Liberty’s 2024 spring practice is in the books. The Flames wrapped up its spring season as the Flames have turned their attention completely to the 2024 season. Liberty will be looking to replicate its success from last year under now second year head coach Jamey Chadwell.
Below are 10 things we learned from Liberty’s spring practice and spring game.
BURGER & BRADFORD PROVIDE DEPTH, POTENTIAL AT QB
The Flames know who their starting quarterback is going into the 2023 season as Kaidon Salter has solidified himself not only as Liberty’s signal caller but one of the best in the country. After losing Johnathan Bennett in the transfer portal in December, Liberty brought in Ryan Burger (from Appalachian State) and true freshman Jayden Bradford. Those two showed flashes of their potential throughout the spring, including in the spring game. Certainly they each have room for growth, but the quarterback room should be in good shape moving into the future.
RB ROOM IS LOADED
We already knew this following the conclusion of last season with everyone returning from the nation’s leading rushing attack. If the Flames can stay healthy at running back, they could threaten to be one of the top rushing attacks again this fall. Liberty has the leader in Quinton Cooley, the change of pace back in Billy Lucas, and the explosive Vaughn Blue. Add in Victor Venn, James Jointer and the true freshman Caden Williams and watch out.
WR TYSON MOBLEY WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
Coastal Carolina transfer Tyson Mobley will certainly make an impact this fall for the Flames at wide receiver. Look no further than the first play of the spring game when he was wide open on a busted coverage for a deep touchdown pass. Mobley might not lead the team in receiving on the season, but he will make an impact and be someone defense’s can’t forget about as he provides an experienced threat in the pass game.
LB ROOM SHOULD HAVE MORE DEPTH
Liberty loses Tyren Dupree, the CUSA Defensive Player of the Year from a season ago, and the coaching staff focused on adding depth to the linebacker room to help offset that loss moving forward. The Flames brought in ECU transfer Teylor Jackson, Coastal transfer Jahmar Brown, and Wisconsin transfer Aidan Vaughn. Those three will add to returners Joe Carter and Jerome Jolly to give the Flames what should be a deeper position group at linebacker than it has seen in several years.
QUESTIONS REMAIN AT CB
Preston Hodge and Kobe Singleton have departed through the transfer portal, leaving question marks at corner for the Flames. Amarian Williams is the leader in the group while several other names could emerge including Dexter Ricks, Dominick Hill, Christian Bodnar, Joshua Wiggins, or Elijah Hopkins. That’s several names the coaching staff could turn to, we will have to continue to monitor this group throughout the summer and into training camp.
KARHU COULD FORCE HIMSELF INTO KICKER SPOT
Nick Brown was inconsistent for Liberty at kicker last year, continuing a trend that has plagued the Flames there for several years. Liberty brought in North Greenville transfer Colin Karhu who had a strong spring. The battle at kicker though will continue into training camp. Hopefully whoever emerges as the guy, can provide a consistent option for the team within 40 yards.
FLAMES STILL TRYING TO IDENTIFY GO TO WR
This is the same question we had about this team and position group a year ago.That was before CJ Daniels emerged and had a breakout season. Unfortunately, Daniels turned enough heads that he is now at LSU. There are several options that could turn out to be that guy for Liberty in 2024, but, as of today, who that is or could be remains an unknown.
OL HAS POTENTIAL TO BE AS GOOD AS IT WAS IN 2023
Under OL coach Bill Durkin, the Flames’ offensive line was arguably its best in school history. You don’t lead the entire country in rushing without having a strong unit up front. Despite several losses to graduation from this group, Liberty has what looks like a unit that shouldn’t skip much of a beat in 2024.
TE ROOM IS DEEP AND TALENTED
We saw the Flames utilize the tight end position this past fall more than we have been accustomed to in recent years, especially around the red zone. With all the pieces in this room this year, that should only increase. Bentley Hanshaw and Austin Henderson both return with an additional year of experience under their belt while former all-Sun Belt performer Jacob Jenkins is now eligible to return to the field.
YOUNGSTERS ON DL ARE READY TO TAKE NEXT STEP
Liberty had several youngsters on the defensive line it counted on in significant roles last year. Now, the likes of TJ Bush, Bryce Dixon, and CJ Bazile are ready to take a significant leap forward in their production on the field. It could go a long way in helping the Flames’ defensive unit see significant improvement.
