GREENVILLE, S.C. – The last couple of years Furman's kicking game was the near exclusive domain of All-Southern Conference performer Ian Williams, and his graduation has ushered in a new chapter that appears set to push a number of new faces into the spotlight.
 
Fronting the competition as Williams' replacement at placekicker is Nathan Chapman (5-11, 198, Jr.).
 
"Following Ian and the career he had is a challenge, but Nathan has earned that role," said head coach Clay Hendrix.  "He's a third-year guy who I've been impressed with for a while.  His consistency, height of his kicks, and his accuracy have helped solidify him as our No. 1 placekicker, and right now he's in line to also handle kickoffs."
 
Bruce Brown (6-2, 211, So.) appears to be the backup placekicker and in handling kickoffs.
 
"Bruce is from Daniel (S.C.) High School and has a big leg.  He's competed well."
 
Another guy in the mix is Dylan Gomez (5-11, 175, So.), who "joined us this fall and is more a kickoff/punter guy but can do all three."
 
Williams' heir-apparent at punter looks to be Gray Gitter (5-11, 160, Sr.), with competition also coming from William Pendergrass (6-2, 212, So.).
 
"We've been pleased with Gray and William.  William has a little bigger leg, but Gray's been with us longer and handled all of our holding duties a year ago.  He has that game experience."
 
The newest members of the punting corps are Jordan Anderson (5-10, 185, Fr.) and C.J. Falotico (5-10, 230, Fr.).
 
Cameron James (6-2, 226, Fr.), a January enrollee, has the inside track to take over short and long snapping duties.
 
"I think Cameron is going to be the guy.  He's also going to play some at tight end.  He's been impressive all around."
 
Backups include Mason Keely (6-0, 238, So.), Seth Henry (5-10, 192, Fr.), and Ryan Gaine (6-0, 205, So.).
 
The Paladins have a number of options in the return game — the fruit of a lot of competition.
 
The top contenders on kickoff returns include Josh Tarver (6-2, 217, Gr.), Jordan Miller (5-10, 181, Jr.), Caleb Easterling (5-9, 175, So.), CJ Nettles (5-9, 185, So.), and Jerrod Williams, Jr. (6-0, 170, Fr.).
 
Tarver averaged 27.5 yards on 18 returns on a Yale team that last year went 9-3, won the Ivy League, and made the program's first FCS playoff appearance.
 
Easterling gained attention a year ago, averaging 38.6 yards on eight kickoff returns, which included a 100-yard bolt against Mercer and a 76-yard return versus Chattanooga.
 
"It's been interesting in the return game because of all the competition.  Josh is a big, fast guy who did a good bit of that at Yale.  We've worked Jordan back there, and Caleb showed what he could do last year.  He probably has the lead there.  CJ and Jerrod have also been impressive."
 
The same guys could also figure into the punt return game, along with Connor Morin (5-9, 183, So.).
 
"Connor has a little twitch and can make 'em miss.
 
"We'll sort it all out over the next few days."

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.