GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's impressive success the last couple of seasons, highlighted by 20 wins and a 2023 Southern Conference Championship, was fashioned in part by the outstanding play of Paladin defensive lines.

A year ago that group, headlined by a pair of All-SoCon performers — end Jack Barton and tackle Matt Sochovka — helped Furman's defense rank among the best in the FCS.  Though Barton and Sochovka, who together combined for 63 starts, have moved on, and the Paladins suffered the shocking loss of tackle Bryce Stanfield, who passed away suddenly in early February, Furman appears poised to again receive quality defensive line play this fall.

"Defensive line has been a strong suit of ours for a couple of years, and we return a solid corps of experience who we believe will combine well with some younger players," said head coach Clay Hendrix this week.  "We will continue to play a number of guys.  That's been a pretty good formula for us.  We look at the group as a strength of our team."

The Paladins welcome back four lettermen at the three positions, including two players with starting experience —  end Jeremiah Jackson (6-0, 265, R-Fr.) and nose guard Xavier Stephens (6-3, 292, Sr.).

Jackson, a veteran of 32 games, started four contests in 2022 before injury ended his season.  He returned to the field last year and proved to be a major contributor, including delivering two sacks in the Paladins' 17-14 SoCon title clinching road win over Chattanooga.

"Jeremiah has been a terrific player for us," said Hendrix.  "He's a fifth-year senior who has been a starter and has played half the time with our heavy rotation. We really like him."

Stephens, meanwhile, has developed into one of the SoCon's top defensive linemen in his two seasons with the Paladins.  A recent preseason first team all-conference pick of the coaches, he started all 13 games in 2023 and logged 35 tackles, including three sacks.  His consistent play was central to Furman's overall defensive excellence a year ago that saw the Paladins rank eighth in the FCS versus the run (96.9 ypg, 2.9 ypc) and 11th in points allowed (18.2 ppg).

"Xavier has been really solid and consistent — the type of player you want at the heart of your defense.   The fact that other coaches have recognized him reflects his qualities."

Among the top candidates in the mix at tackle are Malachi Harrison (6-1, 270, R-So.), who saw action in five games last fall, Caldwell Bussey (6-3, 283, R-Fr.), and Ty Kauserud (6-4, 277, Fr.).

"Malachi is entering his third year in the program and is an athletic defensive lineman who has waited his turn.  He had a good spring, so we're looking to get him in there."

"Caldwell was more of a defensive end last year but this year will play inside, and Ty is a prep school (IMG Academy) guy who enrolled here in January.  He's about 280 (pounds) now and had a good spring.  We're really excited about him."

Vying for playing time as backups at nose guard are Malakai Dudek (6-3, 277, R-So.) and Marc Hernández (6-4, 307, R-Fr.).

"Malakai is another third-year guy who has played (four games in 2023) and will be in the rotation.  I think we'll get some solid production from him.  

"We redshirted Marc a year ago.  He's a big player we feel good about."

The Paladins suffered a setback at defensive end in the spring when David Alabi (6-2, 225, R-Fr.) sustained a knee injury that will sideline him for the 2024 season. 

As preseason camp gets underway, the picture at end behind Jackson begins with Joshua Stoneking (6-3, 252, R-Fr.), who should see his first action following solid work in the spring. In addition, Furman will look to Quay Rush (6-0, 233, Jr.), who made the switch from bandit to end following spring ball.

"Joshua had a good spring and has a chance to play, and Quay is a guy whose athleticism will help get him on the field."

Furman inked three defensive linemen — all out of high school — in this year's class.  They include end Malaki Dobbins (6-3, 240, Fr.), tackle Demetrius Baldwin (6-1, 268, Fr.), and nose guard Bruce Knauber (6-1, 295, Fr.).

"Malaki is young, athletic guy who has had a good start to camp.  He and Demetrius and Bruce, who all come from great programs, are already showing.  They bring a lot to the table and have bright futures.  We're excited to see what they can do."

Furman's Fan Fest is slated for Saturday, Aug. 17, 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.