Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze joined the media for a video press conference call on Friday shortly after the Flames finished the day’s practice. It was the fourth full practice of training camp and final one before the team is scheduled to put on full pads for Monday’s practice.

Below are notes and takeaways from the football side of things from Freeze’s press conference, as well as our interviews with quarterbacks coach Kent Austin and defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Scott Symons.

  • Freeze seemed a little dejected with the offense’s performance for the day, at first. It was the first day the team tried to go more up tempo, and the defense clearly got the upper hand. Both Malik Willis and Chris Ferguson struggled dealing with the increased pace.
  • Freeze mentioned a few injuries…It sounds like CJ Yarbrough is still working his way back and progressing well. Demario Douglas had a sprained ankle and is close to returning full speed. Khaleb Coleman has to get his shoulder evaluated. Linebacker Amarii Jenkins injured his leg in practice on Thursday and is out for the season, according to Coach Symons. Tyren Dupree and Javon Scruggs have just got back into practice after missing some time.
  • Speaking of linebacker, we continue to hear good things about Aaron Pierre and his development. Same thing with walk-on Carl Poole. It sounds like both of them will factor into the rotation at linebacker.
  • Freeze again highlighted the new defensive backs and continues to be pleased with their performance.
  • We’ve discussed the revamped defensive line, but Symons again highlighted them on Friday. He said the talent on the defensive line is much improved and calls the unit “considerably better” than when he first arrived.
  • There’s no real news in the quarterback competition. Malik and Chris are both still battling. QB Coach Kent Austin mentioned it’s too early to determine if one or both will play, and it’s even too early to try to set a timeline for when a decision could be made.
  • Johnathan Bennett continues to be the darkhorse in the QB race. It sounds like he’s still getting most of the reps with the third string, but when asked Coach Austin wouldn’t rule him out of pushing for additional reps with the first and second string.

*photo courtesy Liberty Athletics