We continue to look at Liberty’s 2024 roster by previewing each position, moving today to the offensive line.
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Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Defensive Line
Corners
Special Teams
Liberty’s 2023 offensive line was arguably the best the program has ever seen. That group paved the way for one of the most explosive offenses in the country and the top rushing attack in the FBS. Now, the Flames have to find replacements for three starters and are still looking to establish the depth needed to get through an entire season.
“We have to develop some depth there,” said head coach Jamey Chadwell. “Xavior (Gray) and Jordan (White) played a lot of football for us. Jack Tucker played a decent amount last year, and after that we don’t have a lot of guys that played football, at least for us. You want to find seven or eight guys that you can count on up front. We don’t have that right now. We’re not there where we need to be because there’s just too much inconsistency from practice to practice. Still got a good amount of time to go to develop that, but that’s an area that we need some guys to improve considerably.”
Frontrunners
LT 75 Jack Tucker JR 6’7″ 295
Tucker was the 6th offensive lineman on last year’s squad. He will be the first to slide in to give someone a blow, typically playing at left tackle. Now, with Chase Mitchell moved on, Tucker will be counted on to play a much larger role as he has been working with the first unit at left tackle throughout training camp. He is being pushed hard by Jordan Hall to maintain that starting spot.
LG 76 John Paul Flores SR 6’5” 305
Flores began his college career at Dartmouth. Playing in the Ivy League for four years, he was one of the best linemen in the conference. He started all 20 games for the Big Green in two seasons and was an all-conference performer at left tackle. He then transferred to Virginia for the 2023 season where he was the second highest rated offensive lineman at UVA. He started the first six games of the year for the Cavaliers at left guard before an injury limited his play down the stretch. In 2023, Flores played at Louisville where he played in five games, while making a start in the Holiday Bowl against USC.
After transferring to Liberty in the spring, Flores has been elevated to the first team offensive line unit, working primarily at left guard throughout camp.
C 53 Jordan White JR 6’2″ 295
The former West Virginia transfer, White has solidified himself as one of the best players on the team as well as a team leader. He didn’t play much center before coming to Liberty last year, but now he has a full year under his belt at that position and should be able to take a significant step forward on the field.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “He’s really smart, and we put a lot on him. He sets a lot of what we do. It starts with him, and then, certainly the quarterback is important in a lot of things that we do, and getting us into the right play or moving the protection when they’re bringing it from the opposite side or whatever. So, there’s some communication that’s gotta happen there, but J. White’s really, been really good there.”
RG 51 Harrison Hayes JR 6’4″ 290
For the past few years, various coaches have raved about Harrison Hayes and his play on the line. He has been buried on the depth chart a bit, not being able to carve out a significant role on the team yet. Well, he has his opportunity now. The former reserve is now primed to start at right guard for the Flames.
RT 63 Xavior Gray JR 6’8″ 335
Like White, Gray is now a leader for the Flames up front. Transferring in from Akron last year, he earned the starting right tackle spot and has not let it go. He has stepped into a leadership role this season as he hopes to help lead this unit back towards success like it had a year ago.
Competition
LT 73 Jordan Hall SR 6’4” 310
Hall transferred into Liberty this summer from Monmouth where he was a multi-year starter at left tackle. He has fought through an ankle injury and is now pushing to start at left tackle.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “Previously got hurt, so he’s been a little slow starting, only because he was coming off a total ankle reconstruction, but he’s been really developing nice.”
C 61 Aaron Fenimore R-FR 6’1″ 270
Fenimore was pushing for a starting position as a true freshman last year, but the Flames were able to redshirt him and preserve that year of eligibility. He did get some playing time late in the season, but now he should be able to step into the lineup, as needed, to either spell White or allow one of the other starters a breather while White slides to a guard spot.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “Aaron Fenimore has really stepped up his game too as a redshirt-freshman. I’m counting on him to give us some good quality snaps.”
RG 51 DJ Geth R-FR 6’3″ 305
Geth transferred in from North Carolina this offseason. He did not see the field for the Tar Heels last year as a true freshman, but he has impressed early on during his time with the Flames. He has been working with the second team at right guard and is pushing for playing time this season.
OL 77 Andrew Johnson JR 6’3” 295
Johnson transferred to Liberty from the JUCO ranks prior to the spring. He has pushed his way into working with the second team offensive line at left guard during much of camp.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “Another guy who has had a pretty good camp is Andrew Johnson. Junior College guy, was a Oregon State guy originally. He came in here injured, but he’s coming back strong.”
Depth
OL 70 Austin Anderson R-FR 6’4″ 285
Anderson would be in the mix among the two-deep if healthy. He has been hampered throughout the fall due to injury.
OL 68 Hunter Porterfield JR 6’4″ 290
OL 78 Blake Heckmann FR 6’5” 275
OL 54 Cal Grubbs R-FR 6’3″ 295
OL 65 Rex Lahr FR 6’3” 270
OL 64 Phillip Doss JR 6’3″ 275
OL 72 Seth Ellsmore SR 6’0” 260
OL 50 Esom Nnajiofor FR 6’4”310
OL Izaiah Taylor FR 6’5” 280
OL 74 Jacob Lecates SO 6’6″ 340
