GREENVILLE, S.C. — If the outlook for the 2023 Furman Paladins appears similar for nearly every positional group, perception is, in fact, reality, and no where is it more evident than at running back, where seven of the eight players return off last year's 10-3 squad.

The unquestioned leader, Dominic Roberto (5-11, 231, R-Sr.), also happens to be one of the best in the Southern Conference and in the FCS, as cited by Hero Sports' Sam Herder, who ranked him as the 16th best running back nationally.  Coming off a 2022 campaign that saw him pound the opposition for 1,120 yards (5.7 ypc) and 11 touchdowns, the All-SoCon selection returns ready to dole out more punishment this fall.

"Dominic has had a really good career and was solid last year," said head coach Clay Hendrix of the Fayetteville, N.C., native who has rushed for 2,143 yards and 21 touchdowns in his Paladin tenure. "He's worked really hard in the off-season to continue to change his body and develop. He's still about 230 pounds and in great shape."

Asked what makes the burly Roberto so effective, Hendrix said, "He's a big back and lighter on his feet than some people think.  He's got good lateral movement, is certainly a hard guy to tackle, and is faster than many people realize. Dom's had a number of long runs in his career.  You can't do that unless you are pretty fast. He also catches the ball well and is really smart.  He is the total package."

Beyond his downhill running ability that often leaves unpleasant calling cards for many defenders, Roberto's aforementioned speed has been evidenced in a 90-yard touchdown bolt — the longest run in Paladin Stadium history — in a 24-14 win over The Citadel in 2021, a 73-yard burst in a 216-yard performance versus Samford (41-34 win) that same season, and a 62-yard scoring dash in last year's 47-40 triumph over Western Carolina. When it comes to the Catamounts, Roberto has been especially productive, rushing 60 times for 492 yards (8.2 ypg) and seven touchdowns over the last three meetings.  His 252-yard, two-three-touchdown effort in 2022, which included a 20-yard TD catch, marked a career best.

Backing up Roberto are a host of talented players with notable experience, including Kendall Thomas (5-9, 193, R-Jr.) and  Grant Robinson (6-0, 210, R-So.).

"Kendall is in his fourth year here and had a really good preseason last year before hurting his ankle, which set him back a bit.  He came on down the stretch and did some good things (43 rushes, 196 yds., 2 TDs).  He's an explosive guy who gives us a little bit of change there.  Blocking-wise, he's also very good.  He will play a bunch."

"Grant is another guy who dealt with some injuries last year but finished well (24 rushes, 100 yds., TD).  "He had a (25-yard) touchdown run against Elon in the playoffs," a 31-6 Furman triumph.  "He's had a really good off-season.

"Right now those three guys  (Roberto, Thomas, and Robinson) are leading it, but we really have about five guys who will figure into the mix.

The next two include Myion Hicks (5-11, 212, R-So.) and Jayquan Smith (6-0, 208, R-Fr.)

"Myion's another third-year guy and big-body type, and Jayquan, who we redshirted a year ago, had a really good spring.  They are both doing some good things on special teams.

"Those are the main guys."

Rounding out the group are Tyler Reid (6-0, 206, R-So.) and Ben Croasdale (5-11, 185, R-Fr.). 

"Tyler and Ben have done some good stuff and are trying to help us on special teams.  They've been productive guys when they've gotten on the field.

"This is a solid group."