The Paladin Walk Blog

Getting Ready 4 Two-a-Days: Receivers

Starter Split End Patrick Sprague  6-1  191  | SR Mountain Brook, HS, Birmingham, AL.
Patrick is a smart, savvy performer ready to be the senior leader of the receiving corp. Sprague needs only 38 receptions this season to crack the Top 10 list of Furman receivers. Sprague Outlook: Look for Sprague to greatly improve on last season’s numbers; 481 yards and two touchdowns. Sprague will see plenty of action in 2007 but he will share playing time with R.J. Webb.

Backup Split End R.J. Webb  6-2  202  | SO Pickens, HS  Pickens, SC.
RJ could be the moneyman for the Paladins this season, Webb has the athletic ability to  make the short pass into a big gain. Webb Outlook: Webb should put up some impressive numbers this season, in yards and touchdowns.  The challenge for the Furman coaches is to find as many ways as they can to get the ball in RJ’s hands. Furman has many offensive options this season but if the Paladins are looking for a big play, he’s the man.

Reserve Split End Tate Zeigler 5-11  175 | SO Greenville, HS  Greenville, SC.
Tate played his high school ball catching passes for Jordan Sorrells. Zeigler is a walk-on but his showing in the spring game might just get some playing time this season.

Starter Flanker Ryan McKie  5-11  192  | SR  Hillcrest, HS  Simpsonville, SC.
Ryan is an underrated receiver, when you need the tough yards he will get the ball. McKie Outlook: Ryan has big shoes to fill replacing Justin Stepp, but Ryan is more than capable of making a big catch in a game. He also has deceptive sprinters speed. Mims, and Williams will push Ryan for paying time.

Backup Flanker Adam Mims  5-9  183  | FR  Spain Park, HS  Birmingham, AL.
Mims made the team last season as true freshman but he broke his leg in the third game of the season against UNC. Mims Outlook: Mims has the ability to make a big impact this season. Mims is a burner with fast feet. Mims should allow Furman to stretch opposing defenses but he also brings the same abilities that Webb can. The ability to run after the catch.

Backup Flanker Keiron Williams  5-11  188  | SO  Eastside, HS  Taylors, SC.
Keiron missed the entire 2006 season with a fractured foot. I really didn’t know what to expect of Keiron this season, but after seeing him play in the pre-season scrimmages he can big a contributor this season. Williams Outlook: Williams will be a vertical weapon in the passing game this season. I keep saying this over and over but Webb, Mims, and Williams have the ability to take any catch to the house. Should be fun times for Gray and Sorrells.

Reserve Flanker Joe Watson  5-11  180 | SR  Greeneville, HS  Greeneville, TN.
Joe is a tuff as nails possession type receiver. I hope he gets into the rotation of receivers this season. Joe’s also a solid special teams player and that ‘s where he could be counted on the most.

Redshirts: Sederrick Cunningham 5-11  188, Zephyrhills, FL. Sederrick reminds me of Issac West. In high school he did just about everything, playing quarterback, defensive back, and wide receiver, he also returned punts and kickoffs. Look for Cunningham to be in the rotation next season. David Hendrix  6-4  190  Buford, GA. David is a tall athletic receiver that caught a lot of balls in high school on a run oriented team. Both of these guys will play a role in giving Furman some amazing depth at receiver in future seasons.

Receiver Outlook: This will be an interesting cast of receivers to watch. They are experienced, and very talented, but the depth is young. They also have to stay healthy, if they do this group of receivers will produce. The 2007 group will be very good but I can’t help but look into the future seeing a rotation of Webb, Mims, Williams, Cunningham, and Hendrix. Grade B.

Getting Ready 4 Two-a-Days: Offensive Line

Starting Left Tackle Joel Bell 6-7,  320  | JR  Spartanburg HS, Spartanburg, SC.
How many FCS schools or FBS schools for that matter can claim a 6-7, 320 pound offensive lineman is the most athletic lineman on the team. Joel Bell has NFL potential, and the news out of camp is he’s focused and ready. Bell Outlook: Joel will be a physical match-up problem for any team Furman will face in 07. Bell will play a major role in the offensive success of 2007. Bell should prove all the voters correct and earn post season conference and All-American honors.

Backup Left Tackle Thomas Slaughter 6-4, 280  | JR  Northwestern HS, Rock Hill, SC.
Thomas Slaughter is the offensive line handy man, he’s versatile, long snapper, and is a backup for the tackle and center positions. Slaughter Outlook: Slaughter is a former shrine bowler and provides a very high quality of depth for the offensive line. Slaughter will see plenty of playing time because he’s so versatile.

