GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's commitment to developing depth along its defensive line, evident in last year's production and the number of experienced players returning, has the Paladins primed for solid play again this fall.  Six lettermen, including two starters, will be joined by a key transfer in forming a nucleus of proven performers at the nose guard, tackle, and end positions that spearhead the Paladin defense.

"One of our strengths has been our depth," said head coach Clay Hendrix, whose three defensive front slots feature 13 players.  "Our ability to keep fresh guys out there and not feel that we lose anything when those next guys roll has been big for us.  In some cases we've played three guys."

A repeat of that winning script this year appears possible.

Defensive end features two established players in Jeremiah Jackson (6-0, 260, R-Jr.) and Jack Barton (6-4, 264, R-Sr.), who combined to cover the 13 starts a year ago.

Jackson won the starting job last fall, getting the nod in the Paladins' first four games before sustaining a season ending knee injury in a 24-19 road win over Charleston Southern.  Barton stepped in, logged starts in the final nine contests, and totaled 30 tackles, seven tackles for-loss, 2.5 sacks, and a squad leading seven quarterback hurries.  The preseason second team All-SoCon selection also registered a FCS leading four blocked kicks, helping Furman pace the nation with 10 blocks in 2022.

"Looking at defensive end, Jeremiah was the starter when we lost him in game four," added Hendrix.  "That really hurt us, but he's healthy now and had a great off-season.  He's an explosive guy who brings us something in the pass rush — an edge rusher that will certainly make us better.

"Jeremiah and Jack were like 1A and 1B.  Jack took over after Jeremiah's injury and had a really solid year.  The things he did like blocking kicks were huge.  Having both of those guys out there will be a plus for us."

Lining up behind Jackson and Barton are a pair of newcomers, Caldwell Bussey (6-3, 252, Fr.) and Joshua Stoneking (6-3, 245, Fr.).

"Caldwell and Joshua have been here all summer.  You always want to get guys you thought you were recruiting, and we feel like we have with those two guys.  We've been very pleased with them.  They'll give us some additional depth."

At tackle the Paladins welcome the return of veteran performer Matt Sochovka, a preseason All-SoCon selection who played a major role in the Paladins' strong defensive and special teams play in 2022, totaling 28 tackles, including 5.5 for loss.  A veteran of 37 games and 28 starts, he accounted for three of Furman's 10 blocked kicks in 2022.

"The experience and leadership Matt give us are big.  He's been a heckua player for us and will be the guy at tackle."

Backing up Sochovka will be Bryce Stanfield (6-2, 263, Jr.), another grizzled veteran who has tallied 36 tackles and 4.5 sacks in his first two seasons as a Paladin.

"Bryce had a terrific year for us a true freshman two years ago.  We had to move him outside (to defensive end) when we lost Jeremiah, but now we'll move him back to his more natural position (tackle).  He's an inside guy who can rush the passer.  Those guys are hard to find, so moving him back in there gives us some really good depth."

Trey Rogers (6-3, 255, R-Sr.), who owns experience, can play the tackle and end positions.  Also at tackle is Malachi Dudek (6-3, 274, R-Fr.) and newcomer Marquis Vincent (6-1, 260, Fr.).  

"Malachi joined the program last year and redshirted.  We think he has a bright future here, as does Marquis, who was here this summer. He's probably a guy who can play both inside positions.  He gives us something and will add depth."

Nose guard is the only defensive position that will sport a new starter following the graduation of All-SoCon performer Cameron Coleman.  Fortunately for the Paladins, Coleman's projected replacement is a proven entity, Xavier Stephens (6-3, 282, Jr.), who fashioned a superb 2022 campaign with a team leading 4.5 sacks.  

"We'll move Xavier from tackle to nose.  He's played both, so we feel really good about him.  What he's been able to do has been impressive.  He's a smart, tough player with a great motor who has continued to get bigger — about 290 pounds now."

The addition of transfer Sirod Cook (5-11, 284, Gr.) looks to be a big plus for the Paladins when examining the worksheet he compiled at Wingate (N.C.) University, where he earned playing time in 36 games over four seasons and was credited with 126 tackles, including 33.5 for-loss and 18.5 sacks.  This past fall he tallied 44 stops and 11 sacks in helping Wingate's defense post 61 sacks over a 14-game season that saw the Bulldogs go 11-3 and advance to the third round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

"Sirod is a player we're really excited to have in our program given how productive he was at Wingate.  He's another solid inside guy.  When you look at his sack totals and add in the sacks by Xavier, I hope those carry over to this year.  We like the kind of guy he is and how he's come in and fit into our program.  We look forward to getting him on the field because we saw a lot of what he could do in the spring."

The addition of Army Prep transfer Marc Hernández (6-4, 310, Fr.) will add to the competition and depth at nose guard.

"Mark is a big guy we originally recruited out of high school and are happy he's now a Paladin.  He's a year older and a big body guy, like Cameron Coleman."

Malachi Harrison (6-1, 264, R-Fr.), another young player, will compete for playing time.

"Malachi is a good looking player with great quickness who we're excited to see what he can do.

"We have guys who are versatile and can play different spots.  We'll continue to have a number of sub-packages to get our best pass rushers on the field at the same time.  Nowadays, you've got to be able to do that — to match people's personnel.  It will be a fun group to watch."