GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman fans looking for new player impact stories in 2026 would do well to familiarize themselves with the safety group where three, possibly four first-year Paladins appear set to join a mix of returning veterans to make up the contingent that spans three positions.
 
The safeties are under new direction this year as a former Paladin standout Hugh Ryan takes over following the retirement of Tommy Spangler following last season.
 
"Hugh is doing a great job with that group and with our special teams, which he had already been working with the last two seasons under coach Spangler, his former coach.  Charlie Lott (defensive assistant) has also been a great addition to the staff in assisting Hugh and also helping with the special teams."
 
Headlining the top safety returnees are AK Burrell (5-11, 208, R-Jr.) and Billy Lewis (6-0, 189, R-Jr.).
 
A preseason All-SoCon selection by the coaches, Burrell logged 10 starts and 58 tackles a year ago after suffering a serious knee injury in August of 2024 that sidelined him for a full season.  Lewis, Furman's most experienced safety with 16 starts, 108 tackles, and five interceptions in two seasons of play, started all 12 games a year ago.
 
"AK has been a good player for us," said Hendrix on Tuesday.  "He had a really bad knee injury that took him out for a full year (2024), and he may have been 80 percent last year after his return.  He's always been a physical player and is really talented.  We expect a big year out of him."
 
"Billy is a fourth-year guy who has started and played a lot.   We have a ton of confidence in him.  He's very dependable and is where you expect him to be on every play."
 
Four newcomers most likely to contend for major duty this fall include Joshua Tarver (6-2, 217, Gr.), Braylon Peebles (5-10, 184, Fr.), Trae Williams (5-10, 178, Fr.), and Aaron Davis (5-10, 190, Gr.) — the firrst three of whom joined the Paladins in January and took part in spring practice.
 
Tarver, who also made the coaches preseason All-SoCon team alongside Burrell, was a three-year standout at Yale, where he totaled 94 tackles, six interceptions, and 18 pass breakups in his career.  He played a major role in the Bulldogs' 9-3 season in 2025 that included a share of the Ivy League championship and program's first trip to the FCS playoffs, where he helped his squad to a dramatic 43-42 comeback first round playoff victory over Youngstown State after trailing 35-7 at halftime.
 
Peebles is a product Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) High School that also produced Paladin All-American Joshua Stoneking, and Williams spent the fall semester at Air Force Prep before coming to Greenville.
 
Davis saw action in 20 games over two seasons at Bucknell, where he logged 73 tackles, including 57 solo stops, to go along with four interceptions and two pass breakups.
 
"Joshua played on some really good teams and defensive units at Yale.  He's a productive player and another big body kid who runs well.  He can also help us in kick returns.
 
"Braylon probably has an inside track to start.  He's made a big impression since he arrived here in January. He's a smart, physical player who is going to play a lot.
 
"Trae has played a little bit of cornerback but is now at safety.  He's had a good August camp, as has Aaron, who is a heady player.
 
"There's a lot of competition back there.  I think all of those guys are going to play."
 
The group also includes Javaris Jones (5-11, 192, Jr.), Max Eubanks (5-11, 194, R-So.), Vinny Jordan (5-9, 200, R-Jr.), Saxon Clements (6-1, 205, Fr.), Sam Strickland (5-10, 186, Fr.), and Caden O'Neill (6-0, 186, Fr.).
 
"Javaris has played a good bit, especially on special teams, though he's been slowed a bit due to injuries.  We have to get him healthy — the same with Max, who has also been a special teams guy.
 
"Vinny's a fourth year guy who will give us depth there and on special teams.
 
"Saxon really competes, and Sam played for a really good (Walton) high school program."

Furman Football Fan Day this Saturday in Paladin Stadium has a new time due to forecasted high temperatures in the Upstate.

Gates are now set to open at 9:00 a.m. and practice will commence at 9:30. Music, inflatables, and a food truck are still planned for the event.

Furman kicks off its 2026 season on Thursday, August 27, when it entertains Anderson in a 7:00 p.m. contest at Paladin Stadium. 

Click HERE for Furman's 2026 schedule.

Paladin fans can renew or purchase new season tickets online by clicking HERE, or by contacting the Furman Box Office at 864-294-3099.

Paid parking ($20 per car) for all Furman football games this season will be cashless. Fans are asked to have credit cards ready when entering Timmons Arena or Furman Chapel Lots. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple and Google pay.