We continue our countdown of the top 10 storylines entering the 2014 season today by looking at how the Flames replace Kevin Fogg and Walt Aikens.
Kenny Scott will be a key piece of the Flames’ secondary in 2014
Last season, Liberty’s defense was built upon the foundation of its secondary, in particular, it’s corners. Walt Aikens and Kevin Fogg were lockdown corners. Defensive coordinator Robert Wimberly could put each of them on an island on the outside, and not worry about getting burned. This strategy allowed the Flames to boast one of the best defenses in the country. Liberty finished the season with the 5th best scoring defense and 9th best total defense. The Flames were even tougher when the field was shortened as evidenced by finishing the season as the 3rd best defense in the red zone in the country. Both Aikens and Fogg have moved on to the greener pastures of the NFL as they are both in camp with the Dolphins. Where does that leave Liberty?
While not currently household names, Kenny Scott and Wes Scott have experience and have shown flashes of their potential. Kenny is a 5th-year senior who has played in 32 games in his career including 13 starts. He’s spent most of his time in nickel packages during his first 3 seasons, but will move to a full-time starting spot as a senior. Kenny has 99 tackles and 3 interceptions in his career. Wes Scott saw playing time in all 12 games last season as a true freshman. He finished the season with 33 tackles and 1 pass breakup.
Wes Scott will have a larger role in 2014
With Kenny and Wes, the Flames have a couple of experienced corners who should be able to step in admirably for Aikens and Fogg. Behind them though, are all question marks. Listed on the post-spring practice depth chart behind the Scotts were Tyrin Holloway, Justin Guillory, and Ray Ferguson. Ferguson played in 4 games last season and recorded 3 tackles, but Holloway and Guillory redshirted.
The play of the corners will go a long way this season in determining how good Liberty’s defense is and how good the Flames are as a whole.
Previous entries:
10. Monmouth joins Big South
9. How good can LU’s offense be?
8. Chance to impress Sun Belt against App State
7. Chima Uzowihe