Starting Left Guard Tyler Haynes  6-2, 283  | SO  Vestavia Hills HS, Birmingham, AL.
Tyler won the surprise impact offensive player poll, so he’s gonna have a big year. Haynes Outlook: All kidding aside, Haynes is a physical performer who will play a key role in providing horsepower for the offense.

Backup Left Guard Will Landers  6-3, 270  | SO Roswell HS, Roswell, GA.
Landers comeback from a knee injury looks good. Landers return to the field is good news for the Paladins. Landers Outlook: Landers has a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school. Landers return gives Furman another quality lineman for depth and in case of emergency.

Starting Center Reggie Goolsby  6-1, 272  | SR  Monticello HS, Monticello, GA.
Goolsby had a solid 2006 season and was voted second team All-SoCon, despite missing playing time against The Citadel, Chattanooga, and Elon due to a knee injury. Goolsby Outlook: Reggie looks great so far in the pre-season, I think he looks quicker and shows no signs of the knee injury. I look for Reggie to be a first team All-SoCon contender by the end of the season.

Backup Center David Menocal  6-2, 253  | JR  Gainesville HS, Gainesville, GA.
It’s good to see David back on the field for the Paladins, making a successful return from a knee injury. Menocal Outlook: Menocal’s ability to return to the field is very good news for Furman. David will provide depth at center and hopefully see action in many games this season, preparing him to take over the starting center role in 2008.

Starting Right Tackle Scott Shuford  6-3, 287  | SR Independence HS, Charlotte, NC.
Scott is taking over for graduated John Kivett. Scott brings a ton of experience, with 21 career starts. Shuford Outlook:

Backup Right Tackle Antonia Frazier 6-4, 270  | RSFR  Baylor HS, Lookout Mountain, TN.
Antonio is listed as the backup to Scott Shuford. But this season will be his first opportunity for playing time. Frazier Outlook: Frazier is a big mobile lineman, you could call him lanky, and he has plenty of frame room to grow. Frazier should get valuable experience this season preparing him for possibly starting in 2008.

Starting Right Guard Heath Cockburn 6-1, 284  | SO Northwest Whitfield HS, Dalton, GA.
Cockburn a physical performer is ready to take over the starting role from Aldi Fillipovic. Cockburn brings a physical style to the line that I thought was missing last season. Cockburn Outlook: Heath is already receiving pre-season accolades from limited play last season. But when he did play as a redshirt freshman he performed very well. Expect a big year from Cockburn.

Backup Right Guard Nic Ayoob 6-2, 297  | RSFR  Oconee County HS, Watkinsville, GA.
Nick is another big physical offensive lineman that the coaches like a lot. Ayoob Outlook:  Nic should get see playing time behind Cockburn, Ayoob should provide some quality depth this season and could play a bigger role in 2008.

Reserves: Dustin Chancellor 6-2, 278 | SO Byron, GA. Dustin played last season as a true freshman but a non-football related injury will keep him on the sidelines for 2007. A full recovery will be a huge plus for 2008.  Kyle Rae 5-10, 250 | SO  Wilmington, NC. Kyle was a walk-on to the program last season. Kyle is listed as a reserve to Tyler Haynes, and Will Landers.

Redshirts: Ryan Lee 6-4, 265 Carrolton, GA. Ryan has a chance to be a good one for Furman. Lee is considered a very physical lineman, and a great baseball pitcher too. David Barrington 6-3, 260 Montgomery AL. David was an Alabama All-State performer at Montgomery Academy. He also played in the Alabama North-South All-Star Game. Jordan Eshelman 6-2, 270  Howell, MI.  Jordan played both ways for Howell, earning All-conference and All-County honors as a senior.

Offensive Line Outlook: You have to give Coach Hendricks a big tip of that for recruiting this impressive bunch of linemen. Furman also made a smart move last season investing playing time in these young players. It should pay-off big in 2007 and the next couple of seasons. This line-up of Paladins should produce up to 4 player’s receiving post-season honors. Grade B+

Getting Ready 4 Two-A-days: Tight Ends

Starter Chris Truss 6-4  248  So | Riverwood HS, Atlanta, GA
Chris made a big enough impression as a backup tight end last season as a freshman to earn pre-season SoCon honors. Chris appears to bring the total package to the tight end position. A good blocker, physical, and the ability to catch the ball over the middle. Truss Outlook: The coaches see a tremendous upside to Truss and it appears that the Paladins are dedicated to involve the tight end position in more of the offense in 2007.

