GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Rarely is a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program blessed with "an embarrassment of riches" in any positional group, but the description could easily be applied to Furman's corps off offensive backs heading into the 2021 campaign.

The Paladins boast seven proven performers among a group of 12 players who combine to form the group.  The two positions that make up the unit -- tailback and running back -- also boast highly regarded additions.

"We've had recruiting success there, and I think we've done a good job bringing those guys along, from the weight room to the football field," said head coach Clay Hendrix following Wednesday's practice in Paladin Stadium. "It's an area with a lot of wear and tear.  They take such a beating, but I think they've been a pretty durable group.  We want to run the football and do a lot of different things with them, so it's important to have a solid group.  They're also good special teams players."

The unquestioned head of the running backs corps is Devin Wynn (6-0, 211, 5th), who opted to take advantage of his final season of eligibility.  A two-time All-Southern Conference performer, he has run for 2,468 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career to rank ninth on Furman's career rushing yards ledger.

"Devin is the leader of the group and a leader on our team, being a captain," said Hendrix of his standout tailback, the latest in a long line of accomplished Paladin runners.  "He does everything well — runs with power and speed, and is a good receiver and blocker. He's in the best shape of his career, and we're excited about him having a big year."

Backing up Wynn at tailback will be a trio of players with proven ability, including a pair of Texans, Wayne Anderson, Jr. (5-9, 200, R-So.) from Prosper and Kendall Thomas (5-9, 188, R-Fr.) from Round Rock, and Chase Abshier (5-11, 195, R-Jr.).

Anderson ran for 305 yards and four touchdowns while averaging a stellar 7.4 yards per carry in 2019, highlighted by a 66-yard scoring run against Charleston Southern and a 63-yard touchdown burst versus Wofford.

"Wayne's an experienced player who was hurt most of the spring.  He's looked good out there in the preseason, so we're happy to see that.  He's also a good receiver and a contributor on special teams."

Thomas gained some notice in the seven-game spring campaign, averaging 6.8 yards per carry while also displaying solid receiving skills.

"Kendall has explosiveness.  He's really shown up in the preseason and had some big runs. He's showing the maturity you look for from year one to year two."

Abshier has displayed versatility during his Paladin career, parlaying that into notable action.

"Chase has been a solid contributor for us in many ways.  He was a high school quarterback who came here as a receiver before we moved him to running back.  He's an effective blocker and one of our top special teams contributors — a  really dependable guy who will help us in a lot of ways."

The most recent addition at tailback is Plano, Texas, product Grant Robinson (6-0, 210, Fr.).

"Grant has certainly shown us to be the guy we thought we recruited.  He has good running skills — is big, powerful, and has speed.  He has a bright future here."

Matty Russin (5-9, 170, Fr.) rounds out the tailback position.

The picture is equally positive at running back, where the Paladins boast three proven performers in Devin Abrams (6-1, 215, R-So.), Dominic Roberto (5-11, 242, R-So.), and Jeff McElveen (6-0, 214, Sr.).

Abrams has posted 19 starts over the past two seasons while rushing for 896 yards and two touchdowns.  He also owns 14 receptions and two scores.  Roberto, meanwhile, has logged action in 18 games in two seasons of action and has scored four touchdowns.

"Devin has leaned up and has had a productive career thus far, and Dominic is a big-bodied guy who is a good runner with power and speed.  They both figure heavily into what we're doing."

McElveen, who opted to return for his final season as a Paladin, adds to the quality depth at the position.

"I don't know if we have a guy in our program who has improved more than Jeff," said Hendrix. "He came here as a linebacker, and we moved him to running back because we were thin at that time.  It's proven to be a good move."

The running back post got an additional boost in the latest Paladin recruiting class with the signing of Myion Hicks (5-11, 210, Fr.), another highly decorated Texan (Desoto) to join the purple and white. 

"Myion has been really impressive this fall.  He's such a powerful guy who has already made a lot of plays for us."

Emory Layerd (5-11, 175, Fr.) and Tyler Reid (6-0, 198, Fr.) will provide depth at running back.