GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman's special teams were spectacular in 2022, and with most of the principal instigators of that success returning head coach Clay Hendrix is looking for big things again from his troops.

A year ago the Paladins converted 18-of-21 field goal attempts (.857) and 52-of-54 PATs (.963), and recorded a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown — all of which contributed in a big way in Furman's 10-3 season and second round appearance in the FCS playoffs.

More impressively, Furman led the FCS with 10 blocked kicks (6 FGs, 2 PATs, 2 Punts), 

In the kicking game the Paladins will line up behind preseason All-SoCon long snapper Julian Ashby (6-2, 214, Sr.), who has successfully handled every snap over the last three seasons. A physics major and Furman's top student with a 3.98 GPA, Ashby has earned Hendrix's praise for his consistency and execution.

"Julian's as good as anybody at any level, in my opinion," said Hendrix.  "He's added some weight and has made every snap for us over the last three years.  He also does a great job covering and will be the main guy.

"Jacob Hefner (6-2, 235, Fr.) has joined us and has some ability there, as does PJ Meyers (6-6, 265, R-So.).  They will be the two backups, and we've also worked (tight end) Parks Gissinger (6-4, 240, Gr.) and (wide receiver) John Holbrook (6-4,195, Fr.).  Both of those guys have ability in that area."

Ashby's target at holder will be either reserve quarterback Charles Watson (5-8, 172, R-Jr.) or punter Ryan Leavy (6-1, 182, R-Jr.), depending on who will kick.  It will likely be Watson if the right-footed Ian Williams (6-3, 225, R-Jr.) gets the call and Leavy if the left-footed Axel Lepvreau (5-9, 188, R-Sr.) takes the field.  While Watson will be new to the task this fall, Leavy and Lepvreau count last year's experience together.

The kicking combination of Lepvreau and Williams proved quite successful in 2022 as the Paladins' .857 success rate on field goals ranked second in the Southern Conference.  Lepvreau connected on 8-of-9 field goals inside 40 yards, while Williams, who recently was named to the 2023 Preseason All-SoCon squad, went 10-of-12 from 30 yards and beyond, including 6-of-6 from 40-49 yards.

"That was an unusual setup a year ago with those two.  They battled all August (last year), and we were thinking one would win the job, but they both kinda won it and it turned out pretty well.  We went into this August thinking the same thing, and it's still neck and neck.  I think they both want it the same way. It may be a game week decision."

Lepvreau handled all but one PAT last fall (51-of-53).

"Evan Cooley (6-1, 177, Sr) has done a good job to be that next guy.  We also have Noah Rios (5-10, 190, R-So.) and Dawson Jones (5-11, 165, R-Fr.).  They have ability."

What is certain is Williams will again handle kickoffs after superb work in 2022.  He easily paced the SoCon with 50 touchbacks on 84 kickoffs, none of which went out of bounds.

Leavy returns at punter, where he averaged 39.8 yards on 55 attempts a year ago in his first season of work.

"Ryan was really solid a year ago.  Ian has a big leg and a lot of ability at that position.  He will push him (Leavy).  You could see either of those two guys in there."

The Paladins have a number of experienced return men back, led by All-SoCon performer Wayne Anderson Jr. (5-9, 200, Gr.), who will handle kickoffs.  Anderson's 2022 season included a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in a win over Western Carolina.  He will be joined by Kendall Thomas (5-9, 193, R-Jr.), who had six returns a year ago, or Grant Robinson (6-0, 218, R-So.).

"Wayne's ability to make plays is proven.  He is one of the fastest guys on our team."

Joshua Harris (6-2, 182, Jr.) appears set to field punts after taking over the task midway through the 2022 campaign.

"Josh has such good hands and can make some returns.  Of course Cally Chizik (5-9, 176, R-Sr.) has also handled punts (11 ret., 74 yds. in 2022)."

Hendrix indicated Colton Hinton (5-11, 175, Fr.) could be a factor.  "He shown some ability there and on kickoffs.  He might be a guy who is hard to keep off the field."

Among other contributors on special teams, defensive end Jack Barton (6-4, 264, R-Sr.) returns after leading the FCS with four blocked kicks in 2022.  His defensive line teammate, Matt Sochovka (6-4, 296, Gr.) will no doubt like to swat more kicks this fall after batting three a year ago.