Six Liberty football players who have boosted their stock during spring practice

With 15 practices in the books, Liberty players have taken enough reps to show off how they’ve improved since last year, enhanced their value to the team, or made a positive first impression.

Here are six Liberty players that have seen their stock increase during spring practice:

WR KYLEN AUSTIN

Austin has gone from nearly an afterthought at wide receiver to possibly pushing for a starting role this fall. After redshirting last year, Austin showed during the spring that he has the skill set needed to make an impact at the position this fall. He’s still young and has to work on improving his route running, but he has the speed to create some separation and make some plays.

RB VAUGHN BLUE

We’ve talked about Blue a little bit this spring, but he has to be included on this list. We have seen his stock improve from a likely redshirt candidate to someone who will see plenty of time on the field and could even lead the team in rushing this season.

DE TJ BUSH

With the losses of Durrell Johnson and TreShaun Clark, true freshman TJ Bush had an opportunity to impress the coaching staff and he did just that. There is a possibility the Flames are able to add a defensive end through the portal this spring, but even still Bush looks to be a key contributor to the team this fall.

TE BENTLEY HANSHAW

There were nearly more passing completions to a tight end during Saturday’s spring game than we saw all of last season (kidding, kinda). Bentley Hanshaw was the top benefactor of that increased work load, even getting into the end zone. A veteran and former transfer from BYU, Hanshaw could become a key weapon in Liberty’s offense in 2023.

LB JEROME JOLLY

Jolly has been a key member of Liberty’s special teams units the past couple of seasons, but this spring he made a big impact at linebacker. With some losses in the portal since the end of the 2022 season, Jolly had the opportunity and stepped right into what could be a big role in 2023.

OL CHASE MITCHELL

Mitchell was named the most improved player on the offensive line during the spring and deservedly so. With X’Zauvea Gadlin sidelined due to an injury, Mitchell got a lot of reps with the first team at right tackle during the spring. When Gadlin returns, Mitchell is likely to move back to the second team, but he has a lot more reps under his belt that should help the Flames with their depth at the offensive line this season.