Liberty has struggled to find consistency at kicker for the last several years. In 2023, the Flames began with Teagen Lenderink, but, after a few inconsistent weeks, Lenderink gave way to Nick Brown who handled the field goal and extra point duties the rest of the way. Brown was also inconsistent. He made 5 of 10 kicks with a long of 41. He did connect on 65 of his 66 extra points, but the miss came in Glendale, Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Flames went to the transfer portal to add competition to the position, bringing in Colin Karhu, a transfer from North Greenville. He made 14 of 18 field goals with a long of 54 and was a perfect 25 of 25 on PATs last season. Will he be able to push Nick Brown for the team’s starting kicker spot? Through the spring, it looked like this was a pretty even competition. We will see how the develops through the summer and into training camp.
Brayden Beck could also factor into the competition at kicker.
Max Morgan has solidified himself as the Flames’ punter. Morgan averaged 41.1 yards per punt last season, providing some consistency and reliability for the Flames at the position. (He also handles the holder duties).
Liberty’s long snapper, Austin Turner, has announced he plans to enter the transfer portal. The walk-on handled the long snapping duties for the Flames in 2023 and now Liberty will need to find a replacement.
At returner, Brylan Green is likely to handle the team’s punt return duties once again. Coastal Carolina transfer wide receiver Tyson Mobley is another name to watch there while Donte Lee could emerge as Liberty’s top kick returner. Teams don’t typically do significant return work during the spring and even in training camp. We might not have the final answers on who handles these duties for Liberty this year until the season begins.
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