With the release of the post-spring depth chart, we will be breaking down each position of what to expect from Liberty’s 2016 depth chart. We concluded the defensive side of the ball yesterday with our breakdown of the defensive line. Today, we move on to the offense and start with the running backs.
Running Backs analysis:
Gone are 1,000 yard backs and all-conference performers Des Rice and D.J. Abnar. Now, the Flames must rely on Todd Macon and a cast of characters. Not that Macon’s backups don’t have talent, they do, but they also have a combined 5 carries among them. All 5 of those carries belong to Carrington Mosley, and all 5 of his carries came in one game in October 2014.
Tailback
1. Todd Macon (Jr., 5-10, 210)
Macon is a veteran. He’s entering his 4th year in the program and has played in 19 games. However, he’s never been THE guy. He’s always been behind Rice and Abnar, and if it weren’t for injuries to each of the previously mentioned all-conference backs, Macon’s 134 career carries would be much lower. He certainly has the body and the talent to be an every down back, but we won’t see how that translates into game action until September.
2. Carrington Mosley (Jr., 5-11, 185)
The battle during the spring and entering the summer and fall is for #2 on the depth chart, and it’s an important battle as Gill has always used multiple backs during his time at Liberty. Somewhat surprisingly, Mosley worked his way to 2nd following the spring, and Gill says he’s earned it. “He ran well. He ran the ball extremely well inside the tackle. He ran the ball extremely well outside the tackle. He’s done a very good job protecting. He’s done a very good job running the ball in all aspects. He’s going to probably get some playing time, no question about that. We’re still going to have some competition as we go into the fall.”
3. Frankie Hickson (R-Fr., 5-8, 195)
Hickson redshirted last season, but had a very decorated high school career at nearby Heritage High School. He had over 4,000 career rushing yards and 65 touchdowns. He was named the News & Advance Player of the Year following his junior season. He followed that year up with over 2,000 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns as a senior.
4. Denvre Daniels (R-Fr., 5-10, 175)
Daniels entered the program as a wide receiver after seeing time as both a receiver and running back in high school. He made the switch to full-time running back following the 2015 season. Daniels has the same type of skill-set as D.J. Abnar.
