team ranked as high as No. 2 in the state in 2020...earned first team all-conference and second team all-state honors as a junior (senior year awards yet to be announced) after totaling 90 tackles, five sacks,  and three interceptions...had 76 tackles and four sacks, and also scored four touchdowns in 2018, his sophomore campaign, earning first team all-conference pick as a linebacker...also starred in basketball.

Personal: Full name is John Edward Healy V...son of Sean and Shannon Healy...has a sister, Scarlett, and two brothers, Jeff and Colt...father played football at South Carolina.

Myion Hicks, RB
5-11, 210, Freshman
Desoto, Texas
Pantego Christian Academy

High School: Committed to Furman on August 23...considered offers from 10 schools, including FBS programs Air Force and Navy...projected 2021 graduate of Pantego Christian (TAPPS D3) Academy...football coach was Drew Sells...starred as both a running back and linebacker...helped lead PCA to a district championships and state playoff appearances in 2019 & '20, with senior year campaign marking school's first undefeated regular season (6-0) in 30 years...two-time district defensive player of the year and first team all-state pick at linebacker...rushed for 678 yards and 11 touchdowns (10.3 ypc) and also caught four TD passes in 2020...paced his squad with 76 tackles and seven tackles for-loss...senior year awards yet to be announced...earned second team all-state pick as a running back in 2019, his junior year, after rushing for a team leading 1,042 yards and 10 TDs...led PCA with 110 tackles on 9-2 team...also played baseball and ran track...won 4x200 district title as a sophomore.

Personal: Full name is Myion Andrehz Hicks...born November 7, 2002, in Dallas, Texas...son of Michael and Andrea Hicks...has a sister, Mykayla.

Ryan Lamb, OL
6-2, 320, Freshman
Plano, Texas
Lebanon Trail High School

High School: Committed to Furman on October 30 over an offer from Air Force and other FCS programs...projected 2021 graduate of Lebanon Trail (5A) High School...football coach was Sadd Jackson...played center and nose guard...served as team captain his senior year, helping his team to a 6-4 record...2020 awards yet to be announced...earned invitation to play in Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in January of 2021...second team all-district selection as a center his junior year, which also saw him block three field goals...also starred in track & field, specializing in the shot put.

Personal: Full name is Ryan Michael Lamb...born May 21, 2003, in San Antonio, Texas...son fo Brian and Sue Lamb...has one brother, Brett, who plays football at Black Hills State University.

Alex Maier, OLB
6-4, 225, Freshman
Jacksonville, Florida
Clay High School

High School: Committed to Furman on August 1 after entertaining offers from eight schools...projected 2021 graduate of Fleming Island (7A) High School...football coach was Damenyum Springs...spent three years at Clay High School before transferring to Fleming Island for his senior campaign...played middle linebacker and defensive end...earned all-county honors at defensive end in 2019...2020  honors yet to be announced...helped key Fleming Island to a 10-3 season included three playoff victories...racked up eight tackles, two forced fumbles, and scored two touchdowns (fumble recovery and 37-yard interception return) in a 21-0 first round playoff triumph over Tate...also competes in competitive cheer.

Personal: Full name is Alex Bryce Maier...born November 18, 2002, in Jacksonville, Florida....son of Danielle Rourke and Sean Osteen.

Dominic Morris, CB
5-11, 175, Freshman
Spring, Texas
Klein Oak High School (Air Force Preparatory School)

Expected to enroll at Furman in January after spending the fall semester at Air Force Academy Prep School...signed with Air Force on Feb. 5, 2020, following offers from Army, Louisiana-Monroe, and Furman... will be a freshman eligibility-wise.

High School: 2020 graduate of Klein Oak (6A) High School...football coach was Jason Glenn...played cornerback and safety...earned first team all-district honors as cornerback his junior and senior seasons after helping lead Klein Oak to 12-2 and 11-3 seasons, respectively...earned all-district honors as a hurdler his junior year.

Personal: Full name is Dominic Ty Morris...born Feb. 28, 2002, in Spring, Texas...son of Earl Morris and Jesslyn Duwe...has three sisters: Mia, Lilly, Catalia...father played football at SMU.

Christian Paraison, DE
6-3, 240, Freshman
Lehigh Acres, Florida
Bishop Verot High School

High School: Committed to Furman on August 23, choosing the Paladins from among 12 offers, including FBS programs Army and Navy...projected 2021 graduate of Bishop Verot (3A) High School...football coach was John Mohring...played defensive end...began his prep career at the Canterberry School before transferring to Bishop Verot for his junior and senior years.

