The 2023 Liberty football year is now in the history books, and the Flames finished with a fifth straight bowl appearance.
It will be a season to remember for the Flames as the team finished the year 13-1, won the program’s first ever conference title at the FBS level with the 2023 CUSA Championship and advanced to the Fiesta Bowl as the highest ranked Group of Five team where the Flames lost to No. 8 Oregon.
There were many great contributors and individual performances this season and, without further ado, here are our season awards.
Offensive MVP: Kaidon Salter
Winning the quarterback battle during the summer and into fall camp, Salter exceeded everyone’s expectations this year, as his first full season as the team’s QB1. He led the team to a 13-0 record and CUSA Championship and appearance in the Fiesta Bowl with his play on the field. He grew more off the field in his ability to lead a team but also showed tremendous growth on the field. The Cedar Hill, Texas native finished the season completing 177 of 290 passes for 2,876 yards, 32 passing touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He also added 1,089 rushing yards on 163 carries with 12 scores on the ground.
Defensive MVP: Tyren Dupree
A 6th year senior, Dupree took advantage of his opportunities this season. He had been a serviceable depth linebacker for the Flames during his career, but this year he stepped into the forefront and won CUSA Defensive Player of the Year honors while finishing his 6-year career all at Liberty. He was a team captain and helped lead a unit that forced 2 turnovers and 21 interceptions. He had a team-leading 123 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and 2 interceptions.
Special Teams MVP: Aaron Bedgood
He gave up selling insurance to rejoin his former coaching staff from Coastal Carolina at Liberty, and the team was the benefactor from Aaron Bedgood’s decision. He made a huge impact in every facet of the game that he participated in, not just on special teams but also in his role as a slot receiver/running back. Bedgood averaged just over 20 yards per kick return with a long of 35. It felt like nearly every time he touched the ball as a kick returner he had the ability to take it to the house.
Offensive Newcomer Of The Year: Quinton Cooley
Cooley’s contributions to this team have been immense in his first season after transferring from Wake Forest. He led Conference USA in rushing as he carried the ball 221 times for 1,401 yards and 16 touchdowns. He paced the nation’s top rushing attack and had 7 games with 100 or more rushing yards.
Defensive Newcomer of the Year: Brandon Bishop
Transferring to Liberty from Louisiana, Bishop had a very productive final year of eligibility, helping the Flames to their success this year. He finished the season with 61 tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 interceptions, 3 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery.
Most Improved: Joseph Carter
Carter earned a scholarship in training camp, and he proved that he deserved that recognition with his play throughout the season. Behind Dupree, Carter was arguably Liberty’s best linebacker throughout the season. He finished the year with 59 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception.
Rookie Of The Year: TJ Bush
Bush started every game for Liberty at defensive end, finishing the year with 32 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 QB hurries, and 4 pass breakups. His potential is off the charts as he has a chance to impact the game at his position for Liberty for the next three years.