Backup Larry Hedden 6-5  243 So | Briarwood Christian, Hoover, AL
I think Hedden is good enough to start for most teams in the SoCon. He’s big, mobile and can catch anything. Hedden Outlook: Larry will see plenty of action in the tight end rotation and the two tight end set. Hedden is a dangerous receiver and he allows Futman to mix up a lot of offensive looks.

Reserves: Bobby Yawn 6-1 222 Sr | Holly Hill Academy, St. George, SC. Bobby has played defensive end, linebacker, amd now tight end since joining the Paladins as a walk-on.

Freshmen: Trey McCray 6-3 210 Fr | Rossview HS, Greer, SC. Trey is Coach McCray’s son. In high school he played tight end, defensive end, and the long snapper. Earned Tennessee all-state honors as a defensive end.

Seth Skogan 6-4  220 Fr | Tennessee Temple, Lookout Mountain, TN. Seth set Tennessee all division records in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. So I guess you could say a player that scored 62 touchdowns knows how ti catch the ball. And he might be playing his way out of a redshirt. Seth could be the #3 tight end in 2007. Seth is showing excellent receiving skills in the pre-season workouts but what may be a little surprising is his physical skills to get the ball.

Tight End Position Outlook:  Furman is loaded with young talented tight ends for the next four years. The depth of players will allow Furman to create a lot of miss-matches. Tight end has always been a tradition rich position but the level of young depth currently is unique. Grade A

Getting Ready 4 Two-a-Days: Special Teams

Scott Beckler  K 6-2  190  | SR  | TL Hanna HS  Anderson, SC
Scott Beckler returns for his final season for the Paladins. Consistency has been a problem for Beckler and the Paladins Special Teams play the last couple of seasons. But several steps were made to change things for the better. Furman made coaching position changes during the off-season, creating Co-Coordinator positions for Des Kitchens and Tom Evangelista who brings a reputation as a special teams guru from SC ST. Beckler Outlook: Beckler showed a return to his earlier career success the second part of last season. Expectations are that Beckler will continue to show improvement in 2007.

Trent Hawk P 5-11  170  | SO  | Norcross HS  Norcross, GA
Trent became the punter mid-season last year and averaged 38 yards per punt. Trent appears to have a little boom in his foot. The GSU game last season was his best, averaging 43 yards on five punts, including a season best punt of 58 yards. Hawk Outlook: I look for Hawk to be challenged during the pre-season, but I still expect Hawk to win the job for 2007. Hawk showed flashes of having a big leg, I think the area Hawk could help with the most is pinning teams back deep.

Reserves: Thomas Williams: Thomas joined the Paladins as a walk-on in the pre-season of 2006. Williams averaged 37 yards per punt during his prep career. Chas Short: Chas could be the hardest decision for the coaches in terms of redshirting. The Film I’ve seen on Short shows a booming leg. The other dynamic Short brings is that he also was a successful high school quarterback.

Special Teams Outlook: Special teams have cause concern the last couple of years but there is good reason for optimism in 2007.  A move to dedicate coaches and the influx of more athletic, speedy players should allow the Paladins special teams play to be one of the most improved areas for 2007. The return game will be in the good hands of William Middleton. Middleton showed flashes of being a gamebreaker on kickoff returns. With another year of experience under his belt Middleton should be a dangerous return man in 2007. The only down note on special teams is the loss of Mr. Clutch Justin Stepp. Furman has several options here, my early guess would be Masharn Austin. Grade B-

Getting Ready 4 Two-a-Days: Defensive End

Starter Defensive End: Wallace Artis 6-5, 268  SR | Calhoun Falls HS, Calhoun Falls, SC.
Wallace returns for his final season as a Paladin, bigger and stronger. Wallace led the Paladins in the spring with a bench press of 450 pounds. Artis brings 25 career starts and a lot of game experience, Artis is the only senior on the defensive front. Artis Outlook: Match Wallace Artis’s size, strength and mobility to Coach Pinella’s fiery, aggressive coaching and Wallace could be the big hit of the season. Artis will benefit greatly from Coach Pinella and improved interior line play. I will go out on a limb and predict a drastic improvement in sacks from Wallace this season. How about 4 to 6 sacks Wallace?

