We continue our position previews during Liberty’s training camp with a look at the tight ends, one of the deepest and most experienced units on the team. This unit brings loads of versatility as a position and to the team. The Flames can go with one tight end that can be utilized as a wide receiver or even bring in three guys to help pound the ball on the ground.
Be sure to check out our previous position previews if you have missed any:
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Offensive line
Tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua – “Aside from the D-Line group, we’re probably one of the deepest groups on our team, and we take pride in that. No matter what it is, if Coach (Freeze) needs one, two, or three tight ends in the game, we’re going to take pride in that and get our job done if our number is called.”
Frontrunner
TE 0 Johnny Huntley R-SR 6’3″ 240
Huntley another one of the super seniors who elected to return for the Flames in 2021. The veteran tight end has grown throughout his time at Liberty into being one of the team leaders. Transferring from Colorado as a wide receiver, Huntley is a valuable weapon for the Flames in the pass game but he’s also able to make an impact as a blocking tight end as well.
Tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua – “It’s amazing to see the transition of Johnny Huntley from year one, to two, to three. He is the leader in our group, he and Jerome Jackson. He has taken that tight end room and has ran with it from the blocking perspective of it to being physical and also being naturally gifted and going out wide. Really happy with his mindset and where his body is now. He’s heavier than he’s been before, but his movement and his speed haven’t changed much.”
Competition
TE 88 Jerome Jackson R-JR 6’3″ 255
Jackson is the perfect compliment to Huntley as he is a blocking first tight end, but don’t say that to Coach Aigamaua as he will quickly correct you and let you know that Jackson can also be a threat as a receiver. Jackson may be one of the most under-appreciated players on Liberty’s football team with his ability to affect the game without always making a huge contribution in the box score.
Tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua – “The development of Jerome in the passing game, his route running, understanding the pass coverage. If Jerome is on the line, we know he’s going to win his blocks, but now he has confidence out wide. He is comfortable out there. That’s good to see..”
TE 12 Trevor Hobbs SR 6’4″ 265
Hobbs was a highly rated transfer out of Golden West College when he joined the Flames prior to the 2020 season, but injuries hampered his production last year. He played in only three games while recording three receptions for 33 yards.
Tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua – “Trevor is the one that I’m really excited about. He is the guy that we thought he was going to be last year before the injuries, COVID and all that, the learning of the system, but to see him where he’s at right now it makes the competition in the room (that much tougher).”
TE 87 Brayden Monday R-FR 6’4″ 240
Monday continues to develop after transitioning from defensive end where he spent his true freshman season with the Flames. With the number of experienced bodies at tight end, it might be another year or two before Monday is able to make a huge contribution on the offensive side of the ball, though it does appear that he has moved up the depth chart to the fourth tight end.
TE 30 Michael Bollinger R-JR 6’1″ 240
Bollinger is one of the more experienced players on Liberty’s roster as he’s played in 32 games during his career. The former fullback transitioned to tight end when Coach Freeze took over the reigns. He provides an experienced and steady performer for Coach Aigamaua.
