Under Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze, the Flames continue to break in better recruiting classes than LU has seen each and every year. The current true freshmen class has had several players make impacts through the early part of the season and help Liberty to a 6-0 record.
WR CJ Daniels
CJ Daniels has been the lone true freshman to make an impact on the offensive side of the ball so far. Despite fighting through injuries, Daniels has played in all six games for the Flames, and he has 5 receptions for 84 yards and 1 touchdown. He had his best game this past week against Southern Miss where he caught 3 passes for 59 yards, including a 42 yard touchdown reception late in the 3rd quarter after the Golden Eagles had cut Liberty’s 35-7 lead to 35-28.
S Jerome Jolly, Jr
Jerome Jolly has been a key member of the Flames’ special teams units, and he has also had opportunities on the field for the Liberty defense at times. Jolly has played in all 6 games and has recorded 8 tackles and 1 tackle for loss.
DE Stephen Sings V
Sings has perhaps made the flashiest impact of the Liberty true freshmen. He’s played in 6 games and has 4 tackles, 1.5 sackes, and 1 pass break up. No. 33 seems like he has had the ability to get into opponents backfield at will. Sings is one of the highest rated recruits Liberty has ever had, and the Flames’ next game at Virginia Tech will certainly mean a little extra to him as he was originally committed to the school in Blacksburg.
DE Aakil Washington
Like Sings, Washington has also made an early impact and shown his ability to rush the passer. He’s played in 4 games and has 1 tackle and 1 quarterback hurry. Washington and Sings have become routine fixtures on Liberty’s defensive line on 3rd downs alongside TreShaun Clark and Durrell Johnson. That group of four pass rushers has to give offensive lines and opposing team’s coaches nightmares trying to keep them all out of the backfield.
CB Quinton Reese
Reese got the start in the season opener at Western Kentucky at corner, and he has continued to find opportunities on defense and in special teams for the Flames. Reese has played in 6 games and recorded 3 tackles. Recently, he’s found a role as the team’s 3rd down nickel back in obvious passing situations.
CB Deon Biggins
Biggins has gotten some playing time on defense, but he has made a bigger impact on special teams. The true freshman has recorded 1 tackle and has played in all 6 games.
DT Kendy Charles
Charles has played in 2 games and recorded 1 tackle for the Flames so far this season.