We conclude our position previews entering the 2021 season as Liberty is inching closer to its season opener on Sept. 4 against Campbell at Williams Stadium. If you have missed any of our previous preview, you can find them right here:
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Offensive line
Tight ends
Wide receivers
Special teams
Defensive line
Corner backs
Linebackers
Now, we look at the safeties.
This season, the Flames are under first-year safeties coach Jack Curtis, the fourth straight season Liberty has had a different safeties coach. Defensive coordinator Scott Symons led the group during his first year with the Flames in 2019, followed by Corey Batoon in 2020, and now Curtis who takes over a room that is looking to take a step forward in 2021. Liberty has several returners back at safety and also welcome in some newcomers who will make an impact on the field this fall, as well.
Frontrunners
ROVER 1 Javon Scruggs JR 5’11” 180
Nicknamed “The General”, Scruggs is not only one of the best players on the defense, he is also a leader of the team. Liberty’s leading tackler a year ago, Scruggs started all 11 games and recorded 69 tackles to go along with his four tackles for loss and two interceptions. The local product from Appomattox, Virginia, Scruggs has played in 35 games over his three seasons with the Flames, beginning his career at corner before moving to safety where he has started the past two seasons.
Safeties Coach Jack Curtis – “He’s a tremendous football player, not only from an athletic standpoint but his knowledge. He’s played a lot of reps already. He is good at processing things an offense is doing and able to adjust quicker than anybody I’ve ever coached in my career. I’ve been able to lean on him when I’m unsure as a newcomer. He’s the leader of the group. He knows what he’s doing. He can play multiple positions. He’s the quarterback of the defense. He is a player-coach out there.”
FS 23 Cedric Stone R-SR 5’11” 180
Stone joined the program just prior to the start of the 2020 season after transferring from Georgia State. He took him some time to adjust to his new team and defense, but as the season progressed Stone quickly emerged as a starter He played in 10 games and made five starts while finishing the year with 23 tackles. The Flames are looking for Stone to continue in his progression as one of the top defensive backs on the team.
Safeties Coach Jack Curtis – “He’s a fantastic addition that came in last year as a transfer student. He’s really picked up the defense well. He’s played a lot of snaps now. He’s a leader back there, brings a lot to the table. Great athlete, great cover skills, very, very smart. He’s in tremendous shape. He’s down a little bit in his weight, playing faster.”
S5 Skyler Thomas R-SR 5’10” 185
Another transfer that has joined Liberty’s secondary, Thomas comes to the Flames from Washington State where he was a three-year starter. He’s arguably the fastest player on the defense, and Thomas hopes to make his mark on the team during his only season of eligibility.
Safeties Coach Jack Curtis – “Not only is he fast, when he gets there he can be a really physical player. He loves contact. It’s kind of unusual for a smaller guy that can play that big. We can blitz him, and he’s tough and physical in there. He gets there fast. Anxious to watch him play in some game situations.”
Competition
ROVER 6 Rocket Rahimi SO 6’1″ 185
The coaching staff has spoken very highly of the JUCO transfer Rocket Rahimi since he joined the team in the spring. He’s currently slotted in as Scruggs’ backup at safety and will see some playing time this season.
Safeties Coach Jack Curtis – “Tremendous athlete, very physical, great drop down safety, can play in the box and tackle well. Very physical, closes. He’s got a huge upside. The only thing he’s lacking is a lot of playing time.”
FS 16 Quinton Reese R-FR 6’1″ 185
Reese made his presence known as a true freshman in 2020, most notably with three pass breakups on consecutive plays in overtime of the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina. He played in 11 games, starting one, and has officially made the transition from corner to safety. He is playing behind Cedric Stone and will have plenty of playing time.
Safeties Coach Jack Curtis – “He’s going to be a big time player. We’ve got some older guys, Cedric and Scruggs, have played a little bit and then you’ve got some young guys that are as talented from an athletic standpoint or maybe more so, they just haven’t had playing time to become a whole player. Quinton is a guy that played two positions last year. Now he’s playing nickel and strong safety. He’s a smart guy. His ceiling is extremely high, can’t wait to see how much he’s improved. His work ethic is a lot like Scruggs. He’s out there every day. He loves to work. He loves to play football.”
SS 9 Juawan Treadwell JR 6’1″ 195
Treadwell started nine of 11 games last season after joining the program as a JUCO transfer. He’s now playing behind Skyler Thomas at the linebacker/safety hybrid position.
Safeties Coach Jack Curtis – “Another guy that’s played a lot of football. I think he started every ball game last year, knows what he’s doing.”
SS 17 Benjamin Alexander R-SR 6’1″ 190
Alexander is in his sixth season with the Flames. He’s seen playing time in 45 games during his career, which began as a walk-on. After being primarily a special teams player early in his career, he began to emerge in the secondary over the past couple of seasons. He is currently slotted in on the third team behind Javon Scruggs and Rocket Rahimi.
FS 13 Jaylon Jimmerson SO 6’1″ 200
Jimmerson transferred to Liberty for the spring after beginning his career at Incarnate Word. He was named All-Southland Conference third team and a Freshman All-American during his true freshman season in 2019. Jimmerson was a corner at Incarnate Word and has now made the switch to safety for the Flames. He’s currently on the third team behind Cedric Stone and Quinton Reese.
