Our position previews continue with a look at Liberty’s quarterback room.

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Running Backs

Liberty enters camp this year in a much different place than it was last year. Kaidon Salter is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, and he is focusing on mastering his craft to take his game to the next level. The Flames’ hopes of a second straight CUSA championship and potential CFP appearance rest largely on his back.

One of the top priorities for the Flames in the offseason was ensuring the backup quarterback spot was secured. Liberty brought in Appalachian State transfer Ryan Burger and signed one of the program’s highest rated prospects at the position in Jayden Bradford.

Frontrunners

QB 7 Kaidon Salter JR 6’1″ 200

Salter has all the tools. He has a rocket for an arm. He has the elusiveness and speed to be dangerous with his legs. He showed his ability to grasp an offense and lead a team to a championship in 2023. Now, he has had an entire offseason to prepare as the starting quarterback. Could he be even better than he was last fall?

Now, he knows the offense like the back of his hand, according to Coach Korn. His understanding of the offense has taken a significant step forward, and he has been able to help his teammates learn the offense, as well.

QB Coach Willy Korn – “After the year that he had last year, one of the things you worry about is, you have this tremendous season, tremendous amount of success, does he take a little bit of a rest like, ‘hey, I’ve arrived.’ He has not been anything like that. He’s actually probably practiced, competed, and prepared hungrier than he did last year which has been exciting to see.”

Competition

QB 18 Ryan Burger SO 6’4” 205

The 6’4″, 205-pound Burger entered the transfer portal after two seasons at Appalachian State. He suffered a season ending hand injury in the first half of the first game of the 2023 season. Burger played in just two games while at App State, starting the 2023 opener, completing 11 of 17 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. He also played 26 snaps against Robert Morris as a true freshman in 2022.

After receiving a medical redshirt, Burger has four years of eligibility remaining. He is originally from Myrtle Beach where he threw for 6,474 yards and 70 touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes in three seasons of varsity football in high school.

The Flames’ coaching staff was familiar with and recruited Burger out of high school while they were at Coastal Carolina. Now, the two come together at Liberty, and Burger is able to sit behind Salter while learning the offense and developing his game.

After the spring, Burger won the backup quarterback position. Liberty needs him to be able to step in at a moment’s notice in case of an injury to Salter and continue the team on the path to a conference championship.

QB Coach Willy Korn – “I’ve been really, really pleased with Ryan Burger. He won the backup job throughout spring. It’s been a majority of Kaidon and Ryan getting a lot of the reps. I feel very confident in Ryan Burger if he’s got to go in there and lead us. Understands, runs really well, has been making great decisions. Adding Ryan Burger to that room really gives you a lot of confidence going into the year.”

QB 10 Nate Hampton JR 6’5″ 225

Hampton is a veteran now, as he joined the program the same year Salter did. He’s been part of the group of backup quarterbacks the past couple of years and provides leadership at the position.

QB Coach Willy Korn – “Nate Hampton is like Mr. Consistency within our room. A tremendous guy to have on our offensive side of the ball. A great leader, never complains about his role, still goes out there and prepares and competes like he’s going to be the starter.”

Depth

QB 4 Jayden Bradford FR 6’0” 185

Bradford was the gem of the Flames’ 2024 recruiting class. The former IMG quarterback will certainly be fighting during camp to earn the backup spot. Being a true freshman, the most likely outcome is Bradford redshirts to preserve his year of eligibility while preparing to hopefully take the reigns of the Liberty offense in the near future.

QB 25 Miles McEachin R-FR 6’0” 200