The Liberty football team took to the practice field this morning as they officially open their 2017 season. Since practice is closed to the public, we can only go off what the coaches and players say afterward. Here are some of the main notes and quotes from today’s media availability.

The team had their first official practice inside the brand new indoor football facility.

It was much cooler inside the new facility away from the sun light and near 90 degree weather. “It’s great for us to be in this building,” Coach Gill said as he opened his press conference. “I want to thank Jerry Falwell, Jr. again for allowing us to have this building. We’re going to be in and out of here as far as practicing in the indoor facility and the (adjacent, outdoor) practice field. We will be using both fields for offense and defense.”

Alex Probert stands out

“I think the one guy that stood out and came out here and did a great job for the first day was our kicker, Alex Probert. He was pretty good there on his field goals at the beginning of practice, the middle of practice, and even at the end of practice. He was definitely somebody that stood out.”

Probert is coming off a freshman campaign where he was 15/19 on his field goal attempts with a long of 51. He was a perfect 6/6 on attempts over 40 yards.  After being named to the Big South’s first team last season, he was also selected to the Big South’s preseason all-conference team.

The Flames will be around 75 scholarships this year

With Liberty’s pending move to the FBS ranks and a scholarship increase from the 63 limit in FCS to a maximum of 85 at the FBS level, Coach Gill says the team will be right around 75 scholarships in 2017.

Zac Parker is no longer on the team

Senior wide receiver Zac Parker is no longer on the team. “He decided to quit and move on, simple as that,” Gill stated when asked of Parker’s status.

Parker was 3rd on the team in 2016 with 27 receptions which he hauled in for 260 yards.

Buckshot beefs up

Liberty’s starting quarterback Buckshot Calvert has put on some weight during the offseason, something that excites Coach Gill.

“I’m excited about about him physically, he’s getting around that 190,195 (pound mark). We hope that’s where he’ll be maybe when we start our first ballgame. That’s 20 some pounds more than he was when he first got here. He looks sharp, I like his physical build. He’s definitely spinning the ball very, very well for the first day. I just hope he continues to be accurate, that’s what we talk about. He was an accurate passer last year, but I want to intensify that for him. I’m going to really be a stickler on him for his accuracy.”

Other notes

  • When asked about areas of concern entering camp, Gill mentioned needing to get to 6-7 guys on the offensive line, needing some additional depth at defensive line, and the safety spot.
  • Gill mentioned there are opportunities for newcomers to get playing time at defensive line, receiver, and tight end. He said that one of the two true freshmen tight ends (Jerome Jackson & Fidel Obeigfun) will play and there’s a chance both will play.