OFFENSE MAKING PROGRESS

Last week, Liberty and head coach Jamey Chadwell internally made their decision on the team’s starting quarterback entering the 2023 season. The first team offense has had the past week to work together and prepare for the season opener.

“I think we are making progress,” Chadwell said this week. “Obviously, when you play an opponent, you game plan for them. So, the plays might not be that much different but there are some intricacies, whether it’s a certain check or some of those things. We’ve been trying to do as much as we can there to get them as comfortable. We are way better than where we were last week, not where we want to be yet for that, but that’s why I need practice.”

While the entire offense might not be ready for the opener, the Flames are making progress towards that point. We will likely see additional packages, formations, and wrinkles added to the offense as we get deeper into the season and the offense gets more comfortable in the system.

“We’ve not installed tons of things,” said Chadwell. “I think the thing as a coach that we have to fight is them just understanding the nuances of it. Like, we could do this but we can’t do it because they’re not ready for it. So, for us, I think we have to look and say what can we do not what can we do and what can our players execute. I think we have made strides and understand what we’re trying to do with it. It’s also going to be brand new for them all. There are certain things that we want to do but we just can’t. That’s what we’re trying to put together the best game plan with what our players can accomplish and play well. I like where we are headed in that direction.”

CHADWELL’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

At his previous stops, Chadwell’s recipe for success has been pretty simple – limit turnovers, have success running the ball, and pressure the quarterback. He is hopeful to set that same standard here at Liberty, it’s just a matter of time before all the ingredients are fully acquired and activated.

“Limiting turnovers is the biggest thing that we’ve tried to focus on because if we can control the ball that means our defense is not out there as much so when they are out there that means they can get after that quarterback which is a big deal,” Chadwell explained. “If we can run the ball four yards a carry, then that opens up a lot of your play action and different things and gives you a chance for explosive plays. That’s the recipe that we’ve used that we’ve been able to have some success with and that’s what we will get to here, I have no doubt.”

CHADWELL NOT READY FOR OPENER?

If you have listened to any of Coach Chadwell’s press conferences during August, he has been talking down his team’s readiness for the season opener. Is that just coach speak or is there something really to it? We may not know until about 3:00 Saturday afternoon, but Chadwell has been a good salesman to this point.

“I think we still need some days,” said Chadwell. “What I mean by that is cleaning up some of the things that need to be fixed so we can go in there and feel if we go and handle our business then I feel good about coming out of there. We’re not there yet from a team-wise. I’m not saying we’re far off, but there are some things we’ve got to clean up and some situations, different things that come a long in a game that we have to have 100% confidence we can do. I know our guys will believe they can get it done. I want to ensure they execute it in practice so we can do that.”

“There’s some excitement. I said there is still some anxiousness right now because we are not completely ready for the game, so as a coach I am a little anxious. Hopefully I get to where I’m nervous, that would be a good thing. That means that I feel like we’re prepared for it.”

SOME CLARITY ON SPECIAL TEAMS

During his Thursday night Coach’s Show at Mellow Mushroom in Lynchburg, Coach Chadwell provided some clarity for his specialists. As expected, Chadwell stated that Max Morgan has solidified himself at punter and as kickoff specialist and Austin Turner is locked in as the team’s long snapper. Chadwell also stated that safety Brylan Green will be the team’s punt returner while Coastal Carolina transfer Aaron Bedgood will be the primary kick returner with A’Khori Jones also expected to be back deep with Bedgood.

The field goal kicker spot has still not been announced, even to the group of kickers fighting for the spot, Chadwell said. The battle has been going on during camp between Nick Brown, Brayden Beck, and Teagen Lenderink.

“That’s the biggest question mark,” Chadwell said of his kickers. “I think we have some talented guys there, there were just some inconsistencies in the different things that we did. I don’t expect us to make every one of them, but when we get inside a certain yard line, you hope our percentage is high enough that we can come away with points. We have a plan of who we’re trotting out there first, but we’re not telling them so they don’t get nervous.”

INJURY REPORT

Late during training camp, Coach Chadwell discussed the fact that there has been a long list of players missing practice due to injury. Heading towards game day, it sounds like most of those players are available to play Saturday.

“I think there are some guys that have shored up health wise,” Chadwell said. “There was never a doubt they would be able to play, the biggest question mark we had was what would they be able to do from an execution stand point because they’ve missed some of the timing of things and some of those.”