By Matthew Golden
SouthernPigskin.com

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With the 2019 season behind us, we take a step back to reflect on the individual superlatives for each team within the Southern Conference.

nOffensive MVP: Devin Wynn, RB, Junior

nSince joining the Furman program, Wynn has shown continuous growth each season, solidifying him as one of the conferences best backs. The tailback has elevated his game enormously since his injury plagued freshman campaign, rushing for at least 780 yards in back to back seasons. In 2019, Wynn was just one of five rushers in the conference to surpass the 1000-yard mark, ranking fifth in the league with 1,182. As a junior, the Paladinsxe2x80x99 lead back finished third in the conference in rushing touchdowns at fourteen, trailing only Brandon Rainey and Alex Ramsey. As Wynnxe2x80x99s production grows by the year, Ixe2x80x99d expect his senior season numberxe2x80x99s to be atop the conference. With a young and unproven quarterback duo, the Paladinxe2x80x99s will lean on the leadership and consistency of the senior in 2020.

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nDefensive MVP: Adrian Hope, DL, RS-Jr

nAdrian Hope is just about everything Furman could ask for in a defensive lineman. After an outstanding redshirt freshmen season, Hopexe2x80x99s ability would continue to stand out on the gridiron, leading him to an All SoCon First Team honors in 2019. The Paladinxe2x80x99s defensive anchor showed the ability to stuff the run consistently, while also being one of the conference most disruptive pass rushers. The athletic edge rusher finished the season tied for second in sacks at six and a half, also ranking inside the top seven in tackles for loss throughout the conference. Furman would finish 2019 ranked inside the top three in pass and rush defense, in large part to Hopexe2x80x99s efforts. Offensive Coordinatorxe2x80x99s will have their hands tied in 2020 with Furman returning two of the leagues top pass rushers.

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nIntriguing returner: Dru Seabrook, DL, RS-Jr

nTwo of the leaguexe2x80x99s top pass rushers? Correct. Dru Seabrook would join Hope among the conferencexe2x80x99s sack leaders, making them the only teammates to finishing inside the top six. The Charlotte native shined at defensive end for the Paladins this season, compiling nearly eight tackles for loss on top of his five sacks.xc2xa0 With the combination of Seabrook, Hope, and Jordan Willis at linebacker, the Paladins owned one of the best, if not the best, front sevens in all the conference. With two more years of eligibility, Seabrookxe2x80x99s continued development will worthy to keep your eye on.

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nHardest departure: Grayson Atkins, P/K, Junior

nAtkins career with the Paladins is now in the rear-view mirror as the FCS All American Kicker will become a member of the North Carolina program after graduating from Furman this spring.xc2xa0 The future Tar Heel will be known as one of the more storied players on special teamxe2x80x99s in conference history, setting multiple school and conference records in the kicking game. In 2019, Atkins was named a member of the All SoCon First Team, making it his second consecutive season to be placed within the conferences first or second team. Though Furman and every Paladin wants to see Atkins be successful at the next level, his presence will surely be missed and felt in Greenville.