On Saturday, Liberty fans will be able to get their first look at the 2023 football team under new head coach Jamey Chadwell. The Flames will hold their 15th and final practice of the spring with the annual spring game on Saturday, April 15 at Williams Stadium. The event is free to the public. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. with the scrimmage set to begin at 1:30 p.m.
As Liberty prepares to enter Conference USA this coming season, there are several things fans can keep an eye on during the spring game, here are our top three:
NEW OFFENSE
The most notable thing fans will pick up during Saturday’s scrimmage is the new look offense. No longer with the Flames be in a traditional, pro-style type offense. Instead, Coach Chadwell and his staff have implemented an offense with a base in the triple option, but don’t assume that means Liberty won’t pass the ball.
There will be a lot more two-back sets (though maybe not as frequently on Saturday due to some injuries at running back), some option plays, and more short passes than Liberty fans have become accustomed due in previous seasons.
It is still very much a work in progress as 15 practices during the spring is not enough time to have the full offense installed and for the players to have a full mastery of it. Still, the scrimmage will give us all a good feel for what this offense will look like this fall.
QUARTERBACK BATTLE
For a second straight year and third time in four seasons, there is a full quarterback battle going on this spring. Johnathan Bennett, Kaidon Salter, and Nate Hampton are the returners while Trey Lowe is the newcomer as he transfers in from Southern Miss.
The majority of the first half of spring ball, we saw Bennett get the bulk of the first team reps during the open period of practice for the media with Salter and Lowe mixing in behind him. As we moved toward the last week or two of the spring, we have seen Salter get more first team reps. How will the reps break down Saturday?
NEWCOMERS ALL OVER THE FIELD
In addition to the new coaches and new look offensive system, there will also be several newcomers making their debut in front of fans on Saturday. Also, some younger faces that may not be as common could also begin to emerge.
On the defensive line, true freshman TJ Bush has emerged on the two-deep and could even be with the first group at defensive end Saturday. At 6’3″, 250 pounds, he won’t look like someone who should still be in high school on the football field. JUCO transfer defensive tackle Tysheik Galloway is another name to watch while sophomore CJ Bazile is also pushing for a starting role.
Kaci Seegars and Jerome Jolly could be familiar names but their roles at linebacker have increased significantly during the spring. JUCO transfer Marquis Bell and Coastal Carolina transfer Elijah Hopkins will also be in the mix at corner while Louisiana transfer Brandon Bishop could end up as a starting safety.
On the offensive side of the ball, we’ve already mentioned doctoral candidate Tre Lowe at quarterback. The running back room has had a complete makeover with Wake Forest transfer Quinton Cooley and Arkansas transfer James Jointer also being joined on the roster this spring by true freshman Vaughn Blue.
Reese Smith (West Virginia) and Errol Rogers (Louisiana) will be counted on at wide receiver. At that position, we have also seen Kylen Austin emerge this spring. He was recruited out of high school by the previous staff but has not had much playing time during the beginning of his career with the Flames. Another Coastal Carolina transfer, Jacob Jenkins will be in the mix at tight end.
WVU transfer Jordan White has been working with the first team offensive line at center throughout the spring. Whether he ends up starting there or at guard, White will certainly be on the field plenty this coming fall. True freshman Aaron Fenimore could also break into the two-deep on the line as a backup center and/or guard.
