As we continue our year-round coverage of Liberty University football, here’s a look at some “Under-the-radar” names that may become “Household” in 2013:
RB DJ Abnar
The fact that Abnar was able to see some time in a crowded backfield in 2012 proves he is one the coaching staff has high hopes for. DJ had 18 carries during his freshman season for 91 yards and 1 touchdown. Abnar also hauled in 4 passes for 22 yards. More notably, he took over kickoff returns for Kevin Fogg after his injury. He averaged 27.5 yards per return and had a long of 83 against Gardner-Webb.
With a year of experience under his belt and Sirchauncey Holloway’s graduation, expect DJ Abnar to become a household name for Liberty Flames Football fans in 2013.
WR Darrin Peterson
5 of Liberty’s top 6 pass receivers from 2012 will not be back in 2013. Obviously, there will be some new names on the receiving end of Josh Woodrum’s passes next year. Peterson is the most likely candidate to step forward. A highly recruited receiver out of Etowah High School in Alabama, Peterson saw limited action in 2012. He finished the season with 4 catches for 60 yards and 1 touchdown.
Leading receiver Pat Kelly is gone, and his backup from 2012, Darrin Peterson, will make his mark in 2013 and become a household name.
TE Peter Gagliardi
Peter Gagliardi entered the 2012 season as the starting tight end. Gagliardi recorded just one catch against Wake Forest before suffering a season ending injury. The 6’2″ 240 lb California native came to Liberty after transferring from Buffalo prior to the 2010 season. He redshirted during his only season with the Bulls in 2009 under Coach Gill. Liberty tight ends saw an increase in receptions under Gill’s new offensive scheme. Tight ends hauled in 25 total receptions and 5 touchdowns in 2012.
Based on the increased work load to tight ends under Turner Gill, a healthy Peter Gagliardi should become a household name in 2013.
OL Cody Gochenouer
Offensive line has clearly been an area of emphasis for the coaching staff this offseason as they have gotten 2 transfers and 5 verbal commits from offensive lineman. One of the transfers is Cody Gochenouer who is coming to Liberty from American River College. Gochenouer will have 2 seasons of eligibility remaining at Liberty.
With his size and experience being key factors, Gochenouer could become a household name to Liberty fans in 2013.
OL Aharown Campbell
Campbell redshirted in 2012, but should be expected to challenge for a starting tackle spot. Jay Weatherington, Aaron Lundy, and Stan Herring are all starting offensive lineman who will have graduated and will not be returning in 2013. This should leave plenty of room for 6’4″ 310lb Campbell to slide into. It wasn’t decided that he would redshirt until after several games had been played in 2012 as he was competing for playing time as a true freshman.
After spending a year at Hargrave Military Academy and another year under “Kill Bill”, Aharown Campbell could become a fixture on Liberty’s offensive line and a household name to all Liberty fans.
DT Jibrille Fewell
Many of you may have already heard of Fewell as he was one of the most notorious individuals Coach Gill brought in prior to the 2012 season. But Fewell’s 2012 season was underwhelming for many. He played in all 11 games while recording 21 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Jibrille and Turner Gill have known each other for a while as he started his career under Gill at Buffalo in 2009. In 2010, Fewell played at South Carolina State, and in 2011 he was at Butte College in California. Going into 2013, Fewell will be expected to start and anchor one of the defensive tackle spots. It shouldn’t be surprising if he ends up a 2013 All Big South Conference performer.
Following the departures of Seniors Greg Schuster and Bryant Lewellyn, expect Jibrille Fewell to become a household name in 2013.
DE Chima Uzowihe
Chima was part of Coach Gill’s first recruiting classes, and he saw some playing time as a true freshman. The only player on the 2012 football roster who hails from Texas saw playing time in 8 contests. He recorded 13 tackles including 4 for loss and 2 sacks. Heading into the Spring, Chima will be the top candidate to replace Demetrius Ward at 1 defensive end spot. During his freshman campaign, he showed flashes of brilliance.
With increased and steady playing time in 2013, Chima Uzowihe will make himself known to both opposing quarterbacks and fans and become a household name.
Great article .. don’t forget about Dallas Griffiths – he was coming on strong before the injury. Liberty could have one of the strongest young LB corps in the country next year ..
Matt
Thanks for your comment. I definitely did not forget Dallas. I thought about him, but thought he was already more of a household name than these listed here.