It’s almost here! Liberty will finally kickoff the 2022 football season next Saturday, Sept. 3 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi against Southern Miss. The Flames will have their home opener at Williams Stadium just one week later on Sept. 10 against UAB. It is the most anticipated home schedule in program history, with the Flames also welcoming BYU and Virginia Tech to Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Here’s a look at our projected depth chart for the Flames’ opener next week at Southern Miss:
Quarterback: Charlie Brewer (RSr.)
Johnathan Bennett (RSo.)
Brewer won the job and Bennett is his back. It won’t be a surprise to see small package for Kaidon Salter in the game next week either.
Running Back: Dae Dae Hunter (Jr.)
Backup: Shedro Louis (Jr.)
The Flames’ have some injury issues at running back entering game week. There hasn’t been a lot of information about the length of time TJ Green, Shedro Louis, and Malik Caper are expected to miss, but all three of them were out of practice earlier this week. Hunter is likely to get the bulk of the work, depending on the status of some of the others, and we could also see Treon Sibley worked into the mix during the early part of the season until the others get back to full strength.
Wide Receiver (X): Khaleb Coleman (RSr.)
Backup: CJ Yarbrough (RSo.)
Wide Receiver (Z): Noah Frith (RJr.)
Backup: Caleb Snead (RSr.)
Wide Receiver (H): Demario Douglas (RSo.)
Backup: Jaivian Lofton (RJr.)
It appears that a number of bodies will rotate in and out at receiver early in the season. Expect all six of these names listed to see plenty of reps next Saturday. Brody Brumm will also be on the field plenty.
Left Tackle: Naasir Watkins (RSr.)
Backup: Cooper McCaw (RSr.)
Left Guard: Jacob Bodden (RJr.)
Backup: Will Buchanan (RSo.)
Center: Cam Reddy (RJr.)
Backup: John Kourtis (RJr.)
Right Guard: Brendan Schlittler (RJr.)
Backup: Jonathan Graham (RJr.)
Right Tackle: X’Zauvea Gadlin (RJr.)
Backup: Reggie Young (Jr.)
The Flames pretty much have six starters on the offensive line entering the season – the five listed here and Cooper McCaw. McCaw could slide in at either tackle spot, as he started at right tackle the past couple of seasons and working at left tackle during camp. When McCaw is in the game, look for Gadlin to slide over to left guard.
Tight End: Jerome Jackson (RSr.)
Back up: Austin Henderson (RFr.)
Jackson has been banged up some during the preseason and has missed practice most of the past week plus. If he is able to suit up and play next Saturday, he will be part of the first time. The other tight ends are all expected to get playing time as well – Austin Henderson, Bentley Hanshaw, Michael Bollinger, and Brayden Monday.
Defensive End: Durrell Johnson (Sr.)
Backup: Stephen Sings V (So.)
Defensive Tackle: Jay Hardy (R-FR)
Backup: Kendy Charles (So.)
Nose Guard: Dre Butler (Sr.)
Backup: Bryce Dixon (Fr.)
Defensive End: TreShaun Clark (Jr.)
Backup: Khristian Zachary (So.)
The two-deep is pretty much set in stone at defensive end with those four names listed likely to get the bulk of the work next week, provided they are healthy. The interior of the line is a little bit more of a question mark. Kendy Charles will certainly be part of the mix, as will the Auburn transfers Dre Butler and Jay Hardy. Bryce Dixon, a true freshman, and Chris Boti will also likely rotate in and out throughout the game.
Mike: Mike Smith, Jr (Jr.)
Backup: Ahmad Walker (So.)
Will: Aakil Washington (RSo.)
Backup: Tyren Dupree (RJr.)
The depth chart might not be very important at linebacker as these four plus Jerome Jolly and possibly Carl Poole will see plenty of time in the game. The rotation and mixture of who is int he game when will likely vary based on game plan and package.
Cornerback: Chris Megginson (Jr.)
Backup: Daijahn Anthony (RJr.)
Cornerback: Amarian Williams (RFr.)
Backup: Kobe Singleton (So.)
All four of these corners will see plenty of game action.
Nickel: Quinton Reese (So.)
Backup: Juawan Treadwell (Sr.)
Safety: Rocket Rahimi (RSo.)
Backup: Brylan Green (Fr.)
Free Safety: Javon Scruggs (Sr.)
Backup: Jaylon Jimmerson (Jr.)
This two-deep is pretty much locked in as the Flames enter the season. Reese and Rahimi each had very camps and are likely to make a big splash on the field this season. We all know what Scruggs provides, while Treadwell and Jimmerson provide valuable depth. True freshmen Brylan Green and A’Khori Jones are also likely to see playing time throughout the season.
Kicker: Teagen Lenderink (RFr.)
Backup: Brayden Beck (So.)
Punter: Aidan Alves (RSr.)
Backup: Max Morgan (So)
Long Snapper: Austin Mock (RSr.)
Holder: Aidan Alves (RSr.)
Kick Returner: Shedro Louis (Jr.)
Punt Returner: Demario Douglas (So.)
Earlier this week, Coach Freeze said he still wasn’t exactly sure who would be the starting kicker next week and it might not decide until just before the game. Beck is likely the front-runner, but he has been hampered by an injury recently. Also, if Shedro is unable to go at Southern Miss, Demario Douglas is likely to be the top kick returner.
