Q&A with UNA Beat Writer Michael Herbert

Michael Herbert: Well, for starters, you’re right on with the season being completely different. Modified schedules have become the norm for nearly all the FCS teams this fall and it’s no different with UNA. However, it is fair to expect the Lions to look different than they did a season ago. Frankly, UNA did not have a lot of depth last season in their first year playing a full Big South schedule. The coaching staff took a look at what the opponents had in that regard each week and recognized the need for depth, especially up front on both sides of the ball. Now in the third year of a transition to NCAA Division I FCS, the Lions are starting to look the part, having added several transfer offensive and defensive lineman in recruiting and over the offseason. The only question now is how that translates to the game. In the four games UNA has scheduled, the Lions will more than likely be heavy underdogs in each one. So, if anything, this mini schedule is set up for the Lions to continue their assessment as they prepare for the next chance to play Big South games, whether that is in the spring or next fall.

MH: UNA has two quarterbacks on the roster in senior Blake Dever and redshirt sophomore Rett Files who are both expected to play this season. Dever is listed as the starter on the depth chart, but Files will get plenty of opportunities. Both, however, are different quarterbacks than Lopez was. Lopez had a knack for getting out of pass rush situations with his legs and either picking up a first down that way or finding an open receiver down field when the play broke down. These quarterbacks, while they are certainly capable of running if needed, usually don’t have the tendencies to do so. Dever is good in the pocket and has a really strong arm and Files is similar. What you can expect is whichever quarterback is playing well at the time, the Lions will ride the hot hand.

MH: Starting with offense, it’s pretty fair to go with any one of UNA’s four redshirt junior receivers. All of them have big-play capabilities, so singling one or two out isn’t a knock on the others, but Jakobi Byrd is a great at extending plays and picking up yards after catch and Andre Little also has the speed to get open on deep routes. Dexter Boykin is a bigger receiver, so he excels in making plays on the ball in one-on-one situations. Cortez Hall is another really athletic receiver capable of making big runs after the catch. In all, these receivers are definitely the focal point of the offense. Defensively, there are a few names that jump out, especially on the defensive line. Senior defensive end Wallace Cowins Jr. was third on the team in tackles in 2019 and is starting to garner some small buzz as a player who can potentially get looks at the next level. Brodric Martin is a big player in the middle and will be crucial in slowing down opposing running games. Linebackers Will Evans and Christon Taylor are two experienced players that will be important, as well.

MH: To be honest, I’m not sure it provides much of an advantage. I tend to go the other way in this situation, as Liberty is now entering its third game and more than likely has ironed out any early-season adjustments. UNA will likely have a few moments in the game that Lions coaches will identify as places to improve, given it’s the first game after a long layoff. The time to scout is important and a good point, however. UNA will be prepared for this game, no question, but I just think Liberty’s talent level will be too much in the end.

MH: Given that it looks like Malik Willis might be okay to play in this game, he could give the UNA defense fits. I expect the Lions to be better defensively as the season wears on, but it’s a pretty tough matchup for the first game having already seen what Willis can do both running and passing. That being said, I think UNA will be able to put up some points and move the ball with the receiving corps, just not enough to be in a position to win. I think I saw that Liberty is getting 30.5 points on the spread, which makes sense for a game against an FCS team, but I actually think UNA might be able to keep it closer than that.