The Liberty Flames concluded the 2022 season at 8-5, but will have a new look team in 2023 spotlighted by head coach Jamey Chadwell. As Liberty moves into Conference USA, the Flames will be looking to make a fifth straight bowl game.

Based on how the roster looks now, here’s a look at the players who will determine how successful Liberty is in 2023, presented in no particular order…

QUARTERBACK

With multiple quarterbacks entering spring practice competing for the starting job, you can’t pick just one or even two. With the importance of the position, it obviously belongs on the list, but rather than all the quarterbacks filling up this list, we will just go with the entire quarterback room.

Johnathan Bennett and Kaidon Salter are the most likely returnees to get serious consideration for the starting job while Southern Miss transfer Trey Lowe will also have a shot. Whoever emerges, and hopefully there is one that emerges, will be the most important player on the team for 2022.

WR CJ YARBROUGH

Yarbrough is one of the most talented receivers on the team, and he has the potential to have a breakout season. After stepping away from the team during the 2021 season, Yarbrough returned in 2022 but had somewhat of a disappointing season as he re-acclimated himself to the game. He finished with 16 receptions for 221 yards and 2 scores. If he can remain healthy and find a connection with the starting quarterback, Yarbrough could help push the Liberty offense to new levels.

OL X’ZAUVEA GADLIN

Gadlin was a valuable piece to the Liberty offensive line in 2022. The transfer from Tulsa become one of the most important members to the unit, playing multiple both tackle and guard during the season. As the Flames adjust to a new coaching staff and system, having a versatile offensive lineman like Gadlin can be valuable

LB AAKIL WASHINGTON

There are a lot of question marks at linebacker for the Flames entering spring practice. Washington, a year after moving from defensive end to linebacker full time, should be able to see a huge uptick in production. He has all the tools to be a game breaking athlete for Liberty when he’s on the field.

S QUINTON REESE

There will be a lot of new faces in the safety room for the Flames this coming season, but one that will not be new is Quinton Reese. He will be counted on for leadership and to help pick up some of the lost production out of the position. He certainly has the potential to be one of the best players on the team and with Javon Scruggs out of the picture for the first time in what feels like forever, Reese will be counted on to help lead the way in the secondary.