Joel Bell, Sr., Left Tackle

The 6’8”, 308-lbs. Bell was a consensus first-team all-SoCon lineman in 2007, and he returns for his senior year to anchor the Paladins’ offensive line. As a left tackle, Bell provided coverage for the quarterback’s “blind side” in 2007 while helping Furman’s line to allow a SoCon-low 10 sacks in 11 games.

Thomas Twitty, Sr., Free Safety

Twitty was Furman’s leading tackler last season, registering 95 stops to go along with six pass breakups, one forced fumble and an interception. Twitty is joined in the starting lineup by his twin brother, Hunter, a linebacker.

Head coach Bobby Lamb’s Paladin squad ended 2007 on a high, winning its final three contest to finish in a four-way tie for third place in the SoCon.

Left tackle Joel Bell and tight end Larry Hedden are two of Furman’s most heralded returnees on offense, as both earned all-SoCon honors a year ago. Hedden is the Paladins’ leading returning receiver after catching 36 passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns a year ago. In 2008, junior Jordan Sorrells takes over the reigns at quarterback, but he is not new to the spotlight, having seen playing time in all but two of Furman’s games over the past two seasons.

On the defensive side of the ball, nose guard Justin Brown and free safety Thomas Twitty should provide leadership for a unit which led the SoCon in rushing defense and in sacks in 2007.

Furman faces a challenging schedule with non-conference tilts at Virginia Tech and Colgate and at home against defending FCS runner-up Delaware in addition to the difficult SoCon slate.