We continue to countdown towards the 2023 football season where Liberty will make its debut in Conference USA and under new head coach Jamey Chadwell all while looking to make it back to a 5th straight bowl game.
This year’s team brings many questions with it as is expected with a new coaching staff, but also with approximately 50% roster turnover through graduation, the transfer portal, and other departures. Setting out to rank the top 30 players on the team is an arduous task any time, but even more so entering the 2023 campaign for the Flames.
We are certain to miss on some of these players’ rankings with so many changes from the 2022 season to this year.
Be sure to check out our previous ranking of #30-21 as we continue today with our ranking of players #20-11.
20. Amarian Williams
Williams is a talented corner who has been able to ease his way onto the field in certain situations early in his career. That will change this season as the Flames will look to him to help the team offset some big losses to the portal.
19. Jay Hardy
Hardy was a key reserve on Liberty’s defensive line last year. Now, he has the potential to step into a starting role and will certainly be counted on to be a valuable piece.
18. Aakil Washington
Washington was one of Liberty’s top pass rushing specialists a couple years ago. Then, he transitioned to linebacker and had some difficulty at his new position in 2022. Washington certainly has the talent to be one of the most productive players on the team. Will he settle into his new home at linebacker or perhaps switch back to defensive end?
17. Bryce Dixon
Coming in as a true freshman a year ago, the previous coaching staff was enamored with Dixon. He was buried on the depth chart a bit last season behind several veterans on the interior of the defensive line. Many of those names and pieces are now gone and Dixon will have a change to emerge.
16. Kaidon Salter
Ranking Liberty’s quarterbacks is very difficult. Take Kaidon Salter, for example. He has the potential to vault to the top of the list for next season if he can put it all together. The talent is there, no question. Can he adjust to the new offense while also being more consistent in 2023?
15. Johnathan Bennett
The Flames really need a quarterback to emerge as the starter and get away from the revolving door at the position. Bennett certainly has the potential and the tools to take that step. Perhaps a new system and change of coaching voices will help that process.
14. Vaughn Blue
Everyone was ranting and raving about Blue’s ability during the spring despite the fact that he should have still be in high school. There is a lot of depth in the running back room, but Blue should be able to prove his worth and see plenty of playing time.
13. Kobe Singleton
The Flames will need the former Southern Utah corner to step up and provide consistency this season. With the loss of a couple of key pieces at the position to the portal, Singleton is the most known commodity. He has the potential to be a shutdown corner.
12. Tyren Dupree
Dupree has been the forgotten man for the Flames at linebacker for much of his career, but he has been a reliable and steady member of the defense. This year, we could see him slide into a much more visible role as he will fight for playing time. He is the most experienced linebacker on Liberty’s roster after being in the program for several years.
11. Xavior Gray
Gray was a starter at Akron before entering the portal, and Liberty will look to him to help solidify the offensive line this season. He has the length and experience, and Liberty hopes he slides in as the starting left tackle.