Backup Defensive End: Paul White 6-2, 220  JR | Battery Creek HS, Beaufort, SC.
Paul is the "I don't get respect guy" on defense. Paul is a little undersized but has a lot of heart, and he's very versatile.  White Outlook:  Paul will play hard on special teams and at defensive end. I think we can look to him to make the big play in 07. His experience will come in handy as a backup to Artis.

Backup Defensive End: Shaun van Rensberg 6-3, 233  SO | The Boles School, Jacksonville, FL.
Shaun made the transition from linebacker to defensive end in the spring, and he played very well. Van Rensberg runs very well and is a big hitter, his athletic ability should give him tremendous upside at the end position. Van Rensberg Outlook:  Shaun will learn the ropes in 2007 and you know he will be well coached. Shaun’s opportunities will be limited as the backup to Artis but I think he will still see plenty of action as a sub and special teams.

Starter Defensive End: JJ Mars 6-1, 228  JR | Dunwoody HS, Stone Mountain, GA.
JJ is another player that came in highly recruited from high school receiving many IA offers. JJ has patiently waited for his turn and now he’s ready to replace Roy Ravenell. Mars Outlook: JJ plays full speed and nasty. I think he will handle his first season as a starter well. The only problem could be the guy breathing down his neck, redshirt freshman Channing Welch.

Backup Defensive End: Channing Welch 6-2, 246  RSFR | Fayette HS, Atlanta, GA.
Channing Welch made a lot of noise last season and never played a down. Welch had a great pres-season as a true freshman, and almost lost his redshirt. But with Ravenell and Artis solid as starters the smart thing was to redshirt Welch and now his time has come. Welch Outlook: Channing brings great size, and a big motor to the defensive edge. Can Welch beat out Mars as the starter? Time will tell, no matter what happens we are sure to see Channing Welch a lot this season.

Redshirts: Derrick Parrea 6-3, 205  FR | Dunnellon HS, Dunnellon, FL. Derrick is an interesting player for the future. He played at a small, rural high school in Florida and by the end of his senior season he was getting a lot of attention. I got to see a fair amount of film on Mr. Parrea and he moves very well, is strong and rangy. Derrick will redshirt in 07 get bigger and should play his way into the rotation mix in the next two years.
Cody Reynolds 6-3, 230  FR | George Mason HS, Falls Church, VA. I know very little about walk-on Cody Reynolds. He was the team captain last season and help lead George Mason to its first district championship since 1988.

Defensive End Outlook: Call me crazy but I think we will see improved play form the defensive ends in 2007. And I say this mainly due to giving credit to Coach Pinella.  Ravenell will be missed but last season was a bitter sweet year for Roy. I think the combo of Mars and Welch will be interesting to watch develop . The biggest improvement in the ends should come in sak numbers. Pinella's defensive line stepped up big in 06 look for the 07 ends to do the same. Grade B.

Getting Ready 4 Two-a-Days: Defensive Line

Starter Nose Guard: Justin Brown 5-11, 273  SO | Warner Robbins HS, Warner Robbins, GA.
Justin returns this season as the experience veteran on the defensive interior line, with 12 career starts, 43 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. The scary thing is he did all that in only one season as a freshman. Brown Outlook: As good as Justin Brown played in 2006 his play in 2007 should be better. Off-season shoulder and knee surgery should allow for a stronger complete season of play in 2007. Justin is a pre-season All-American pick and All SoCon pick. He deserves the pub, Brown is a difference maker and this season he will be surrounded by some excellent teammates.

Backup Nose Guard: Ricky Jones 6-4, 271  JR | Centennial HS, Alpharette, GA.
Ricky Jones played in all 12 games last season, totaling 10 tackles, two for loss, a sack, and a caused fumble. Jones had an excellent spring and play very well in the spring game as Justin Brown sat out spring practice. Jones Outlook: Ricky has a ton of potential and he should see plenty of playing time in Coach Pinella’s system. Look for Jones to significantly raise his tackle numbers in 2007.

Reserve Nose Guard Daniel Leagans  6-1, 261  JR | Ware Shoals HS., Ware Shoals, SC.
Daniel has played himself from walk-on to an experienced backup on the defensive line. Leagans played in 4 games last season and was credited for a half sack against APP. Leagans Outlook: Leagens will see plenty of playing time, Leagans’s play in the spring should have given Pinella plenty of confidence in Legans to use a deep rotation of three nose guards in 2007.

