After being shuffled around his first couple of seasons at Liberty from safety to corner and back to safety, Ceneca Espinoza, Jr. is finding a home at SPUR. He was brought in prior to the 2016 season as a safety, but was quickly shifted to corner. After redshirting, he was switched back to safety for 2017 and ended up starting the final two games of the season last year at SPUR. In those final two games last year, Espinoza actually led the team in tackles with 17.
Playing multiple positions is nothing new for him as he played nearly every position in high school except for offensive and defensive line. This experience has helped enhance all of his skills and to be a more all-around player which is an ideal fit for SPUR.
“(At SPUR), we’re looking for someone with a corner man technique ability, but also has the physical ability to be a safety or outside linebacker,” Defensive Coordinator Robert Wimberly said of the position. “Espinoza has shown the ability that he can be that young man.”
He’s the only one of the four listed SPURs on the roster that has playing experience. So, he will be counted on in a big way in 2018. His new position coach, Aaron Wilkins, isn’t concerned. “He’s gifted. God has gifted him with a unique set of talents. He has an exceptional genetic ability, and he’s physical. Defense is a mindset. Ceneca brings a mindset that I like playing with. An ‘old school’ mindset. He’s a talented individual. I’m excited to work with him. Great players make great coaches.”
Steele utilizing previous experience to bolster his game
One of nine JUCO transfers to join the Flames this offseason, Isaac Steele arrived on campus in early June eager to start his new adventure. Being from Phoenix, Arizona, he had never even heard of Liberty until Coach Wimberly showed up on his campus in November of last year recruiting him.
“After that I did my research at home,” Steele said. “I had never heard of them. I had to look to see what state they were in, what division it was, everything. I had no clue.”
After doing his research and being offered by the Flames, he scheduled an official visit this past January. “I fell in love with it. The facilities got me first, but also the coaches. Not only do the coaches care about football, they care about you. They put you first over football.”
Steele spent the 2017 season at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. During his only season of JUCO ball, he finished the year with 47 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and an interception. In 2016, he was a walk-on at the University of Arizona, and, while he didn’t play for the Wildcats, he says that year of experience with a Power 5 school has helped him tremendously as he competes for playing time at safety.
