GREENVILLE, S,C. -- Furman's safeties group features 12 players covering three positions, including the previously designated spur position.

"It's a big group with a number of veteran players that was decimated a year ago with injuries.  Getting those guys back, plus a couple of new additions, gives us a chance to be better," said head coach Clay Hendrix.

Four players own starting experience, including graduate transfer Taylon Blaylock (5-10, 203, Gr.), a veteran of 35 games spanning two years at both Sam Houston State (2021-22) and Lindenwood (2023-24).

"Taylon had a really good spring.  We see him playing a good bit for us and also figuring into the return game."

Blaylock joins Caleb Williams (5-10, 190, Sr.), Billy Lewis (6-0, 188, R-So.), and Tre' McLeod (6-0, 184, R-Jr.) to form the contingent of Paladins who own starting experience.

Williams, who has seen duty in 35 games in his Paladin tenure, started in every game a year ago and totaled 53 tackles, a pair of interceptions, and seven pass breakups.

"Caleb played in every game but wasn't 100 percent.  He ended up having a couple of surgeries after the season but has had a solid preseason camp.  He's a good leader."

Lewis made the most of playing opportunities after A.K. Burrell (5-11, 208, R-So.) and Jutsin Hartwell (5-11, 204, Gr.), projected starters a year ago, both suffered knee injuries in the 2024 preseason.  He totaled 37 tackles, recorded a team leading three interceptions, and keyed Furman to a 24-21 road win over 21st-ranked East Tennessee State, totaling nine tackles, an interception, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble against the Buccaneers — a performance that earned him Stats Perform National Freshman of the Week honors.  He was also named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team.

"Billy is a guy who we didn't know would figure into things at all year ago but certainly stepped up when his opportunity came.  He's a smart, dependable, productive player who will play a big role for us again this year."

McLeod joined Lewis on the fast track to playing time last season after injuries hit the unit, seeing action in all 11 games and posting seven starts while totaling 53 tackles, including nine stops, an interception, and a fumble recovery against Mercer.

"Tre has played a good bit for us.  He will figure well into our mix."

The return of Burrell and Hartwell to the field this fall should be a significant boost.

"AK had a pretty severe knee injury a year ago, and we hope he will be 100 percent when we kick off the season.  He will certainly be a guy we depend on.

"Justin was another one we lost last year with an injury, but he has recovered well and is healthy. He graduated in the spring and is back a graduate student."

Competing to get into the mix are five players — Javaris Jones (5-11, 192, So.), Max Eubanks (5-11, 194, R-Fr.), Vinny Jordan (5-11, 200, R-So.), Jakeman Pendleton (5-11, 185, R-Jr.), Connor Adams (5-11, 184, Fr.), and Caleb Easterling (5-10, 175, Fr.).

"Javaris played a lot last year on special teams but has been limited in the preseason with a hamstring issue.  I think we'll see him filling that special teams role again this year.

"Max was a early enrollee a year ago who can help us on special teams.

"Vinny is coming off a knee injury a year ago.  He will give us some depth, as will Jakeman, who missed most of last year following surgery.  He has played corner and safety and is another one of those smart, dependable guys."

Adams was a January enrollee who took part in spring practice.  He and Easterling represent the two true freshmen in this year's group.