GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman began its 2023 football campaign with a stable of healthy, experienced running backs, but by season end injuries had decimated the group, to the point the Paladins moved a wide receiver into the backfield for their playoff run.

Heading into the 2024 season Furman's outlook at running back appears to again be bright with the return of four lettermen — now healthy — and addition of a highly regarded newcomer, which combined should help offset the graduation of two-time All-SoCon performer Dominic Roberto, who rushed for 2,871 yards and 32 touchdowns in his solid Paladin career.

"We have a good group of running backs — a bunch of guys who maybe don't have a ton of carries but have played a fair amount of football here," said head coach Clay Hendrix on Wednesday.   "We feel the same way about them this year as we did this time a year ago.  It won't be one guy because of the wear and tear of the season but a group effort.  We're optimistic and have been pleased with their work in preseason camp."

The two top returnees are Grant Robinson (6-0, 208, R-Jr.) and Myion Hicks (5-11, 212, R-Jr.), who are joined by Bailor Hughes (5-11, 211, R-Sr.) and newcomer Gavin Hall (5-10, 191, Fr.) in forming the group headliners.

"Grant and Myion are in their fourth year in our program, and Bailor is a fifth-year guy who we moved from wide receiver to running back late last year because of the injuries.  All of those guys have good size and speed, and they catch the ball well, too."

Robinson was injured against South Carolina and missed the next nine games before returning to see action in the final two contests, including a 26-7 second round playoff victory over Chattanooga — a contest that saw him rush for a season high 62 yards.  He made his first career start the following week against Montana in the Paladins' 35-28 overtime quarterfinal round loss.

Hicks saw duty in 12 games a year ago and rushed for 229 yards and three touchdowns.  He exited the Chattanooga playoff contest with a hamstring strain following a 40-yard burst.

Hall, a highly decorated all-state performer at Gainesville (Ga.) High School, where he rushed for 1,609 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the Red Elephants to a 12-1 record a year ago, has gained Hendrix's attention in the preseason.

"Gavin has been impressive and productive in fall camp.  He is fighting to be in the mix."

One notable minus in this year's unit is Jayquan Smith (6-0, 208, R-So.), who sustained a season ending knee injury in the Paladins' 24-10 win over The Citadel in October.  

"Jayquan is still recovering from a bad knee injury. He's making great progress, but he won't be available this fall."

Ben Croasdale (5-11, 196, R-So.) stands a solid chance to also join the group that will command playing time, according to Hendrix.

"Ben is another guy who's been in our program for three years.  He's had his moments in the preseason after undergoing off-season shoulder surgery.  He's fully recovered and is doing well."

Two other players who will look to provide depth include Jalil Garvin-Mingo (5-8, 185, R-Fr.) and Kevin Everhart (5-8, 220, Fr.).

"Jalil joined us a year ago and has done some good things in a scout team role. He had a good spring.

"Kevin is another freshman who has had some good play in the preseason.  He will add some depth, and if he keeps improving could become a factor.

"We want a little less pressure on the quarterback and more on your running backs when it comes to the running game, and I think that's the way we will approach it this year.  Of course the offensive line and receivers have a lot to do with that."

Furman's Fan Fest is slated for Saturday, Aug. 17, at 11:00 a.m. in Paladin Stadium.

Furman kicks off its 2024 season on Saturday, August 31, at Ole Miss in a 7:00 p.m. ET contest. 

Click HERE for Furman's complete 2024 schedule.

Paladin fans can renew or purchase new season tickets online by clicking HERE, or by calling Dwight Covington or Houghton Flanagan, or by emailing Houghton.Flanagan@Furman.edu.