Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze joined the media for a video press conference call on Monday shortly after the Flames finished the day’s practice. It was the 5th full practice of training camp. Below are notes and takeaways from Freeze’s press conference.
- Monday was Liberty’s first day of the fall with live tackling. The rest of the fall’s schedule has been pushed back a week as Liberty will not open the season until Sept. 19.
- As was hinted at Friday in our interview with Liberty defensive coordinator Scott Symons, redshirt-freshman LB Aubrey Williams is no longer on Liberty’s roster.
- Also on Friday, Symons mentioned that linebacker Amarii Jenkins had suffered a season ending leg injury. When asked about his injury, Freeze said,” Waiting to hear officially. The first indication we got it was a shot that he could possibly be back towards the end of the season. I think there’s a possibility he could (be out for the season) though).”
- With the losses of Williams and Jenkins to an already thin linebacker room, the Flames are now incredibly thin there. Freeze says he’s confident in Aaron Pierre, Tyron Staples, and Anthony Butler at the position and a couple of the young ones are developing as well. Some others that he mentioned included Malik Caper, Carl Poole, and DJ Humes. He also mentioned that safety Jerome Jolly could slide down to linebacker. “Definitely a work in process. We will look at all options to add depth to it.”
- Freeze continues to speak highly of the running backs, saying they had a very good day on Monday. He also pointed out the defensive line as a unit that he feels very comfortable with.
- When asked who are the first names that come to mind of players that have stood out, Freeze highlighted offensive lineman Jon Graham and linebacker Aaron Pierrre.
- As for the quarterback battle, Freeze says it’s still back and forth between Malik Willis and Chris Ferguson and that he needs to see more consistency in the passing game.
*photo courtesy Liberty Athletics
