GREENVILLE, S.C. -- When Furman turned over the reins of its football program to Clay Hendrix in 2017, Paladin fans knew offensive line play would not be a major concern.

Sure enough, Paladin football under Hendrix, the former Furman standout guard now entering his sixth season at the helm and 25th season of coaching service at his alma mater, sports a quality group of offensive linemen upon which the Paladins will count to help make the 2022 season successful.

Four starters and seven lettermen return on the offensive front, which, in addition to the 72 starts the group owns, also boasts more positional versatility than Hendrix can recall in his head coaching tenure.

"We've got a good mix of guys who have played a bunch of football — and played well — and who can work at multiple spots for us," said Hendrix.  "It's as versatile a group as we've had, and I give (first-year offensive line) coach (Matt) McCutchan credit for helping develop that, which we feel is something that will help us in our goal of getting our best players on the field.  Plus, it's football, so if you have something that happens like an injury, you can shuffle some guys around."

McCutchan joined the Paladin program in January following a successful stint at East Tennessee State, which claimed the 2021 SoCon championship.

"There's a real mental aspect in developing versatility. A tackle out protecting on the edge is different.  A guard has a different set of things he deals with, and center makes the snap and the calls.  Coach McCutchan is doing a great job in that area."

The unit's headliners are a pair of All-Southern Conference tackles, Anderson Tomlin (6-5, 301, R-Sr.) and Pearson Toomey (6-3, 297, R-Jr.).

"It starts with Anderson Tomlin and Pearson Toomey at tackle," said Hendrix.  "They played really well a year ago, and having those guys back sets the tone for us.  Obviously some other folks think the same thing with both of them making all-conference."

A two-time All-SoCon pick, 2022 preseason Stats Perform All-America selection, and owner of 16 starts, Tomlin, with a good season, could make a run at the SoCon's Jacobs Blocking Award, which over the years has found residence in Furman's trophy case a league leading 15 times, seven of which have been earned during Hendrix's watch as an assistant coach (1988-06) and head mentor.

"Anderson has good measurables, especially length.  He's right at 300 pounds, is a good athlete, and likes to play.  We've got a number of really bright guys, and he's one of them.  He has good football sense, which he uses."

Toomey, a consensus preseason first team All-SoCon pick, saw action in nine games a year ago before being sidelined with a late season injury.

"Pearson may be as explosive a player as we have on our team.  It's sometimes hard to judge that in an offensive lineman, but just watching him and his ability to move people you see it. He's done some really impressive things in the weight room, so when you combine all that with his athleticism and experience, you have a really good player.  We're looking for a big year from him."

Tomlin and Toomey's solid play a year ago helped pave the way for running back Dominic Roberto, a 2022 preseason All-SoCon selection who averaged a league leading 7.4 yards per carry a year ago, highlighted by 512 rushing yards and five touchdowns over the Paladins' final three games.

Three other returning veteran performers include Evan Jumper (6-4, 280, R-Jr.), Jacob Johanning (6-3, 276, R-Jr.), and Wyatt Hughes (6-3, 293, R-Jr.).

Jumper boasts a unit-leading 26 starts at center but has also recently received some repetitions at tackle due to his "tackle-type body with length," according to Hendrix.

Johanning, who Hendrix labels "all-conference caliber," boasts 17 starts at guard but has earned some work at center.

Hughes, meanwhile, has registered playing time in 13 games and four starts at guard.

"Those three guys — Jacob, Evan, and Wyatt — have played a lot."

The addition of Gerrik Vollmer (6-5, 306, Gr.) should provide dividends as the University of Virginia graduate, who spent last year at Old Dominion before joining the Furman program earlier this summer, has fashioned playing time at center, guard, and tackle in his career.

"In the short time he's been with us Gerrik has certainly shown us that he is going to challenge for a bunch of playing time."

Ryan Lamb (6-2, 298, R-Fr.), E.J. Wilson (6-4, 297, R-So.), and Luke Petit (6-3, 285, R-Fr.) represent the next wave of linemen expected to contend for action.

"Ryan has good size and is one of those Texas kids we got in here.  He had a minor knee injury last year that set him back, but he had a good offseason and looks to be in pretty good shape.  He can play center and offensive guard and has a lot of practice time.  He just need playing experience.

"E.J. has a real chance to help us out, and Luke is a guy we've moved around who has a really bright future for us.  I think he's going to play a lot this year."

Also back is Blake Hundley (6-3, 290, R-So.), who is entering his third season in the program.

Eli Brasher (6-4, 280, Fr.), "one of our young guys who just got here, is doing some nice things," added Hendrix.

Expected to provide additional depth are Garland Greenway (6-3, 263, Sr.) and Luke Westerman (6-2, 265, Fr.).