The upward mobility that characterizes much of the Furman football program is excepted in the figurative room of wide receivers.

“It (wide receiver) is one of the deeper groups on our team and one with a bunch of talent that we’re excited about,” said head coach Clay Hendrix. “We’ve got a number of guys we believe will be in our rotation.”
The three most productive performers are back.

The leader is Joshua Harris (6-2, 195, Sr.), a preseason All-Southern Conference pick, who caught 42 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns a year ago. In 35 starts, Harris has 116 receptions, 12th on Furman’s career charts.
“Josh has been a really productive guy over the course of his career,” said Hendrix. “We’re looking for him to have his best year as a senior. He has good size and length and has gained about 40-45 pounds since he’s been here. He’s also a good leader for us.”

Ben Ferguson (5-11, 197, Jr.) is a proven performer who caught 27 receptions for 335 yards. His one-handed, leaping touchdown grab in the closing seconds of the first half at Samford proved pivotal in the Paladins’ 27-21 SoCon victory.
“Ben played two years ago as a true freshman and arguably has the best hands on the team. He has been a solid and productive player since day one,” said Hendrix.

Colton Hinton (5-11,175, So.) caught 34 passes for 404 yards and two scores. His 70-yard reception set up Furman’s first score in the Paladins’ third-round FCS overtime loss at Montana.
“Colton really came on as a freshman, one of three true freshmen to play,” Hendrix said. “I thought he had a really good year as a receiver and as a return man. He’s one of the fastest guys on our team.”

Two who appear set for notable playing time are Ethan Harris (6-2, 194, R-So.) and and Ja’Keith Hamilton (6-3, 198, R-Fr.).
“Ethan’s a third-year guy with good length who we really think could have a break-out year,” Hendrix said. “He’s battled some injuries but played some a year ago and has had a good preseason.
“Ja’Keith is a player we redshirted and are excited to watch. He has good size and athleticism and has flashed some in the preseason. He has a good chance to play for us.”

Newcomer Devin Hester Jr. (5-10, 172, Fr.) may see action.
“Devin has been productive in camp. He could help us in the return game and has a chance to play at receiver this year. He’s more like Colton (Hinton) and has ability. How quickly he can grasp everything we’re trying to do will determine how fast he will be able to get into the mix.”

John Holbrook (6-4, 200, R-Fr.), a January 2023 enrollee, is in the mix and doubles as a long snapper.
Others cramming the room are Gram Smithson (5-11, 176, R-So.), Riley Clark (6-1, 185, R-So.), Walker Wood (6-0, 188, R-Fr.), Jalen Walker (6-0, 175, R-Fr.), Tyler Hendley (6-2, 172, R-Fr.), Miles Moss (5-11, 175, R-Fr.), Brooks Whitmer (6-0, 190, R-Fr.) and Landyn James (6-2, 189, Fr.).

December signee Santino Varvel (6-3, 183, Fr.) recently underwent surgery and will not play this fall.
Furman’s Fan Fest is slated for Saturday, Aug. 17, in Paladin Stadium.

Furman kicks off its 2024 season on Saturday, August 31, at Ole Miss in a 7 p.m. ET contest.

The Paladins received their first top-10 national ranking when the American Football Coaches Association deemed them ninth in the preseason FCS top 25 poll.
Furman, which returns seven starters off last year’s 10-3, SoCon championship team that advanced to the playoff quarterfinals, finished the 2023 campaign sixth in the AFCA poll. 

The Paladins are among three SoCon teams in the rankings, which include Chattanooga (eighth) and Western Carolina (17th). Mercer and Samford received votes.
The Paladins defeated Chattanooga twice last fall, claiming a 17-14 road victory over the Mocs to secure the league championship and a 26-7 triumph in Greenville in second-round FCS playoff action. Furman also beat Western Carolina, 29-17, in Cullowhee, N.C. The Paladins earned a first-round playoff bye a year ago.
Reigning champion South Dakota State tops the poll after receiving all 25 first-place votes, followed by North Dakota State and Montana. Montana State and South Dakota round out the top five.

William & Mary, which Furman faces on Sept. 21 in Williamsburg, Va., is ranked 16th in the poll after finishing the 2023 season unranked.
The Paladins have earned rankings in each of the last 21 polls.
Furman is one of three FCS programs to post double-digit wins (20-6) the past two seasons, along with South Dakota State and North Dakota State.
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