The 2021 Liberty football year is now in the history books, and the Flames finished with a third straight bowl appearance and victory. Liberty finished the year at 8-5 following the team’s win over Eastern Michigan in the Lending Tree Bowl. There were many great contributors and individual performances this season and, without further ado, here are our season awards.
Offensive MVP: Malik Willis
For a second straight year, Malik Willis is our Liberty offensive MVP. The likely top NFL Draft pick this coming spring, led the Flames in passing and rushing. He completed 207 of 339 passes (61.1%) for 2,857 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also rushed 197 times for 878 yards and 13 touchdowns. Willis had the keys to Liberty’s engine for the past two seasons, and he will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play for the Flames.
Defensive MVP: Storey Jackson
The impact Storey Jackson had on this team in his lone season in the program can’t be overstated. He finished the year as the team’s leader in tackles (102), tackles for loss (13), sacks (7), and quarterback hurries (5). He transferred in from Prairie View A&M for his final season of eligibility, and Jackson showcased his abilities early and often.
Special Teams MVP: Brayden Beck
It wasn’t the best year for Liberty’s special teams and selecting an MVP was difficult. The true freshman kicker Brayden Beck gets the nod. The walk-on began the year behind Alex Barbir on the depth chart, and did not make his collegiate debut until the UAB game. While it wasn’t a perfect season, Beck proved he can be a capable kicker. He made 34 of his 37 PATs and 4 of his 5 field goals on the season.
Offensive Newcomer Of The Year: TJ Green
It may be hard to believe, but TJ Green ended the season as the team’s top running back. His 477 rushing yards outpaced Joshua Mack’s 454 and Shedro Louis’ 446 despite finishing behind both of those backs in rushing attempts with only 75. His four rushing touchdowns tied Louis for the most by a Liberty running back, and he paced the team with 6.4 yards per carry. Green also added 7 receptions for 54 yards and made 2 kick returns for 29 yards.
Defensive Newcomer of the Year: Skyler Thomas
The Washington State transfer made a big impact in his only season at Liberty. Thomas tied Duron Lowe for the team-lead with two interceptions while his highlight reel pick six in the Lending Tree Bowl was the only interception returned for touchdown Liberty had all season. Thomas finished 4th on the team in tackles with 55 to go along with his four tackles for loss, eight passes defended, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick.
Most Improved: CJ Daniels
CJ Daniels continues to make an impression in the Liberty receiving room. Last year, he earned our Offensive Rookie of the Year honor, and this year he receives the most improved award. Daniels finished second on the team with 37 receptions for 629 yards and his 7 touchdown receptions led the team.
Rookie Of The Year: Ahmad Walker
The true freshman linebacker began the season as a starter, fought through an injury late in the year, and returned to the bowl game to make a big impact. Ahmad Walker finished with 37 tackles on the season to go along with 5.5 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions.
