GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's running backs corps features nine players but only two who saw action a year ago.

"I really like this group — a lot of young guys and good competition for carries," said head coach Clay Hendrix earlier this week.

Topping the list in preseason practice is Gavin Hall (5-10, 201, So.), who demonstrated glimpses of his ability in 2024 in rushing for 339 yards (5.0 ypc) and a touchdown en route to earning Southern Conference All-Freshman Team honors.

"Gavin was a quarterback in high school who only played one year as a running back.  He came on late last year and continued his progression into spring practice and the summer.  He has a lot of big play capabilities that we hope to see this season."

The elder member of the Paladin running back room is Ben Croasdale (5-11, 196, R-Jr.), who has registered playing time 10 games in his career.

"Ben seems to be productive when he touches the football, and we look for that to continue this year.  He's also emerged as a good special teams player.  We see him playing a key role."

A newcomer who appears headed for an impact role in 2025 is C.J. Nettles (5-10, 185, Fr.), who rushed for 3,886 yards and 62 touchdowns his prep career at Penscola (Fla.) Catholic High School.

"C.J. was highly recruited has really emerged in the preseason.  He has good vision and power and makes plays.  I don't now if we will have that many young guys contributing a lot this year, but he will be one of them."

The wildcard in Furman's offensive backfield is Jayquan Smith (6-0, 216, R-Jr.), who is attempting to complete his return to action after missing almost two full years following a knee injury and rehabilitation.  Poised to break out in 2023, he suffered his injury in a 27-14 win over The Citadel that season.

"We're thrilled to have Jayquan back.  It's been a long process for him, but the way he handled it, putting his down and working, has been very impressive.  We're excited for him.  Of course you never really know, but he looked good in the offseason stuff.  August camp was his first contact, and he's given us every indication that he is back."

Kevin Everhart (5-8, 208, R-Fr.) fashioned a solid spring practice and entered the preseason poised to join the mix for playing time.

"Kevin could be a good one for us."

Jalil Garvin-Mingo (5-8, 185, R-Fr.) returns for his second season, and will be joined by a trio newcomers — Isaiah Davis (5-10, 180, Fr.), Emmett Grzebin (6-0, 200, Fr.), and Zach Lee (5-11, 200, Fr.) — in adding depth in the backfield.

"Jalil is in his third year in our program and is getting better and looking to take advantage of opportunities.  He will help us on special teams.

"Isaiah missed some time earlier this month due to injury but has returned to action.  He has has a lot of ability."

"Emmett is another of our freshmen who have done some good things and will give us some depth."

"Zach is a productive guy from a good high school program (Marvin Ridge in N.C.) and has showed us that he has a bright future here."