Quarterback
Josh Woodrum enters his senior season as a 3-year starter and has a chance to rewrite the Liberty quarterback record books. He is on pace to finish his career as the Flames’ leader in total offense, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. He improved on nearly all of his statistical marks from his sophomore season in 2012. He has been named the 2nd team Big South quarterback the past 2 seasons.
When Josh missed 2 games at the end of the season, it gave everyone a chance to see how backup quarterback Stephon Masha would fare. In the 2 games he started against Charleston Southern and Coastal Carolina, he threw for 523 yards, 5 touchdown, and 4 interceptions and ran for 108 yards. Masha showcased his ability as a dual-threat quarterback, but must improve his accuracy on the deep ball if he wants to take over the reigns when Woodrum graduates. With his athletic ability, the coaching staff will likely give Masha a chance to earn playing time at receiver in 2015.
Behind Woodrum and Masha, Javan Shashaty makes for a very good 3rd string quarterback. J.T. Bradwell may get a chance to showcase his abilities as well after redshirting in 2014.
Running back
D.J. Abnar had a better season in 2014 than anyone could have expected. The junior running back rushed for 1,289 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was named 1st team All-Big South following the season. After missing the 2014 season due to an ACL tear suffered in spring practice, Des Rice will return in 2015. He rushed for 967 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013. With Abnar and Rice, the Flames should have the top 1-2 running back punch in the Big South.
Todd Macon, who played in just 8 games due to injury, was 2nd on the team in rushing in 2014 with 266 yards and 3 touchdowns. Being 3rd on the depth chart, Macon should ease running back coach Jamaal Fobbs’ injury worries if one of the top 2 backs go down. If Joshua Smith is able to successfully return from a leg injury, he will provide depth at the position.
Wide Receiver
The Flames will have to replace Gabe Henderson and Jaquan Glover who combined for 62 receptions, 740 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns. Henderson proved especially vital in the wins over Coastal Carolina and James Madison as he grabbed 17 receptions for 206 yards in the 2 big wins. 
After that, everyone else is back including Darrin Peterson and Dante Shells. Peterson is arguably one of the best wide receivers in all of FCS; he set single-season school records for receptions and receiving yards in 2014. Shells totaled 560 yards and 3 touchdowns even though he missed some time due to an injury. Shells seemed to be coming into his own during the middle part of the season before he was injured against Presbyterian. In the Indiana State, Appalachian State, and Gardner-Webb games, Shells had 13 receptions for 366 yards and 2 touchdowns. Liberty hopes he can bring that sort of consistent production all season in 2015.
Fighting for time in 3 and 4 wide sets will be Zac Parker, Dakota Kelly, Stephon Masha, B.J. Farrow, Justin Fritts, and Ryan McCarter.
Tight end/ fullback
Maybe the biggest hole on the offensive side of the ball will be replacing Dexter Herman. Herman was a 2nd team All-Big South honoree following his senior season where he totaled 30 receptions for 442 yards and 2 touchdowns. Fighting for this spot during the offseason will be Canon Smith, Will Johnson, and Kendall Couamin.
Nicky Fualaau and Thomas Kennedy both return at fullback.
Offensive line
Liberty returns 3 starters on the offensive line in Jonathan Burgess, Max Sommer, and Tanner Hartman. Greg Ray and Mitch Hanson, both Big South All-Conference honorees, will both need to be replaced. Aharown Campbell and Ethan Callison both saw significant time in 2014, and could replace Ray and Hanson in the starting lineup. Coach Gill has signed 7 offensive lineman in his last 2 recruiting classes, and all have redshirted. Entering their 2nd and 3rd seasons in the program, they should be prepared to provide depth on the offensive line.
Analysis
The Flames return 7 starters from an offense that averaged over 400 total yards and 32 points, both 2nd-best in the Big South. Provided they stay healthy, Liberty could have one of the more explosive offenses in the country. The biggest question marks are at slot receiver and tight end. Coach Gill has stockpiled enough depth at each of these positions, that solid contributors should be able to step up.
