GREENVILLE, S.C. -- In terms of position group headliners, Furman's tight end corps leads the way with the return of All-American Ryan Miller (6-2, 221, R-Jr.).

"Ryan was extremely productive for us last season, and from what I've seen already in the preseason he will continue to make plays," said head coach Clay Hendrix about his standout performer, who caught 15 passes for 254 yards and a Southern Conference leading six touchdowns last year.  Included in that body of work was a 73-yard, late fourth quarter catch and sprint for a touchdown that helped the Paladins subdue Samford, 44-37, in overtime.  He went on to garner first team Associated Press All-America honors and was recently named to the first team Stats Perform Preseason All-America squad.

"He has the speed of a wide receiver and really good ball skills.  He's continued to get better and is not your typical attach tight end, although we use him some in that capacity.  He's also become a leader our guys have a lot of confidence in and a guy we want to get the ball to as much as possible."

Miller's backup will come from a pair of highly regarded newcomers, Landon Whittemore (6-4, 228, Fr.), an all-state performer from Tennessee who chose Furman from among 23 offers, and Jack Healy (6-2, 228, Fr.), an all-state pick from Delaware.

"Landon's a bigger, more typical tight end who has done some nice things in the preseason while still learning the system.  He gives us a physical presence in there but is very athletic — really the kind of guy we like at that position.  We're not looking for another offensive lineman to play tight end."

Likewise, Healy "has done some really good things out there. He's big and strong an has a lot of potential.

"We think it's going to be those three guys carrying the load."

Three other players round out the six-man unit: Val Richter (6-2, 207, Fr.), Callloway Tierney (6-5, 217, Fr.), and Joe Graham (6-2, 215, Fr.).

"Val Richter and Calloway Tierney are getting better and will give us depth.  Joe Graham is still rehabilitating from injury and won't be full-go for awhile."

Furman's tight end corps is under the direction of first-year assistant Nick Verna, who succeeds Dru Duke following his move to coach the offensive line.

"I'm pleased with Nick following the transition," added Hendrix.  "He's brought a lot to our staff already and has those guys playing at a high level."