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Furman University

CJ Nettles
Jeremy Fleming Photography

Football Hunter Reid

Furman To Open Spring Practice Thursday

6:00 a.m. Session Kicks It Off

CJ Nettles
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's football team will kick off spring practice at 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning, head coach Clay Hendrix '86 has announced.

Thursday's workout will be the first of 15 practices for the Paladins, who have set a pair of Junior Days — Saturday, Mar. 21 and Saturday, Mar. 28 at Paladin Stadium.
 
All practice dates, times, and locations are subject to change.

Furman's current roster, including both returnees and January enrollees, numbers 85 players, but approximately six Paladins will not take part in spring drills due to injury rehabilitation efforts.

The Paladins project to return 30 lettermen, including 10 players considered starters at the end of the 2025 season.  A total of 16 players own career starting experience.
 
Among Furman's top returnees on offense are center Chris Luna (6-3, 290, R-Jr.) and running back CJ Nettles (5-9, 185, So.).
 
The Paladins boasts one of the top returnees in FCS football in 2026 consensus All-American defensive end Joshua Stoneking (6-3, 258, R-Jr.), who led the nation in sacks (140 and tackles for loss (23) a year ago.  Joining him along the front are returning regulars Caldwell Bussey (6-3, 290, R-Jr.) at nose guard, Demetrius Baldwin (6-1, 278, R-So.) at defensive tackle, and bandit Tanner Shuck (6-2, 244, R-Jr.).
 
Furman's linebacking corps will be led by Raleigh Herbert (6-2, 231, R-Jr.), and in the secondary the Paladins welcome back three starters, including cornerback Jordan Miller (5-9, 178, R-So.) and safeties AK Burrell (5-11, 208, R-Jr.) and Billy Lewis (6-0, 189, R-Jr.).

Hendrix is entering his 10th season as head coach this fall.  He owns a 60-43 overall record at Furman and is 45-25 versus Southern Conference opposition.
 
Click here for Furman's 2026 schedule and here for the Paladins' current roster.

2026 Furman Spring Practice Schedule (subject to change)
Mar. 12 - 6:00 a.m.
Mar. 13 - 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 14 - 1:30 p.m.
Mar. 15 – 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 17 – 6:00 a.m.
Mar. 20 – 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 21 – TBD (Junior Day 1)
Mar. 22 – 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 24 – 6:00 a.m.
Mar. 27 – 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 28 – 10:00 a.m.
Mar. 29 – 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 31 – TBD (Junior Day 2)
Apr. 2 – 6:00 a.m.

 
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Players Mentioned

Demetrius Baldwin

#93 Demetrius Baldwin

DT
6' 1"
Redshirt Freshman
AK Burrell

#3 AK Burrell

S
5' 11"
Redshirt Sophomore
Caldwell Bussey

#94 Caldwell Bussey

DT
6' 3"
Redshirt Sophomore
Raleigh Herbert

#24 Raleigh Herbert

ILB
6' 2"
Redshirt Sophomore
Billy Lewis

#21 Billy Lewis

S
6' 0"
Redshirt Sophomore
Chris Luna

#72 Chris Luna

C
6' 3"
Redshirt Sophomore
Jordan Miller

#18 Jordan Miller

CB
5' 9"
Redshirt Freshman
Joshua Stoneking

#95 Joshua Stoneking

DE
6' 3"
Redshirt Sophomore
CJ Nettles

#26 CJ Nettles

RB
5' 9"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Demetrius Baldwin

#93 Demetrius Baldwin

6' 1"
Redshirt Freshman
DT
AK Burrell

#3 AK Burrell

5' 11"
Redshirt Sophomore
S
Caldwell Bussey

#94 Caldwell Bussey

6' 3"
Redshirt Sophomore
DT
Raleigh Herbert

#24 Raleigh Herbert

6' 2"
Redshirt Sophomore
ILB
Billy Lewis

#21 Billy Lewis

6' 0"
Redshirt Sophomore
S
Chris Luna

#72 Chris Luna

6' 3"
Redshirt Sophomore
C
Jordan Miller

#18 Jordan Miller

5' 9"
Redshirt Freshman
CB
Joshua Stoneking

#95 Joshua Stoneking

6' 3"
Redshirt Sophomore
DE
CJ Nettles

#26 CJ Nettles

5' 9"
Freshman
RB