GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman's running backs appear poised to deliver improved play this fall, and that could be good news given how the program's historical success has been tied to an effective ground game.
 
"The running backs are one of the deeper groups on the team, and we certainly hope to be better there this year," said head coach Clay Hendrix.  "Of course that's everybody's responsibility on offense — from the offensive line, to receivers, to quarterback.
 
"It'll be by committee because we have a lot of guys who can help us, and we have some home run hitter guys there that we've been missing."
 
Veterans Ben Croasdale (5-11, 202, Gr.) and C.J. Nettles (5-9, 185, So.) headline the group and will be joined by transfer C.J. Stokes (5-10, 205, Gr.) in giving the Paladins three experienced performers.
 
Croasdale took on a prominent role a year ago, making four late season starts and rushing for 320 yards (5.2 ypc) and a pair of touchdowns.
 
"It all starts with Ben, a fifth-year guy.  He's always been productive and is an effective receiver and special teams player.  He should play a big role."
 
Nettles' 2025 season followed a similar track, earning more playing time as the year progressed.  He  ran 85 times for 358 yards and two scores as a true freshman.  Included in that was a 15-carry, 105-yard performance against Mercer that featured a 67-yard touchdown bolt.
 
"CJ had a solid true freshman year, and we think he will be that much better now that he's a year bigger and stronger. He's certainly shown ability to make big plays.  He's a guy we will be counting on."
 
Stokes, a Columbia, S.C., product who signed with Michigan and was a member of the Wolverines' 2023 national championship team, spent the last two years at Charlotte before joining he Paladins in late spring.
 
"C.J.'s a bigger guy who has had a good August camp.  He will certainly play a big role for us."
 
Two others who could be poised to figure squarely into the mix are Isaiah Davis (5-10, 185, R-Fr.)  and Kevin Everhart (5-8, 214, R-So.).
 
"Isaiah is a former track guy with speed.  He battled injuries a year ago and redshirted but has showed some really good stuff in practice.
 
"Kevin was a guy we were going to count on to play a big role last year before he had a serious knee injury at this point in the preseason .  He's had a good August and is getting close to 100 percent (back), so we expect him to be there at some point this season.  We're trying to be smart on what to do with him as we bring him back.  He's the biggest guy in the group."
 
Emmett Grzebin (5-11, 200, R-Fr.), Zach Lee (5-10, 208, R-Fr.), and Jalil-Garvin Mingo (5-7, 185, R-Jr.) round out the cast of returning players.
 
"Emmett played at Bolles, a great program, and has flashed as a receiver and on special teams.  That's how a lot of guys break thru and get their first taste of it.  Zach is similar and a bigger body guy.  He will fight to get on special teams, and Jalil will also be battling."
 
Two freshmen with Furman ties who joined the group this fall are Rawls Patterson (5-10, 195, Fr.) and Max Duckwall (5-11, 190, Fr.).
 
Patterson played for Furman Hall of Fame quarterback Ingle Martin '05 at highly successful Christ Presbyterian (Tenn.) Academy, and Dugan is the son of former Paladin offensive lineman Mike Duckwall '98.

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.