Running backs. RBs. Arby’s.

With a little more luck than last year, Furman will have the meat.

The Paladins began last season with a stable of healthy, experienced running backs, but by season’s end, injuries had decimated the group, to the point the Paladins moved a wide receiver into the backfield for their playoff run.

Heading into the 2024 season Furman’s outlook at running back appears again to be bright with the return of four lettermen, now healthy, and the addition of a highly regarded newcomer, which, combined, should help offset the graduation of two-time All-SoCon performer Dominic Roberto, who rushed for 2,871 yards and 32 touchdowns in his solid Paladin career.

“We have a good group of running backs, a bunch of guys who maybe don’t have a ton of carries but have played a fair amount of football here,” said head coach Clay Hendrix. “We feel the same way about them this year as we did this time a year ago. It won’t be one guy, because of the wear and tear of the season, but a group effort. We’re optimistic and have been pleased with their work in preseason camp.”

The top returnees are Grant Robinson(6-0, 208, R-Jr.) and Myion Hicks(5-11, 212, R-Jr.), joined by Bailor Hughes(5-11, 211, R-Sr.) and newcomer Gavin Hall(5-10, 191, Fr.).

“Grant and Myion are in their fourth year in our program, and Bailor is a fifth-year guy who we moved from wide receiver to running back late last year because of the injuries. All of those guys have good size and speed, and they catch the ball well, too,” said Hendrix.

Robinson was injured against South Carolina and missed the next nine games before returning to see action in the final two contests, including a 26-7 second round playoff victory over Chattanooga, in which he rushed for a season-high 62 yards.  He made his first career start the following week against Montana in the Paladins’ 35-28 overtime, quarterfinal round loss.

Hicks saw duty in 12 games a year ago and rushed for 229 yards and three touchdowns. He exited the Chattanooga playoff contest with a hamstring strain following a 40-yard burst.

Hall, a highly decorated all-state performer at Gainesville (Ga.) High School, has gained Hendrix’s attention in the preseason.

“Gavin has been impressive and productive in fall camp.  He is fighting to be in the mix,” noted Hendrix.

One notable minus is Jayquan Smith(6-0, 208, R-So.), who sustained a season-ending knee injury in the Paladins’ 24-10 win over The Citadel in October.  

Hendrix said, “Jayquan is still recovering from a bad knee injury. He’s making great progress, but he won’t be available this fall.”

Ben Croasdale (5-11, 196, R-So.) stands a solid chance to also join the group that will command playing time.

“Ben is another guy who’s been in our program for three years.  He’s had his moments in the preseason after undergoing off-season shoulder surgery.  He’s fully recovered and is doing well,” Hendrix observed.

Two other players who will look to provide depth include Jalil Garvin Mingo(5-8, 185, R-Fr.) and Kevin Everhart(5-8, 220, Fr.).

“Jalil joined us a year ago and has done some good things in a scout team role. He had a good spring,” Hendrix said. “Kevin is another freshman who has had some good play in the preseason.  He will add some depth, and if he keeps improving could become a factor.

“We want a little less pressure on the quarterback and more on your running backs when it comes to the running game, and I think that’s the way we will approach it this year.  Of course, the offensive line and receivers have a lot to do with that.”

The Paladins do not have a power runner to succeed Roberto, but he too was hampered by injuries a season ago.

Perhaps the law of averages will catch up.

Furman kicks off the season on Saturday, August 31, at Ole Miss in a 7 p.m. EDT game.

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