Chris Klenakis takes over as Liberty’s offensive line coach for the 2022 season, and he will be looking to provide energy and a fresh face to the unit. He is a veteran coach with stops at Nevada, Southern Miss, Arkansas, Iowa State, and Louisville.
He inherits an offensive line going through a transition where several long-term starters have moved on. To help offset their losses, the Flames have brought in three transfers that will all compete for a starting position.
As the Flames prepare to kick off another spring camp on March 4, here is a look at the offensive line:
OFFENSIVE LINE
Returners
Cooper McCaw (R-Sr), Brendan Schlittler (R-Jr), Jacob Bodden (R-Jr), Jonathan Graham (R-Jr), John Kourtis (R-Jr), Andrew Adair (R-Fr), Gage Bassham (R-So), Carter Bradley (R-Sr), Will Buchanan (R-Fr), Mason Bundy (R-Fr), Jay Clark (R-Fr), Brian Hannibal (R-So), Harrison Hayes (R-Fr), Chase Mitchell (R-So), Hunter Porterfield (R-Fr), Boyd Rogish (R-Sr)
The Buzz: McCaw, Schlittler, Bodden, and Graham all had extensive playing time in 2021 and provide some depth and experience for Coach Klenakis. This group will help solidify the group, while there are several other youngsters in the room that have shown promise early in the career. The Flames will need a couple of them to step forward and become regulars in the rotation in 2022.
Newcomers
Cam Reddy (R-Jr), Reggie Young (Jr), Naasir Watkins (R-Sr)
Reddy is a transfer from Colorado State who was a starter and all-MAC. He will be looking to help ease the loss of five-year starting center Thomas Sargeant. Young is a JUCO transfer that the Flames hope can slide in to help ease the losses of Tristan Schultz and Bryce Mathews. Watkins comes in from Kentucky and will hope to overcome injuries to provide some depth at tackle.
Gone
Damian Bounds
Bryce Mathews
Thomas Sargeant
Tristan Schultz
