Tomorrow is National Signing Day! Here’s an update on where the Flames stand with the Class of 2016.
Verbals
QB Stephen Calvert
With Josh Woodrum graduating and Stephon Masha the only scholarship QB on the roster, the Flames made the position a high priority stating from the outset they wanted to sign 2 quarterbacks. Calvert had a standout senior season leading Carol City into the playoffs. He will join the team in the summer with the intention of competing for the starting job from day 1.
QB Rud Yearick
Yearick chose Liberty over IVY League offers and he has enrolled with the Flames for the Spring semester. Yearick had hand surgery at the conclusion of his senior season, but should be ready to go for spring practice.
RB Mitchell Lewis
Lewis picked up his only Division I offer from Liberty just a couple weeks ago, and he committed shortly thereafter. He seemed to enjoy his official visit this weekend.
Great time visiting Liberty this weekend!! Proud to be committed!? pic.twitter.com/VK0BZWwowq
— Mitchell Lewis (@M_Lewis97) January 31, 2016
WR Antonio Gandy-Golden
The 6’4″ receiver committed to the Flames recently over offers from Elon, Kennesaw State, Mercer, Samford, and Murray State.
Proud and very excited to say that I have committed to Liberty University⚪️???? pic.twitter.com/YJcbDcsVS3 — A. Golden (@tank8298) January 13, 2016
WR Lionell McConnell
McConnell switched his committed from Missouri State to Liberty following his visit this past weekend. The Flames heavily pursued McConnell after David Harvey flipped from Liberty to Nevada in January.
A new chapter in my life just opened up #GoFlames???❕❗️??⚪️ @libertyflames @LibertyFootball @MaxPreps #11 #staytuned pic.twitter.com/2higUdpz1m
— NEW ERA11 (@Lionell11M_) January 31, 2016
OL Damian Bounds, Jr
The Flames have picked up 4 pledges from offensive linemen in the class including Bounds who was named 1st-team All State following the conclusion of his senior season. He visited Lynchburg this past weekend.
OL Aidan Burroughs
Burroughs has been listed at 6’4″ and 275 pounds. The offensive lineman product hails from Norfolk, Nebraska where he attended Catholic High. He visitied Lynchburg this past weekend.
OL Ethan Crawford
Crawford was the first commitment in this class, as he committed back in early June. He also had offers from East Tennessee State, Charleston Southern, and Robert Morris. He visited Lynchburg this past weekend.
NLI has arrived, time to sign that thing in 2 days!!! #16NITELU ?? — Ethan Crawford (@AquinasIrish75) February 1, 2016
OL Julio Lozano
Lozano became the 5th member of the offensive line in the class after committing this past weekend following his official visit.
Its been a journey for me but proud to say im Officially committed Liberty University. All the glory to God.#LU ?? pic.twitter.com/puw9KIFW4x
— Julio Lozano (@Julio_watt97) January 31, 2016
OL Daniel Zapata
The 6’3″, 275 pound Zapata committed to Coach Gill and the Flames over Air Force, Army, Colgate, Robert Morris, and Monmouth. He attends Paramus Catholic in Paramus, New Jersey.
DE Michael Anderson
Anderson committed to the Flames December 15th. Liberty was the only offer for the 6’3″ defensive end product out of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. He visited Lynchburg this past weekend.
It’s official ✊?? #LibertyUniversity pic.twitter.com/Z9Hs5kYCJG — #LibertyFlames (@Mikeeeee15) January 31, 2016
DL DeCarlo Hamilton
Hamilton chose Liberty over Southeast Missouri State and Florida A&M. At 6’4″ and over 300 pounds, he could play on either side of the line, but will begin his career on the defensive line. Hamilton picked up an offer from UNC Charlotte recently. It doesn’t appear he ever visited UNCC, and he says he is still committed to Liberty and will be signing with the Flames.
LB Korell Evans
Evans committed to the Flames in December after being offered by Coach Gill in November. Evans is from Hallandale, Florida. He visited Lynchburg this past weekend.
Had A Great Time On My Visit At Liberty University #16NITELU ????????✈ pic.twitter.com/PXoLZm1z7O
— LayLow (@VibedUp_) January 31, 2016
DB Jimmy Faulks, Jr
Faulks committed to Liberty in August over reported offers from Florida International, Pittsburgh, and Western Kentucky. He first landed on the coaching staff’s radar as part of the team that won the 7-on-7 tournament at Liberty last July.
Got my NLI today ? — JIMMY FAULKS JR. (@PICKSIX_6) February 1, 2016
S Ceneca Espinoza, Jr
Espinoza committed following his official visit this past weekend. The Flames began looking for another safety to add to the class after Jalen Camp committed to Georgia Tech.
Proud and blessed to say I am now committed to Liberty University! ? #16NiteLU pic.twitter.com/p8ahJy5sBU
— ⚡️Ceneca⚡️ (@SavvySixx) January 31, 2016
S Solomon McGinty (JUCO)
McGinty is a veteran defensive back who has 2 years of eligibility remaining. He is from Texas where he spent 3 seasons at Tyler Junior College including 1 year as a medical redshirt. McGinty is on campus and enrolled for the Spring semester
S Brandon Tillmon
Tillmon is expected to be a 2-sport star at Liberty, playing both football and baseball. Following a successful senior season, Tillmon was named to the All-State team.
K Alex Probert
As the Flames look to find a replacement for John Lunsford, they have picked up a commitment from Probert who recently picked up 3 stars from ESPN. Probert visited Lynchburg this past weekend.
Pending Offers
ATH Matthew Martin
Martin has offers from Liberty and Coastal Carolina. It’s been very quiet on his front and we have no confirmation of him visiting Liberty. I don’t expect to see his name mentioned as one signing with Liberty on Wednesday.
RB Theo Anderson
Anderson has picked up offers from several FBS schools, but he still says he is considering the Flames. He never took an official to Liberty, so it would be a major surprise if he signs with the Flames.
RB Kevon Hudson
He has reported offers from Liberty and Charlotte, and had a standout senior season coming off a knee injury. There’s no information suggesting the Flames and Hudson have had any recent discussions.
Off the board
ATH Isaiah Perez
Perez is a running back from Refugio, Texas. His only reported offer is from Liberty, but there hasn’t been any discussion from Liberty recently.
WR Deshon Cowling
Liberty backed off Cowling at some point since offering him.
WR Jacquez Payton
The Flames must have backed off Payton at some point. He took a visit to Jacksonville State recently, but no word of a commitment yet.
DB Khris Pam
Pam will announced his decision today from a final 3 of Western Carolina, Presbyterian, and Charleston Southern.
S Torrian Hampton
He recently committed to Bowling Green.
Stay tuned to LibertyFlamesNation.com throughout the week as we bring you full coverage of National Signing Day 2016. We will have a live running blog which is continually updated throughout the day on Wednesday as the NLI’s arrive as well as other special features.
Michigan has a signing day celebration with a number of honored guests. This year its former QB Tom Brady, and former Baseball recruit Derek Jeter. Who’s on Liberty’s docket?