Everyone always wants a ranking – the best teams, the best recruiting classes, the best recruits. At the FCS level, it’s difficult to track down enough information on each individual recruit to rank them all, and let’s face it, there will be a name or two in the class of 2016 that will surprise us. With that said, here’s our ranking of the 6 signees from Liberty’s Class of 2016 most likely to make the biggest impact in their career at Liberty:
1. Stephen “Buckshot” Calvert
We’ve all heard about the 3-star QB from Miami. Coach Gill says he can make all the throws. Will he play as a true freshman? That’s still to be decided, but before his time is done, Calvert will make a big impact at Liberty.
2. Alex Probert
The kickers never get any love! Probert will be counted on to contribute immediately as John Lunsford has graduated and Avery Echols is no longer on the roster. Lunsford’s shoes will certainly be a big hole to replace.
3. Solomon McGinty
McGinty is an old man among this group. He graduated high school in 2013. At 6’1″, 210 pounds he’s ready to contribute immediately, and there will be playing time available at safety.
4. Brandon Tillmon
When’s the last time Liberty had a true 2-sport star, that was recruited to play both sports? He’s obviously a very dynamic athlete, and he will have the ability to showcase his skills on the gridiron and the diamond.
5. DeCarlo Hamilton
This guy had opportunities elsewhere, but stuck to his original commitment to Liberty. Coach Gill said he’s a mix of JaRon Greene and Bryant Lewellyn. It wouldn’t be shocking if he played as a true freshman.
6. Julio Lozano
Lozano is not your typical JUCO prospect. He only spent one season at Kilgore College, so, he has 3 years remaining. He’s also only played one full season of offensive line, but Coach Gill couldn’t get his name out of his head on Wednesday.
I’m fairly sure the answer to the 2 sport player question is Mark Reed, who was at Liberty from 93-98. He was on a basketball schollie, but was redshirted for bball as a Freshman and started at 1st base in the Spring. He played both sports for 4 years.
Trey Miller played football and baseball all 4-years from 1997 to 2001. Stud