Starter Defensive Tackle: Corey Ray  6-1, 264  SO | Moody HS, Birmingham, AL.
Ray played very well as a backup to Wesley Bray last season…racking up 15 tackles, a pair of sacks, and a fumble recovery. Ray Outlook: Corey Ray will be a perfect match for Justin Brown and I’ve got a feeling these two young linemen will have a great year in 2007. Ray’s foot speed and power will play a big role in making the 2007 Furman defensive line one of the most interesting positions to watch.

Backup Defensive Tackle Gaines Burnett: 6-1, 246  JR | Houston County HS, Kathleen, GA.
Gaines made the transition from defensive end to defensive tackle in the spring. Burnett may be a little undersized but he makes up for a little less bulk with speed and strength. Burnett Outlook: Burnett brings two years of experience to the defensive line. It’s amazing how much difference a year can make at one position, and I think the play from the defensive front four will turn heads in 2007. These guys aren’t big but they make up for size with athletic ability and strength and a damn good coach.

Reserve Defensive Tackle: Pete Sanders 6-0, 250  SO |  Parkview HS, Stone Mountain, GA.
Pete was a late transfer walk-on to Furman after playing one year at fullback for LSU. Pete is the brother of former Furman player Adam Sanders. Pete also played for Georgia powerhouse Parkview, playing five positions, including fullback, offensive line, defensive tackle, defensive end, and linebacker.

Redshirts: Adim Obata and McKenzy Opio look like a couple of good pickups for the future. Obata is a very similar player to Justin Brown and Opio is a big player with a lot of upside. The good news is these will have the time to hit the weights learn Coach Pinella’s system and add some quality depth to the 2008 Paladins defensive front.

Defensive Line Outlook: Five players with quality experience for the two defensive line positions. Some fans are concerned about the lack of size of the defensive line. I would rather see a group of well coached, athletic strong players than just a bunch of big guys to take up room. If you look at the most successful Furman teams since the Sheridan era began. Furman has had it’s most success with experienced quarterbacks, and experienced offensive and defensive lines. The 2007 Paladins will have an experienced group of defensive linemen but the thing to remember is they are still young. 3 juniors, 3 sophomores, and 2 freshmen. Grade B+

Getting Ready 4 Two-a-Days: Linebackers

Starter Weak Side Linebacker: Hunter Twitty 6-0, 225  JR | Mountain Brook HS Birmingham, AL. Twitty was the starter for the spring game but to be the starter at the start of the season Hunter will have to fight off Brandon Williams and Clifton Dortch. Twiity plays a vital role on special teams and that should continue in 07. Hunter has always shown a great nose for the football. Twitty Outlook: Look for Twitty to rotate with Dortch and Williams… that’s a good thing. I think Twitty will step up this season, I can’t say that he will be the starter but his instincts should earn him plenty of playing time in 07.

Starter Weak Side Linebacker: Clifton Dortch  6-1, 214  SR | Chamblee HS  Decatur, GA. 
Clifton has been a major contributor on defense and special teams since his freshman year. Dortch’s physical play and speed should earn him plenty of action this season. Dortch sat out the spring due to a hernia. Dortch Outlook: Clifton could earn the starting WLB position by the start of the season. I really don’t think it will matter because the depth at WLB will allow Coach Wilson to play with personal based on matchups.

Starter Weak Side Linebacker: Brandon Williams 6-1, 238  JR |  Lakeside HS Tucker, GA.
Williams is one of Furman’s largest linebackers. Williams has been a major contributor during his first two seasons and should have a better year in 07. Williams was runner-up for SoCon Freshman of-the-year honors in 2005. Williams Outlook: The weak side linebacker position is deep and Williams could start a few games and will no doubt say plenty of action in 2007. Williams has the potential to be a dominating linebacker.

Starter Middle Linebacker: Andrew Jones 5-10, 228 SR | Minor HS  Birmingham, AL.
AJ has been one of my favorite players since I saw him play as a true freshman that pre-season.  AJ is hard-nosed and has dominated games. His play against Nicholls State was one of the best performances I’ve seen. Jones Outlook: Andrew is set to have a record breaking year. I think the defensive line play will allow AJ to make plays.  Should be on the short list for SoCon defensive player of the year.

