GREENVILLE, S.C. -- When examining the position groups that compose Furman's football program, the one that has undergone the biggest change since spring is the offensive line, which sports new leadership.

The Paladin offensive front is now under the direction of Dru Duke '18, a seven-year veteran of the program who made the move into his new role following two seasons as tight ends coach, where he directed the play of All-American Ryan Miller this spring.  It's been a switch that's already yielding results, according to head coach Clay Hendrix.

"I'm really pleased with the changes we've made and am excited about our prospects there," said Hendrix following Monday's practice. "Coach Duke is doing a great job with those guys, who have responded to him. Though it's early, I think it's showing up on the field already.  It's also allowed me to get back involved a bit myself."

Two of Furman's three departed starters and five of the offense's seven graduated lettermen were linemen.  The net result is the Paladins return three starters but count only two others who boast notable action, thus leaving the door open for other highly regarded young performers this fall.  Only one senior is among the unit's 15 players.

"I like this group," added Hendrix. "It's an athletic bunch, and guys fit what we want to do.  I'm pleased with how camp has started."

Furman's most experienced performer along the offensive front is center Evan Jumper (6-4, 274, R-So.), who has logged 17 starts and 984 snaps over his first two seasons in a Paladin uniform.

"Evan is beginning his third year with us.  He's bigger, has put on some weight, has some length, and continues to get better.  I've always thought a player's third year is when you should start looking for a big difference in play."

Two others who figure to occupy key roles at center are Wyatt Hughes (6-3, 284, R-So.) and Ryan Lamb (6-2, 305, Fr.).

"Wyatt has worked at both center and guard.  We've been pleased with his development, and he's a really bright player.

"Ryan is a talented true freshman who is going to figure into the mix. He's a powerful young man at 300 pounds and likes to play.  We may also work him at guard.  He's physically ready to go and has been able to compete from day one."

Furman returns a pair of guards with experience in Jacob Johanning (6-3, 276, R-So.) and Clark Daniel 6-3, 289, R-Sr.).

Johanning, who is expected to play left guard, collected SoCon All-Freshman Team honors in the spring after making six starts and totaling 408 plays.  Daniel earned starts in the Paladins' last two games and has registered playing time in 18 contests over the last two season after transferring in from Air Force Academy.

"Jacob is very athletic and powerful; we look for a big year from him.

"Clark is doing now what I'd hoped he would do," added Hendrix, who recruited and signed the Thomson, Ga., product at Air Force.  " He's an older guy who has taken that spot and run with it."

Others figuring to be in the picture at guard include E.J. Wilson (6-4, 293, R-Fr.), Blake Hundley (6-3, 284, R-Fr.), Alex Cain (6-3, 285, Fr.), and Matthew Prudhomme (6-1, 285, Fr.).

"E.J.'s big and strong and plays smart.  I think he will play a lot for us this year.

"We've been playing Blake at both guard and tackle, and Alex, a true freshman, is a guy we're very high on.  Matthew Prudhomme's another young guy who has done some good things out there already.  We have a lot of guys to work with."

Two candidates appear set to man the tackle positions — Anderson Tomlin (6-5, 296, R-Jr.) and Pearson Toomey (6-3, 282, R-So.).

Tomlin landed All-SoCon laurels in the spring after making five starts.   Sidelined for the final two contests due to injury, he is seen as a big key to the unit.

"Anderson had a really good season, and it was a big loss when he went down early in the Chattanooga game.  He's back healthy and is bigger and stronger."

Toomey displayed great promise early in the 2019 campaign before taking a redshirt.  He had his 2020 (spring '21) season erased after undergoing labrum surgery.

"Pearson's a guy we thought might have been a starter for us last season before his injury.  He's very talented and gives us a chance to be as good there as we've been in our time here."

The third tackle appears to be Dylan Davis (6-4, 290, R-Fr.), another "athletic, big-bodied guy" according to Hendrix.  "He's one of those guys you enjoy going out there with."

Others expected to vie for work at tackle include Blake Hundley, Garland Greenway (6-3, 263, Jr.), and Luke Petit (6-3, 285, Fr.).  Mickey Lee (6-3, 295, Fr.) is expected to provide depth.