Liberty has concluded spring practice and the countdown to the start of the 2023 season begins in earnest. The Flames are scheduled to open the season on September 2 at home against Bowling Green before the Conference USA opener on Sept. 9 from Williams Stadium against New Mexico State.

Here’s a look at our projected depth chart following the conclusion of spring practice which is likely to change as there are additions and subtractions during the spring and summer:

Quarterback: Johnathan Bennett (RJr.) OR Kaidon Salter (RSo.)

Bennett and Salter seemed to have put a little bit of separation between themselves and the rest of the quarterback room prior to the spring game, and then Trey Lowe also led a very strong drive during the spring game. Will he be able to push for a starting job or can Nate Hampton make a push this summer and into fall camp? Will Bennett or Salter emerge as the clear cut starter? Will the Flames look to the transfer portal for some additional competition?

Running Back:  (A-Back) Vaughn Blue (Fr); (B-Back) Quinton Cooley (RJr)
Backup: Dae Dae Hunter (RJr); Jaimes Jointer Jr (RFr)

We will see a lot more two-back sets for the Flames under head coach Jamey Chadwell and this new offense. Vaughn Blue, even as a true freshman, could certainly emerge as a starter. Wake Forest transfer Quinton Cooley also had a strong spring and will see plenty of playing time.

Dae Dae Hunter was limited during spring practice as he recovers from the injury he suffered at Arkansas last season, but once he returns to the fold, he will also have a big role in this offense. Arkansas transfer James Jointer will also be able to provide depth.

Wide Receiver (X): Noah Frith (RSr.)
Backup: Treon Sibley (RJr.)

Wide Receiver (Z): CJ Daniels (RSo.)
Backup: Kylen Austin (RFr.)

Wide Receiver (H): Reese Smith (RJr.)
Backup: Shedro Louis (Sr.)

The wide receiver position is still very much a work in progress. Reese Smith has developed and established himself as someone who could lead the team in receptions. Noah Frith, CJ Daniels, and Treon Sibley are returning contributors while Shedro Louis has made the transition to receiver. Those are several names that will be able to contribute.

Another name to keep an eye on is Kylen Austin. He got plenty of reps with the first team during the spring and could remain there as we head into the summer and fall. It is also expected that there will be at least one addition to this room through the portal before the season begins.

Left Tackle: Reggie Young (RSr.)
Backup: Harrison Hayes (Jr.)

Left Guard: Jonathan Graham (RSr.)
Backup: John Kourtis (RSr.)

Center: Jordan White (RSo.)
Backup:  Aaron Fenimore (Fr.)

Right Guard: Brendan Schlittler (RSr.)
Backup: Brian Hannibal (RJr.)

Right Tackle: X’Zauvea Gadlin (RSr.)
Backup: Chase Mitchell (RJr.)

Young spent the entire spring with the first team at left tackle, seemingly solidifying himself there. The same can be said of Jonathan Graham at left guard and Jordan White at center. There could be some rotation of the names and positions here as John Kourtis returns from injury. Could he slide in as starting center while White moves over to left guard? Schlittler and Gadlin are pretty much locked in at their starting spot.

The second unit is a group of guys primarily inexperienced, but names that got a lot of reps in the spring. After Gadlin was sidelined to injury for the last half of spring practice, Mitchell slid into the first team at right tackle. As a true freshman, Aaron Fenimore has already impressed the coaches and will likely factor in as a depth piece on the interior of the line.

Tight End: Bentley Hanshaw (RSr.)
Back up: Austin Henderson (RJr.) OR Jacob Jenkins.(Jr.)

Regardless of the order, these three names will be the ones that get the bulk of the reps in 2023 provided they stay healthy.

Defensive End: Stephen Sings V (RJr.)
Backup: CJ Bazile (RFr.)

Defensive Tackle: Kendy Charles (RJr.)
Backup: Jay Hardy (RSo.) OR Tysheik Galloway (Jr)

Nose Guard: Bryce Dixon (So.)
Backup: Khristian Zachary (Jr.)

Defensive End: TJ Bush (Fr.)
Backup: Rashaud Pernell (RFr.)

There seems to be a wealth of riches at defensive tackle for the Flames led by Kendy Charles. Bryce Dixon could also emerge as a starter after being a reserve last year during his true freshman season. Jay Hardy, Tysheik Galloway, and Khristian Zachary will also provide some depth and could each push for starting time.

There are a lot of new names on the outside of the line though. A group that will be led by Stephen Sings, includes three other youngsters. TJ Bush, a former Coastal Carolina commit who flipped to Liberty with the coaching change, spent much of the spring with the first team. CJ Bazile and Rashaud Pernell also have a lot of potential.

Mike: Tyren Dupree (RSr.)
Backup: Jordan Norwood (RFr.)

Will: Jerome Jolly, Jr. (RJr.)
Backup: Aakil Washington (RJr.)

Dupree is a veteran and has worked with the first team throughout the spring. He has plenty of experience at Liberty and will be counted on to help lead the position group. Jolly has been a reserve and starred on special teams most of his career at Liberty, but he could emerge as a starting linebacker this season. Washington is a talented pass rusher that moved to linebacker a year ago. Linebacker is another position we could see Liberty look to bolster its depth through the portal.

Cornerback: Daijahn Anthony (RSr.)
Backup: Kobe Singleton (RJr.)

Cornerback: Amarian Williams (RSo.)
Backup: Marquis Bell (So.)

Anthony, Singleton, and Williams are virtually three starters at the position. Singleton did miss much of the spring as he recovers from an injury. JUCO transfer Marquis Bell is also expected to make a push for playing time this fall.

Nickel: Quinton Reese (RJr.)
Backup: Jayden Sweeney (RFr)

Safety: Preston Hodge (RSo.)
Backup: Brylan Green (So.)

Free Safety: Brandon Bishop (RSr.)
Backup: Jaylon Jimmerson (RJr.)

Quinton Reese has grown into a team leader at safety. Meanwhile, Brandon Bishop, a transfer from Louisiana, is pushing to be included among the team’s starting group as is Preston Hodge, who transferred in from a JUCO just prior to the 2022 season.

Brylan Green missed most of spring practice as he has been with the baseball team. Once he returns to the football team full time, he should again push for playing time and could push to become a starter.

Kicker: Nick Brown (RSo.)
Backup: Brayden Beck (RSo.) OR Teagen Lenderink (So.)

Punter: Max Morgan (RSo.)

Long Snapper: Austin Turner (RSo.)

Holder: Max Morgan (RSo.)

Kick Returner: Shedro Louis (Sr.)

Punt Returner: Shedro Louis (Sr.)