On Wednesday, Liberty defensive back Juawan Treadwell, linebacker Anthony Butler, and defensive end Jayod Sanders took questions from the media. There was a wide range questions and below is ASOR’s report from the player interviews…
DEFENSE PREPARED FOR CHALLENGE
Earlier this week, Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze mentioned that this would be his defense’s biggest challenge so far this season in terms of matching up with a quarterback who has the ability to throw for a lot of yardage. The Flames’ defensive players say their ready for the challenge.
“Defensive line, this is a big opportunity for us,” Sanders said. “We love big challenges. Pocket passer, we got to pin our ears back and go get him.”
He continued with that line of thought.
“Looking at their O-Line, we have to beat them with speed. They are very slow setters and the quarterback he’s not much of a scrambler. It’s basically a get after the quarterback game for us.”
FLAMES ALSO PREPARED TO STOP THE RUN
While the Warhawks are led by one of the top passing offenses in the country, they also have an All-American candidate in running back Josh Johnson. He hasn’t had as many opportunities this season since ULM has fallen behind early in each game, but he rushed for nearly 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago.
“First and foremost, we have to stop the run,” said Butler. “They can pass, but if you can run the football you’re hard to stop. It’s always make the team one dimensional. From there, we just have to play with sound technique as linebackers and in the secondary as far as not allowing explosive plays in the passing game. I think if we can do that, we will be just fine.”
TREADWELL EXCITED TO PLAY FOR FREEZE
Liberty DB Juawan Treadwell is excited to play for Hugh Freeze, and that’s one of the big factors why he’s at Liberty. His older brother, Laquon Treadwell, was one of the highest rated prospects in his class and he decided to play for Freeze at Ole Miss. When the opportunity presented itself for Juawan to follow in his brother’s footsteps, it was a no-brainer.
“I always wanted to play for him when my brother played because it was just a great experience for me to go watch them play and do the things he does,” Juawan stated. “When I found out I was getting recruited from him, I was happy. It’s a blessing. I came and visited and everything went right and I made my choice.”
BUTLER HAS BRAGGING RIGHTS
Not only did linebacker Anthony Butler bring down his first two collegiate interceptions this past Saturday against North Alabama, he also became the first Liberty player to record an interception this season. And with two to his credit, he could hang onto the team lead for some time.
“I try not to do too much bragging,” Butler said with a smile. “Them guys, it’s on the way, our DBs definitely got some good guys in the secondary with some good ball skills. It’s only a matter of time. It’s in the season. I guess I should brag a little while I can because my time is coming up. I can only hold onto it for so much longer.”
DEFENSE CONFIDENT
Following the defense’s solid performance last week against North Alabama, the defensive unit is very confident in its abilities.
“I can definitely say, as each game has progressed, our confidence has been getting higher and higher,” Sanders said.
Following the near shutout last week, that’s their goal every game moving forward.
“Every week on the sidelines, we’re always preaching, ‘let’s get a shutout, let’s get a goose egg,'” Butler said. “That’s always a stand, that’s always a goal because that’s what we’re capable of doing. This weekend, going out there and putting a goose egg on the board, that will definitely make us all smile and make us be satisfied for sure.”
