Newcomers are going to be common when Furman takes the football field this season.

Some of the more watchful eyes are focused on the offensive line, where the Paladins lost four regulars with a combined 112 starts from a 10-3 team that won the Southern Conference.

“Obviously we have to replace some experienced guys who were really good players for us,” said head coach Clay Hendrix, “but we have continued to develop from that group and have a core of veterans who are ready to step in.”

Lost but not forgotten are All-American and Jacobs Blocking Award guard Jacob Johanning, a free-agent signee of the Las Vegas Raiders, All-SoCon tackle Pearson Toomey, and center Wyatt Hughes, another Paladin all-conference pick a year ago. Fred Norman Jr. is the fourth lost starter.

The cast of returnees consists of four who have started and five who earned letters.

The leaders are a pair of redshirt seniors, Blake Hundley (6-3, 287, R-Sr.) and E.J. Wilson (6-4, 288, R-Sr.).

“It starts with those two guys, Blake and E.J.,” added Hendrix. “They’ve both played a bunch and started multiple games for us, including some big games. They’re very bright guys and are also dependable and versatile, having played several positions. I feel really good about them being in there. They are good players.”

Hundley, who logged four starts a year ago, including one at tackle and three at guard, has seen action in 27 games and logged 531 plays in his career. He projects at right tackle.

Wilson appears to have in the inside track to start at right guard, where last year he posted four starts and 299 play. He’s seen action in 21 games.

The return of Luke Petit (6-4, 285, R-Jr.), a preseason first team All-SoCon selection by the coaches, is a big plus after he sustained a season-ending knee injury six games into the 2023 campaign.

“Luke was a starter and was having a solid year until he got hurt against Samford (27-21 road victory). He’s another veteran who is entering his fourth year in the program  Hendrix said.

Petit posted 331 plays over his six starts at left guard a year ago.

Another fourth-year performer, Ryan Lamb (6-2, 285, R-Jr.) can play center or guard but appears likely at guard.

“Ryan’s battled some injuries that have cost him some playing time,” noted Hendrix. “He had a very solid spring practice, so we hope to see that continue.”

The top candidate to step in at center is Chris Luna (6-3, 290, R-Fr.).

“We moved Chris to center a year ago, and he dressed for every game.  We were able to redshirt him, and he’s getting better and better,” said Hendrix.

Expected to provide depth at center is Luke Westerman (6-2, 270, R-So.), who is entering his third year in the program.

Eli Brasher (6-4, 288, R-So.) appears to be the leading candidate to take over at left tackle.

“Eli was coming on well last year before he had an injury setback.  He’s had a good offseason and preseason, so we’ll likely slide him in.  He’s played both sides (tackle).”

The Paladins could also get a lift from Brody Balliew (6-5, 288, R-Fr.).

It remains to be seen if Tex Elliott (6-4, 295, R-Sr.) will be able to contribute following an offseason injury that continues to sideline him. The Colorado State transfer from a year ago may return to the practice field in September.

Hayden Garner (6-5, 292, R-Fr.) is expected to battle to join the two-deep at guard.

It’s rare when a true freshman offensive lineman earns mention for potential playing time, so when Hendrix speaks of Stephen O’Dell (6-7, 300, Fr.) as one to watch amonlg the newcomers, it resonates.

The product of Broome High School was named 2023 Class 3A Upstate Lineman of the Year and was a two-time all-state selection.

Four other newcomers, including signees Chase Gregorek (6-4, 275, Fr.), who is coming off shoulder surgery, and Noah Akinsola (6-5, 285, Fr.), along with Parker Solano (6-2, 275, Fr.) and Jason Gagnon (6-3, 260, Fr.), round out the unit.

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