Reserve Middle Linebacker: Kyle McKinney 6-1, 223 SO | North Atlanta HS  Atlanta, GA. 
We haven’t seen a lot of McKinney on the field but from what I’ve seen in practice he has a lot of upside. McKinney has a lot of attitude and has the physical skills to be a contributor this season as a backup and on special teams. McKinney Outlook: AJ is the man so McKinney will get PT in mop up situations and to give AJ a blow. I happen to think McKinney is a wildcard that could develop into a very promising linebacker.

Reserve Middle Linebacker: Keith Boykins 6-0, 232  JR | Lovejoy HS | Fayetteville, GA.
Keith suffered a knee injury mid-way through last season. No injury comes at a good time but for Keith he finally looked like he was getting comfortable in the Paladins defense and I thought he was playing well. Boykins Outlook: Keith’s return will be a freat help for depth at linebacker and on special teams. Keith is as talented as any linebacker currently at Furman . He needs to get back on the field in 07 and be the man in 08.

Starter Strong Side Linebacker: Gary Nelson  6-1, 223  SR | St. Pius  Stone Mountain, GA.
Nelson has the most starts (29) of the linebacking corp. I personally think Nelson doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Gary makes play and plays smart. Nelson Outlook: Gary should have a very solid year. Gary will be pushed by probably the most talented linebacker on the squad Phillip Morris. But I think Gary will play a ton and make plays.

Reserve Strong Side Linebacker: Phillip Morris 6-1, 237  SO | Orangeburg-Wilkson HS  Orangeburg, SC. What’s not to like about Phillip Morris he’s a big, physical, smart linebacker. Morris was part of the winning SC Shrine Bowl team in 2005. Morris Outlook: Phillip will play a lot in 2007 he’s just to good to sit. I would look for Morris to make his biggest impact in the later season games and the playoffs.

Reserve Stong Side Linebacker: Clay Crosby  6-0, 212  JR | Easley HS  Easley, SC.
Clay is listed as the backup to Nelson and Morris but he could see playing time on special teams in 2007.

Redshirts: Brandon Boykin 6-0, 225  FR | White Station HS  Memphis, TN. Boykin was one of the top recruits of the 2007 class, choosing Furman over Navy. Brandon has the talent to contribute this season, he’s fast and physical he can play on the line and cover. But I just can’t see the coaches wasting a year on this guy. Kadarron Anderson 6-1, 209  FR | Emerald HS  Greenwood, SC. Kadarron will be making the transition full-time to linebacker. Anderson should have a great career playing along side Boykin for four years. Kevin McCarthy 6-1, 212  FR | Savannah Christian  Savannah, GA. Kevin is a walk-on with some nice high school numbers. 165 tackles, 15 sacks and 11 forced fumbles in 2006. Chisom Onyeuku  6-1, 200 FR | Fayette County HS  Fayetteville, GA. Chisom is another walk-on for 2007.

Linebacker Position Outlook: Seven players with quality experience for the three linebacker positions. 3 returning starters and 2 that started at least one game last season. Furman has experience and depth at all three linebacking positions, not many FCS teams have this kind of luxury of players. I also think the 3 seniors; Dortch, Jones, Nelson will provide the defensive leadership this year. The future also looks bright with Twitty, Morris, Boykins and McKinney ready to step up next season. But I think Furman is in the transition of adding more speed at linebacker with players like Boykin and Anderson and I would keep an eye out for these guys too. Grade A.

Getting Ready 4 Two-a-Days: Cornerbacks

Starter Right Cornerback: Austin Holmes 5-9, 185  SR |  Bolles School  Jacksonville, FLA
Holmes is getting a lot pre-season attention, in Matt Dougherty’s final SportsNetwork post he place Holmes 4th on the top corners list in FCS. Holmes is a great cover corner and plays the run very well for has size. Holmes Outlook: Holmes should benefit from new corners coach Tom Evangelista. Look for Holmes to put nice numbers on the way to 2007 SoCon honors.

Starter Left Cornerback: William Middleton 5-11, 190  JR | Marist H.S. Atlanta, GA
William Middleton is a player that I think could make a big statement in 07. I think most would agree that Middleton showed promise in 2006 during his first season starting. Middleton has the size and speed to be up to the task of improving his play in 07.  Middleton Outlook: Middleton is one of the SoCon’s and the FCS most  exciting special teams players. Look for Evangelista to take advantage of better defensive line play allowing the Furman corners more opportunities for interceptions.

