GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman's secondary returns starters at all four positions and is blessed with solid depth and young prospects at both cornerback and safety heading into the 2023 campaign.

A year ago Furman's defensive backfield delivered in impressive fashion in a 10-3 season, contributing significantly to the squad's 18 interceptions and 29 turnovers gained — both FCS bests.  While some folks suggest the 272.1 yards per game the Paladins surrendered through the air in 2022 is troublesome, a little below-the-surface nugget worth noting is the fact Furman faced a league high 508 passes — 48 more than second place Samford and 166 more aerials than the average faced by the league's other eight teams last fall. An even more telling statistic is opponent completion percentage (58.5) registered against the Paladins — the lowest (best) mark in the SoCon.  Furman also recorded a school record 57 pass breakups a year ago.

"We've got a good mixture of experienced guys and several young players we are excited about and who we look forward to developing," said head coach Clay Hendrix about his squad's cornerbacks.

The Paladins welcome back veterans Travis Blackshear (5-11, 185, Gr.) and Micah Robinson (6-0, 184, R-Jr.), along with a third player with notable experience, Ivan Yates (6-0, 180, R-So.).

"It starts with Travis, who is in his sixth year here.  He's been a very productive player and is good against the run and the pass.  We're certainly looking for big year out of him and from Micah, a talented guy who has played a lot of football for us.  Ivan's another one who gives us a lot of experience."

A two-time All-SoCon performer, Blackshear boasts a team leading 40 starts in a career that has seen him register nine interceptions, two of which he has returned for scores.  The Savannah, Ga., product, who was recently ranked by Hero Sports' Sam Herder as the No. 15 cornerback in the FCS, has also been productive on special teams, evidenced by a 15-yard tackle for-loss and forced fumble (pictured above) in the Paladins' 31-6 triumph over Elon in FCS first round playoff action and 65-yard blocked punt return for a touchdown against Wofford (63-28 win).

Robinson earned starts in 11 games last fall and totaled 35 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups.  Yates, meanwhile, owns six starting nods in his 24-game Paladin tenure, which includes 53 tackles and eight pass deflections.

Expected to round out the top five players at cornerback are Charles Ingram V (5-11, 183, R-Fr.), who showed promise in his inaugural season while gaining a redshirt, and Jalen Gummer (6-1, 182, R-Fr.).

"We think Charles and Jalen have a chance to be good players for us as they get more experience and develop."

The cornerback group features three signees — Hysan Dalton (6-2, 185, Fr.), Jaylen Moson (5-11, 160, Fr.), and Brayden Holmes (6-1, 170, Fr.).

Furman also counts Cam Hamer (6-0, 180, Sr.), Jakeman Pendleton (5-11, 170, R-Fr.), and DJ Lawrence (6-0, 187, Fr.), who will provide depth.

Furman's two safety slots will be manned by high profile, proven performers Hugh Ryan (6-1, 202, R-Sr.) and Kam Brinson (5-10, 186, R-Sr.).

Ryan returns at free safety after earning consensus All-SoCon honors a year ago.  Tabbed the No. 15 safety in the FCS by Herder and a preseason Stats Perform All-America selection, he counts 32 starts in his career and is a heady, consistent player.  The Irmo, S.C., native tallied 69 tackles and a pair of SoCon Player of the Week scrolls a year ago while tying for the team lead with four interceptions and eight pass breakups.

Brinson had a breakout season at strong safety, logging starts all 13 contests in 2022 and tallying 59 tackles, including 6.5 for-loss.  Most impressively, the Augusta, Ga., product paced the FCS with four fumble recoveries, three of which proved critical in road wins over East Tennessee Sate, Charleston Southern, and The Citadel.  He finished the 2022 campaign with a career high 13 tackles, including 3.5 for-loss in a second round playoff clash versus Incarnate Word.

"Hugh and Kam are both productive, fifth year guys who will be big leaders again this year."

Furman counts an experienced backup to Ryan in Jack Rhodes (6-1, 192, R-Jr.), a veteran of 30 games and owner of 30 tackles who sports an extensive special teams worksheet.

Highly regarded Caleb Williams (5-10, 185, So.) will see duty at strong safety and could also figure into the mix at spur (along with Cally Chizik) in nickel situations. Williams was credited with eight stops last fall and notched the first interception as a Paladin in Furman's regular season ending triumph over Wofford.

"Caleb was one of the few freshmen we played a year ago. He's versatile, and we're really excited about him and his future.

Those four guys (Ryan, Brinson, Rhoads, and Williams) stand out."

Next in line is Justin Hartwell (5-11, 184, R-So.), a player "who has played a lot on special teams and looks like he may play a more significant role this year," added Hendrix.

"AK Burrell (6-0, 195, Fr.) is a freshman we're really excited about.  We're not sure at this point what we'll do with him (play or redshirt), but he does force us to think about those guys who will be graduating and who is going to be the next guy (to play)."

Other members of the safety group who look to figure into the mix and on special teams include Tre' McLeod (6-2, 180, R-Fr.), DJ Durham, Jr. (6-1, 210, R-So.), Will Kobuszewski (6-2, 200, R-So.), Billy Lewis (6-0, 175, Fr.) and Vinny Jordan (5-11, 200, Fr.).

"Tre' has battled some injuries and is still dealing with that, and Will has worked hard to come back from an injury in high school."