The Flames will head into the fall doing their best to cope with the losses of all-conference players, Jacob Hagen and Kenny Scott. There are plenty of young, talented, guys who have done well with their limited opportunities in the past, but it will be all about taking the next step for many of these players, if Liberty is to boast a top defense in the conference.
Strong Safety
Alpha Jalloh
Alpha Jalloh- Jalloh is faced with the task of being Jacob Hagen’s replacement. He was a solid defensive presence when on the field last year, but will need to take his game to a whole new level as a starter in 2015. It did seem that Jalloh made some key strides in the off-season.
Charles Williams- Williams will be a rotation player that should see significant playing time.
Free Safety
Gary Sampson- Sampson was a reliable starter for the Flames last year, ranking sixth on the team in tackles while recording two interceptions. His veteran presence will be key for the defensive backfield.
Cameron Jackson
Corner 1
Justin Guillory- Tied with Wesley Scott for one of the corner spots is Justin Guillory. Guillory emerged from nowhere last season to become an every week starter. Tyrin Holloway looks like he may be squeezing his way into the first team as well, but it isn’t uncommon for the Flames to play a nickel defense, especially against team that like to air it out.
Wes Scott- Scott is one of just a few guys on the defense that has two years of playing experience under his belt. He’s shown us flashes that compel us to believe he can be a shut down corner, and this would be an ideal time for him to take that step. He is listed side by side with Guillory on the depth chart, but he is also listed as the nickel guy, so he may currently may be the odd man out between Holloway and Guillory. Either way, there will certainly be plenty of rotation at corner.
Wes Scott
Chris Turner- Coach Gill has never had a problem with using underclassmen at corner.
Ray Ferguson- Kind of surprising to find him this low on the depth chart. He made an appearance in 13 of 14 games last year.
Corner 2
Tyrin Holloway- I love the progress we’ve seen from Holloway this spring, and it’s paying off for him. Holloway is atop the second corner slot, by himself. Expect Holloway to be in on most snaps and be a likely starter for the Flames.
Tyrin Holloway
Corbin Jackson
T.J. Tillery
Scott, Guillory, Holloway, Jalloh, and Sampson will all be reliable for the Flames next year, but there is no question that someone else will need to emerge. A lack of adequate depth could present some real problems for the Flames down the stretch next year. Not to worry fans though, as Turner Gill has done a good job in previous years of finding underclassmen can contribute right away at defensive back.
