Unlike the quarterback and running back positions, Liberty has some known commodities at tight end going into the fall. Bentley Hanshaw is gone, but the Flames do return veterans Jacob Jenkins and Austin Henderson to form a strong nucleus at the position.
A former Coastal Carolina transfer, Jenkins transferred to Liberty shortly after Jamey Chadwell was named head coach. He was forced to miss the 2023 season due to it being his second transfer (remember when that was a rule?) but was cleared to play in the Fiesta Bowl where he made his Liberty debut. Last season, Jenkins became one of the Flames’ primary tight ends as he led the team at the position with 10 receptions for 99 yards and 2 scores. He also played in all 12 games. Now, he has assumed a leadership role and looks to be one of the team leaders not just at tight end but for the entire offense.
Henderson fought through some injuries last year before being shut down and missing all of spring ball following surgery. He played in just 6 games in 2024, catching 2 passes for 20 yards. In 2023, in the first year under Chadwell and his offensive system, Henderson rotated with Hanshaw as the primary tight ends. He would finish that season with 10 catches for 87 yards and 3 touchdowns. Austin should be back to full speed by time training camp rolls around and he should be able to provide a strong 1-2 punch for the Flames at the position with Jenkins.
Behind those two it is a little bit of a question mark with several young faces vying for playing time. Bo Burklow seems to be the most logical choice to be the next up. He’s entering his third year in the program after joining from Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville where he was a three-star recruit. Burklow has had some limited playing time here and there, mainly on special teams.
Caleb Ryan is another name to watch for. A walk-on, Ryan has been in the program for some time now and even saw playing time in 10 games in 2024 as a reserve and on special teams. He was one of the names highlighted in the spring for someone that had impressed his coaches as he fights for positioning on the depth chart.
Eli Sisson and Connie Hewitt, II both joined the program prior to the 2024 season as true freshmen from Tennessee. Both redshirted and will be looking to make their first significant impact on the field in 2025. They were both three-star rated prospects out of high school and have the potential to be impact players for the Flames throughout their career.
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