Now that Toby Onyechi and Dominique Davis have gone on to graduate, the Flames will have some big shoes to fill along the defensive line. Fortunately, the Flames have experienced upperclassmen to step in and replace their graduating seniors. The performance of these new starters will be critical for Liberty as they attempt to return as the Big South’s most disruptive defensive line in 2015.
Defensive End
1. Erwin Dessources (Jr., 6-1, 235)
Dessources makes the jump from playing backup to Chima Uzowihe to earning a starting spot on the left side of the line. Erwin collected 17 tackles and 0.5 sacks playing a limited number of snaps in 2014. Despite the lack of playing time, Dessources looked especially sharp towards the end of the season and should be a player to watch this fall.
2. Dia’Vante Brown (Soph., 6-2, 240)
As a freshman, Brown found his way into 11 games as a freshman. Additional reps this season will allow him to continue his development.
Defensive Tackle
1. Nolan Spicer (Sr., 6-3, 270)
Spicer moves from the backup nose guard spot to start at defensive tackle for the Flames. The rising senior ended his 2014 campaign with 21 tackles, 9 unassisted. Look for Spicer to step and become a leader on this defense.
2. Javon Majors (R-Fr., 6-3. 280)
After a solid spring, this red shirt freshman has found himself in the back-up spot. Majors will have plenty of opportunities within the rotation to show he is ready to contribute for the Flames.
3. Marc Wilson (Soph., 6-3, 245)
Nose Guard
1. JaRon Greene (Jr., 6-2, 310)
After losing Toby Onyechi and Dominique Davis to graduation, the Flames will need JaRon Green to provide veteran leadership along the defensive line. Green started all 14 games at nose guard last season for Liberty, recording 29 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Jr. DT JaRon Greene
2. Gerald Holt (Jr., 6-3, 295)
The rising junior played in 10 games last season for Liberty and recorded 7 tackles in 2014.
3. Spencer Cook (Soph., 6-1, 285)
Rising sophomore Spencer Cook got his first taste of collegiate football last season as a red-shirt freshman, playing in 6 games and recording 2 assisted tackles for the Flames.
4. Williams Fiordelise (R-Fresh., 6-3, 275)
Right End
1. Chima Uzowihe (Sr., 6-2, 250)
Flames fans have Chima to thank for their first trip to the post season.
Sr. RE Chima Uzowihe
An unlikely field goal block on a 23 yard attempt preserved a Liberty victory over Coastal in Conway. In addition to making one of the biggest plays in program history, Chima provided consistent play for the Flames last season, recording 42 tackles and 8 sacks. The Flames can expect another dominant season from Uzowihe on the line.
2. Tolen Avery (R-Fresh., 6-4, 235)
Avery had an especially impressive spring and looks to be ready to contribute for the Flames. Expect to see this red-shirt freshman getting some snaps in the rotation.
3. Dane Dabney (R-Fresh., 6-0, 265)
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