GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Eight players make up Furman's cornerbacks group, which sports a new coach in
Nasir Greer, who joined the program last month following a year in a defensive quality control capacity at Wake Forest.
"Nasir has been a great addition to our staff," said head coach
Clay Hendrix on Wednesday. "His ability and impressive playing experience at Wake Forest and in the pros, as well as his work under some fantastic coaches in his young career, are assets that are already making an impact with our guys. We're excited to see what he can do here."
Greer inherits a good mixture of talent and experience, along with a couple of newcomers. Among the group are two players who own starts —
Jordan Miller (5-9, 181, R-So.) and
Daco Coleman (5-8, 176, Jr.).
Miller saw action in 11 games and made six starts a year ago in his first season of action. He posted 27 tackles with four pass breakups and an interception, with his 95-yard "pick-six" coming against East Tennessee State in a 31-22 victory in Paladin Stadium.
"Jordan made a couple of big plays for us a year ago. He's one we think will be much better this year after getting thrown into the fire a bit a year ago, though he handled it well."
Coleman tallied six tackles and a pass breakup in his starting debut, a 28-24 road win over Campbell last year. He went on finish the season with 20 tackles.
"Daco is another guy who has played a good bit, including as a freshman, so this is his third year. He's competing for a starting job."
Two others set to join the competition are
Caleb Easterling (5-9, 175, R-Fr.) and
Michael Woods, Jr. (6-0, 177, R-So.).
Easterling appeared in four games last season and demonstrated big play ability in the return game, including a 100-yard kickoff return against Mercer, but his skills as a defensive back are what the Paladins look to also harvest this year.
"Caleb was a guy we were prepared to play the full season but ended up playing four games. He certainly showed up big in special teams, but we've also thought he could be a really good cornerback, and he certainly looks the part."
Woods joined the Paladins in January from NCAA Division II Northwood (Mich.) University, where he saw action in 11 games and totaled 42 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery in 2025.
"We like what Mike has done since joining our program. He had a productive spring practice, and I think he's in that group of four guys who will compete to start."
Newcomer
Ethan Washington (6-3, 178, Fr.) has already gained attention in the preseason.
"Ethan has a little different body type for a cornerback. We like how he runs, and he's a smart guy. He will play a role this year, including special teams."
Connor Adams (5-11, 184, So.) returns with experience and "has played corner, safety, special teams. He will have a chance to play a big role."
Devin Sarpy (6-0, 175, Fr.) will be a backup, and
Caden Wilson (5-10, 175, R-Fr.) will miss the year after suffering a training accident at home at the end of the school year, according to Hendrix. He will not play this year.
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.
Furman's football program will take a trip down memory lane on Saturday, Aug. 8, with a practice at Sirrine Stadium in downtown Greenville from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. Gates are scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. Admission is free.
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.