Personal: Full name is Christian Kyle Paraison...born November 12, 2002, in Plantation, Florida...son of Marion and Vonnette Paraison...has two brothers, Nathaniel and Austin, and a sister, Ginellys.

Luke Petit, OL
6-3, 285, Freshman
Akron, Ohio
Archbishop Hoban High School

High School: Committed to Furman on December 15...projected 2021 graduate of Archbishop Hoban (D2) High School...football coach was Tim Tyrell...played center and tackle...served as team captain and helped lead Archbishop Hoban to 2020 state championship (10-0) season that ended with 35-6 triumph over Massillon...marked the second state title of his prep tenure (15-0 in 2018)...program went 11-2 and advanced three rounds into state playoffs in 2019, his junior year...2020 Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association 3rd Team All-State selection...also starred in wrestling.

Personal: Full name is Luke Joseph Petit...born August 29, 2002, in Akron, Ohio...son of Joe and Jennifer Petit...has two brothers, Jacob and Jackson.

Grant Robinson, RB
6-0, 210, Freshman
Plano, Texas
Pope John Paul II High School

High School:  Committed to Furman on December 8, picking the Paladins from among six offers, including FBS suitors Navy and Air Force...projected 2021 graduate of John Paul II (TAPPS 6A) High School...football coach was George Teague...played running back...three-time all-district selection...rushed 174 times for 991 yards and six touchdowns as a junior in 2019, helping lead his squad to a 10-4 record and state runner-up finish.

Personal: Full name is Grant Ashton Robinson...born January 24, 2003, in Plano, Texas...son of Jeffery and Rumesia Robinson.

Bryce Stanfield, DE
6-2, 250, Freshman
Acworth, Georgia
Harrison High School

High School: Committed to Furman on July 28...chose the Paladins from among 25 offers, including FBS members Akron, Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, and Wake Forest...projected 2021 graduate of Harrison (7A) High School...football coach was Matt Dickmann...played defensive line and tight end...elected team captain for 2020 squad that has advanced to Sweet 16 round of 7A playoffs after moving up from 6A ranks and 15-0 state championship run in 2019...two-time All-Region 6-6A pick as a defensive lineman...2020 awards yet to be announced...notched 72 tackles, including 10 for-loss, six sacks, nine quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries, and an interception as junior, including 10 stops in 20-7, state championship win over Allatoona...also starred in track & field, specializing in the shot put and discus.

Personal: Full name is Bryce Taggart Stanfield...born Sept.19, 2002, in Newnan, Georgia...son of Fred and Teri Stanfield.

Landon Whittemore, TE
6-4, 220, Freshman
Lafayette, Tennessee     
Macon County High School

High School: Committed to Furman on August 17, 2020 after fielding offers from 23 schools, including four FBS programs: Air Force, UAB, Arkansas State, and Eastern Michigan....projected 2021 graduate of Macon County (4A) High School...football coach was Kyle Shoulders...played tight end...three-time Region 3-4A selection...2019 Tennessee Coaches Association All-State selection (2020 squad yet to be announced)...selected to participate in Tennessee's East-West All-Star Combine, which replaced the East-West All-Star Classic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.....sports a 4.0 GPA...scored 33 on the ACT.

Personal:  Full name is Landon Lee Whittemore...born Sept. 11, 2002, in Lebanon, Tennessee...son of Catina and Tony Whittemore...has two brothers, Jonathon and Anthony.

Jace Wilson, QB
5-11, 172, Freshman
Missouri City, Texas
Mayde Creek High School

High School: Pondered three scholarship offers before committing to Furman on July 3...projected 2021 graduate of Mayde Creek (6A) High School, where he played his senior year following three years at Del Valle...passed for 2,526 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior at Del Valle, which included a 20x25 performance for 399 yards and six touchdowns in a win over Austin...named 25-6A Newcomer of the Year in 2019...as a senior at Mayde Creek completed 126x221 passes for 1,680 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 307 yards and five scores...team went 4-4...also played basketball.

Personal: Full name is Jace Jarel Wilson...born May 29, 2003, in Houston, Texas...son of Phillip and Christine Wilson...has a brother, Jalen, who plays basketball at Kansas, and a sister, Darian.