One of the first questions after a head coaching change, is how will this affect the roster – most notably with recruits and the transfer portal. As Hugh Freeze is at Auburn and Liberty looks for it’s next head coach, the Flames have 15 verbal commitments. Here, we will track what each of these commitments have publicly stated following the coaching change. Be sure to bookmark this page as we update it throughout the coming days.
We have heard that the remaining coaching staff has begun the process of reaching out and speaking to each of the commitments.
QB Hank Brown (decommitted)
Update: Brown signed with Auburn
The Lipscomb Academy quarterback has not been active on social media since the announcement. He will be at or near the top of the list of targets to keep in the fold for the incoming staff. It will be very difficult to keep him in the fold as his high school coach, Trent Dilfer, was just named head coach at UAB which is also closer to his home in Nashville.
Update: Brown has de-committed from Liberty.
— Hank Brown (@Hankb_15) December 3, 2022
QB Reese Mooney
Update: signed with Liberty
There hasn’t been anything public from Mooney to this point. Remember, he is committed to play both football and baseball at Liberty.
WR Kameran Shanks
Update: Shanks signed with UAB
Shanks lives in Prattville, Alabama, and he could be someone that Freeze wants to take with him.
WR Quentin Thomas (decommitted)
Update: Thomas signed with Georgia State
Update 12/10/22: Thomas has committed to Georgia State
Thomas has now announced his decommitment from Liberty.
Never worry for the Lord is in control !!! #Amen
— Quentin thomas (@Quentin_thomas5) November 29, 2022
Recruitment 100% open !!! pic.twitter.com/N4tK2pbTIB
— Quentin thomas (@Quentin_thomas5) December 1, 2022
TE Josh Phifer (decommitted)
Update: Phifer signed with James Madison
The three-star tight end decommitted from Liberty on Wednesday, but he has not ruled out sticking with the Flames.
After careful consideration, I have decided to de-commit. Thank you Liberty. @RecruitGeorgia @Mansell247 pic.twitter.com/GejnQqu2b4
— Josh Phifer (@JoshPhifer11) November 30, 2022
OL Austin Anderson
Update: Anderson has not signed with anyone as of 12/22 AM
Anderson picked up an offer from Memphis on Dec. 5.
OL Tajh Boyd
Update: Boyd signed with Liberty
OL Cal Grubbs
Update: Grubbs signed with Liberty
It sounds like Grubbs is still on board following the announcement of Jamey Chadwell as head coach. He is scheduled to take his official visit to Lynchburg this weekend.
Official Visit this week! Can’t wait to see Coach Chadwell again!🔥 @LibertyFootball @CoachChadwell @FBCoachK @MHSRebelsFB @NCEC_Recruiting @CSmithScout #LUnion pic.twitter.com/p2f3k7Chic
— Cal Grubbs (@CalGrubbs) December 4, 2022
DL JaQuize Buycks
Update: Buycks has not signed with anyone as of 12/22 AM
Shortly after the announcement of Freeze heading to Auburn, Buycks announced his de-commitment. He has since deleted that tweet.
DL Mamadou Cissokho
Update: Cissokho has not signed with anyone as of 12/22 AM
DL Donovan Dozier
Update: Dozier signed with Liberty
DL Eliyt Nairne
Update: Nairne signed with Liberty
It sounds like Nairne is staying committed to the Flames. He did tweet out a broken heart emoji after the news of Liberty DL Coach Jeremy Garrett going to Auburn broke.
Its going to take alot for me to flip. Not the type to switch up anyway.
— Eliyt Nairne (@EliytNairne) November 30, 2022
LB Olan Robinson
Update: Robinson signed with Liberty
DB Christian Bodnar
Update: Bodnar signed with Liberty
S Antonio Ross (decommitted)
Update: Ross has not signed with anyone as of 12/22 AM
Ross has now announced his decommitment to Liberty.
Congratulations to @CoachHughFreeze on being named Auburn’s new Head Coach! @AuburnFootball @AuburnMade #WDE 🧡🐅 https://t.co/0p16qIc42q
— Antonio Ross (@tonio_ross) November 29, 2022
Recruitment 100% OPEN!! @GCoastAthletics @HallTechSports1 @DexPreps @jmedley_star @HankSouth247 @Rivals @ChampionsSA16 @RecruitingFx @AverageJoesSpo1 @AL5AFootball pic.twitter.com/rwScjGO8ha
— Antonio Ross (@tonio_ross) December 1, 2022
We have to get a top tier coach hired sooner rather than later. I have a feeling, based on what Ian said, that Chadwell and Wommack are at the top of the list. Ian said he didn’t want to affect this weekends games which leads me to believe Chadwell is #1. Either would be great.