We continue to look at Liberty’s 2023 roster by previewing each position, moving today to the offensive line.
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Tight Ends
Quarterbacks
Wide Receivers
Running Backs
Special Teams
Linebackers
The offensive line has several new faces and lost a key cog in Brendan Schlittler, who is expected miss signifcant time after suffering an injury during camp. Still, the unit has a chance to be a centerpiece to the team this season if they can avoid additional injuries. The biggest question remaining for the group is who will comprise the depth to get the unit to 7-8 guys ready to step in on a moment’s notice.
“We’re a little thin, depth-wise, but that’s what we’re working on right now,” said Liberty OL Coach Bill Durkin. “We’re getting close to eight, a couple guys have got some work to do.”
Frontrunners
LT 50 Chase Mitchell JR 6’4″ 320
Mitchell has been a solid backup for the Flames the past couple of years, and now it appears he has emerged as a potential starter at left tackle. He has competition for this position, most notably from Jack Tucker, but continues to work with the first team. He was working at first team right tackle prior to Schlittler’s injury and has now switched to the left side.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “He’s really matured a lot. He’s overcome a lot, but he is really focused. He’s working really hard, had a great summer with Coach Scott and the guys in the weight room. I’m excited to see him play. He’s really gotten a lot better since the spring.”
LG 52 Jonathan Graham SR 6’5″ 330
Graham is a veteran on the Flames’ offensive line, and has seen playing time in numerous games. He has seemingly been able to hold onto a starting spot at left guard despite several incoming transfers that have provided competition.
C 53 Jordan White JR 6’2″ 295
Since arriving on campus in the spring from West Virginia, White immediately made his presence known and has become one of the best offensive linemen on the team. His more natural position is probably at guard, but he is also probably the best center on the team for this season.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “I love Jordan. Jordan’s gotten better. Jordan’s really taken a step, he’s taken a step in leadership. I think he was feeling his way around a little bit in the spring, but he’s really taken over in there. He’s got to be the boss for us, the center is the boss. He’s got to be able to handle that and he’s done a great job.”
RG 73 X’Zauvea Gadlin SR 6’4″ 320
Gadlin enters his second season with the Flames this year and he has stepped into a leadership role on the team. He rotated between multiple positions last year, mainly at left guard and right tackle. He spent the spring working at right tackle once again, but during camp Gadlin moved to left tackle and following Schlittler’s injury has moved to right guard.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “At the end of the day, I’m trying to get the best five out there. Sometimes that mean’s moving guys maybe out of a natural position for them to be where it’s best for the team. He’s certainly getting some looks as a professional player and that’s more as a guard, so this will be good for him to be able to put that tape out there.”
RT 63 Xavior Gray JR 6’8″ 335
Gray seems to have slid into the startling lineup after Schlittler’s injury, currently working at right tackle. He transferred to Liberty this summer from Akron where he was a multi-year starter, mainly at tackle.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “He’s done great. He’s going to play for us. Counting on him to continue to develop. He’s gotten better every day since he’s been here. He’s got some experience having played at Akron, he’s really coming along.”
Competition
C 61 Aaron Fenimore FR 6’1″ 270
Even as a true freshman, Fenimore has pushed White for the starting center spot. The Flames would like to preserve his year of eligibility, but if injuries force the issue, Fenimore would be able to slide into the rotation.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “You never look back and say I wish I didn’t redshirt that guy. Getting him at 22-23 years old is a lot better than him at 18. If we could redshirt him that would be the first answer. I’d like to try to redshirt him, but Aaron’s got to be ready to play. He’s a good player who is earning himself to be in a position to play. You could see him in there, for sure.”
LT 75 Jack Tucker R-SO 6’7″ 295
Tucker transferred to Liberty from Texas Tech during the summer. He could play multiple positions on the line and is likely to be one of the first guys in off the sidelines if he doesn’t grab a starting spot.
RG 51 Harrison Hayes SO 6’4″ 290
Both coaching staffs have spoken highly of Hayes, who has been working with the second team throughout much of fall camp.
LG 78 Brian Hannibal JR 6’3″ 305
Hannibal has been in the program for a few years and he hopes to be able to crack the rotation this season.
(INJURED) RG 55 Brendan Schlittler SR 6’5″ 315
Unfortunately, Schlittler has been sidelined due to a lower body injury. He is expected to miss most of the season, but there is a chance he could return late in the year. His loss is obviously a big blow to the group.
OL Coach Bill Durkin – “He’s awesome. I feel so terrible for him. He’s worked his butt off since the injury. He has been nothing but positive. Every day he is ready to go. He’s taking it personally that he’s going to be my assistant and be as helpful as he can to stay engaged, to stay around it, so if we have a chance to get him back we can get him back.”
