Game week is just around the corner as the Flames begin to turn their attention to Western Kentucky with the season opener on Sept. 19. For Liberty to have the season it’s hoping to and return to another bowl game, there are a few players that must step into prominent roles as Liberty looks to replace several newcomers from last season.
QB Malik Willis
The biggest question mark around Liberty’s season and team this year is at quarterback. While Chris Ferguson and Johnathan Bennett have made a push during training camp at the starting job, Willis was brought in to take over for Buckshot. If he’s able to secure the job, he provides a weapon at quarterback the Flames haven’t had in nearly a decade since Mike Brown was under center. The potential Willis brings gives Liberty an opportunity to have a special season. Or, if he struggles, the Flames will be fortunate to get to .500.
RB Joshua Mack
Mack has proven his ability in the FCS as one of the top running backs in the country at that level a couple seasons ago at Maine. He transferred to Liberty wanting to make an impact at the highest level of college football, and now he gets his chance.
WR CJ Yarbrough
How many times will we hear the name Antonio Gandy-Golden this season? He’s gone and Yarbrough will be one of the main receivers that need to step up. He has the potential to be a star at this level, Hugh Freeze even said so during his freshman campaign a year ago.
DE Treshaun Clark
An elite force on the defensive front, Clark registered 37 tackles and 4.5 sacks as a true freshman last year. Now, Jessie Lemonier, and all the attention he attracted, is gone. How will Clark respond to being the focal point of opposing offense’s in trying to keep him out of the backfield.
DB Javon Scruggs
Scruggs has fought through injuries during training camp, but he will be counted on to be a team leader in the secondary. There are a lot of new faces on defense this season, but Scruggs remains a constant. He will look to build on his 58 tackle, 2 interception 2019 season.
