Liberty will conclude its 2024 season on Saturday, January 4 in the Bahamas Bowl against Buffalo. That we know. Who will actually play in the game for the Flames, is what we are all wondering.
Because of the transfer portal and opt-outs of players preparing for the NFL, there are numerous key pieces to the Liberty football team that will not be on the field for the bowl game. Here is a look at the depth chart released by Liberty football for the Bahmas Bowl:
Quarterback: Ryan Burger
Backup: Nate Hampton, Jayden Bradford
We do know that Burger is the presumptive starter at quarterback, as Coach Chadwell confirmed that earlier this month. The transfer from Appalachian State has served as Kaidon Salter’s backup throughout 2024. With Salter in the portal, it is now Burger’s time to step up as QB1. Burger doesn’t have a ton of playing experience, as he saw playing time in one game during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He has played in six games this season for the Flames, completing four of seven passes for 48 yards while rushing six time for 13 yards.
Nate Hampton is the backup despite being in the portal and having committed to Gardner-Webb while Jayden Bradford is holding off on his surgery until after the game so he will be available if needed.
Burger was limited during the first half of the month as he recovered from a concussion suffered in the regular season finale against Sam Houston, but he should be good to go for the bowl game.
Running Back: (A-Back) Vaughn Blue OR Juju Gray; (B-Back) Billy Lucas
Backup: (B-Back) Caden Williams, Kyle Hanks
The running back room will look completely different for Liberty in the bowl game. Quinton Cooley has announced he will be preparing for the NFL Draft. Additionally, James Jointer and Victor Venn are in the transfer portal. This leaves redshirt-freshman Vaughn Blue, Billy Lucas, and true freshman Caden Williams. Expect heavy doses on the ground to those guys while Juju Gray should also get some carries at running back.
Wide Receiver: Tyson Mobley
Backup: Reese Smith OR Carson Vines
Wide Receiver: Treon Sibley OR Donte Lee, Jr.
Backup: Clayton Shepler
Wide Receiver: Elijah Canion
Backup: Jon Montiero OR Coleman Baker
Wide Receiver is one position that Liberty has been relatively unscathed in the portal. Depth pieces Kylen Austin and Markel Fortenberry have entered, but they weren’t in the two-deep. As long as Reese Smith is able to play as he comes off an injury, and everyone remains healthy, this should be a pretty full and normal looking room in the Bahamas.
Left Tackle: Jack Tucker
Backup: Jacob Lecates
Left Guard: JP Flores
Backup: Andrew Johnson
Center: Aaron Fenimore
Backup: Cal Grubbs
Right Guard: Harrison Hayes
Backup: DJ Geth
Right Tackle: Austin Anderson
Backup: Hunter Porterfield
The losses of Jordan White, Xavior Gray, and Jordan Hall do hurt the offensive line, but the Flames built some decent depth due to injuries throughout 2024. Tucker, Flores, Fenimore, and Hayes all have significant playing time and starting experience from this year. Austin Anderson was injured early in the year, but he played a ton in Gray’s absence late in the year due to injury. DJ Geth has also played a lot this season and provides some depth at guard.
Tight End: Bentley Hanshaw OR Jacob Jenkins
Back up: Connie Hewitt, Eli Sisson
Hanshaw could be able to play after missing the last few games of the regular season. At the very least, we know Jenkins should be good to go here.
Defensive End: TJ Bush
Backup: Donovan Dozier, Grey Carroll
Defensive Tackle: Chris Boti
Backup: Jay Hardy, Mike Jarvis
Defensive Tackle: Eli Hall OR Bryce Dixon
Joker: CJ Bazile
Backup: Larry Jones OR Bryson Jennings OR Brenton Williams
The defensive line is in pretty good shape, as well. Bryce Dixon entered the portal, but changed his mind and is returning to the Flames. He should play in the bowl game now.
Mike: Joseph Carter
Backup: Jahmar Brown, Aidan Vaughan
Will: Teylor Jackson
Backup: Ethan Crisp, Dillano Glaud
We have heard that Jerome Jolly is likely to opt out and not play in the bowl game and judging by his social media activity that appears to be the case. He also was not at practice that was open to the media and is now not listed on the depth chart. That loss will hurt, but, if everyone else plays, the Flames do have some depth at linebacker to withstand Jolly’s absence.
Cornerback: Dexter Ricks, Jr. OR Jayden Sweeney
Backup: Charles Yates OR Jamal Miles
Cornerback: Amarian Williams
Backup: Alex Oliver
Liberty is also in decent shape at corner with most of the key pieces expected to play in the Bahamas Bowl.
Safety: Quinton Reese
Backup: Eli Auguste
Safety: Brylan Green OR A’Khori Jones
Backup: Ronald Moore
Safety: Eldric Griffin
Backup: Devin Henderson
Safety is another position where most of the key pieces are returning and should play. WE also see the true freshmen Ronald Moore and Devin Henderson, both of whom redshirted, on the two-deep. Moore suffered an injury in spring ball, forcing him to miss the entire season. With an extra month following the regular season, perhaps he is now ready to play.
Kicker: Colin Karhu
Backup: Brayden Beck
Punter: Max Morgan
Backup: Brayden Beck
Long Snapper: Ryan Wilkins AND Ryan Manis
Holder: Max Morgan
Backup: Sam Crossan
Kick Returner: A’Khori Jones, Julian Gray
Backup: Jon Montiero, Tyson Mobley
Punt Returner: Juju Gray
Backup: Tyson Mobley OR Reese Smith
Not much has changed here other than Brylan Green not listed among the returners.