Reserve: Masharn Austin 5-8, 185  JR | Buford H.S. Lawrenceville, GA
Masharn made a successful comeback from a sever knee injury in 06. This season Austin will contribute at corner in nickel packages and special teams. Austin has the potential to be a star.
Austin Outlook: Austin plays the run well and is not afraid to stick his nose in the action. I like Masharn I think he will take advantage of his play opportunities and will make some noise in 07.

Reserve: Dustin Gourdin 5-11, 196  RSFR | Riverside H.S. Greer, SC
Dustin’s play in the spring got him noticed. Gourdin has size and probably the only player faster on the team is Middleton. Gourdin Outlook: Goudin has tremendous upside. Gourdin will get his feet wet on special teams and playing in special package formations.

Reserve: Luke Rorech 5-10, 160 FR | H.B. Plant H.S. Tampa, FLA
Rorech played on a bigtime high school football team. Rorech was described as a FBS player in a FCS body. A redshirt will benefit Luke, as he hits the weights and adds some bulk to his frame. Rorech is another speed guy with excellent hands. He also excelled at special teams. Rorech Outlook: Rorech will redshirt  in 07. Rorech will have impact on future teams at corner and special teams, he is another player that raises the overall speed of the Paladins.

Cornerbacks Position Outlook: Four quality players for the two safety positions, three with experience. Some Furman fans moan the fact that Furman covers to loose. 2007 is a different year, improved play on the defensive line and new schemes from the coaches and think these guys will be up to the task. I expect tackles to be down a bit, but interceptions to be up. Grade B.

Getting Ready 4 Two-a-Days: Safeties

This post kicks off my totally biased reviews by position of the 2007 Furman Paladins.

Free Safety
Starter: Thomas Twitty 5-11, 200  JR  |  Mountain Brook H.S. Birmingham, AL
Twiity’s task will be to replace All-SoCon Jeremy Blocker. I think Thomas will be up to the task. Twitty was highly recruited out of Mountain Brook, and will continue the Furman tradition of physical free safeties. Twitty Outlook: I think Twitty will benefit from improved defensive line play in 07, allowing Twitty to make plays. 2008 Pre-Season All-Southern Conference candidate.

Reserves: Julian Hicks 5-9, 182  SO  |  RIverwood, H.S. College Park, GA
Hicks saw a lot of action as a true freshman in 2006. Hicks has moved from cornerback to safety. A move that I think takes advantage of his de-cleeter style of play. Hicks Outlook: Backup to Twitty, Hicks will play a key role on special teams and nickel packages. Who knows what surprise roles the versatile Hicks will play in the 2007 defense.

Chris Stone 6-1, 185  JR  |  Eastside H.S. Greenville, SC
Local product Stone is very athletic. Chris will see plenty of special teams and could see action based on matchups. Stone Outlook: Stone is a great role player and is very versatile, hell he could play quarterback if needed.

Strong Safety
Starter: Andrew Thacker 6-1, 200  SR  |  Gainesville H.S.  Cumming, GA
Thacker has all the tools; speed, size and smarts. Andrew had a fantastic freshman year earning SoCon Frosh Honors. Thacker didn’t played bad in 2005 and 2006, it’s that expectations were so high after his play in 04 some fans have been disappointed. I think Thacker has been a solid, reliable strong safety that could deliver big in 07. Thacker Outlook: A faster more experienced defensive line will also help Thacker.

Reserves: Max Lerner 5-11, 190  RSFR  |  Hoover H.S. Birmingham, AL
One of the most popular and buzzed about football players in 2006 and he never saw the field. 2007 will be the first season of play for the reality show star. Lerner is much more than hype. Lerner was a star on one of the best high school teams in the country. He also had an MVP performance in the Alabama/Mississippi All Star Game. Now we get to see what Max will do as a Paladin. Lerner Outlook: Big upgrade for the future, time will tell but Lerner has the potential to be an All-American Safety.

John Castleberry 6-0, 187  SO  |  Gainesville H.S. Cumming, GA
John’s another player that has moved from corner to safety. Castleberry is another hard hitter with excellent size. Castleberry should see action in certain matchup situations and play a key role on special teams. Castleberry Outlook: John provides much need depth a position that is physically demanding. I hope John gets in the mix.

Safety Position Outlook: Six quality players for two safety positions is a good thing. In the past injuries to starting safeties have proven devastating. This bunch is a little inexperienced but the talent is there. I also think Furman will show improved overall physical play at safety. Grade B