Hopefully you caught the 1st part of this 2-part series yesterday on the defense. Today we look at the top position battles on the offensive side of the ball.
2nd-string QB
After preseason all-conference quarterback Josh Woodrum, the Flames don’t have one quarterback who has played a single snap of college football. Redshirt freshman Javan Shashaty and true freshman Stephon Masha are the main two competitors to back Woodrum up.
Shashaty came to Liberty a season ago as a preferred walk-on and redshirted. This season he hopes to be named Woodrum’s backup. Shashaty owns all sort of Florida high school passing yards after throwing for more than 10,000 yards during his 4 year career at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Masha is a 6’1″ 195 pound quarterback out of South Cobb High School in Austell, Georgia. His senior season at Cobb he threw for more than 2,000 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 13 rushing touchdowns.
Prediction: Shashaty is good enough to be Woodrum’s backup in order to save a year of eligibility for Masha as he adapts to the college game. If Woodrum is to miss any significant time, expect Masha’s redshirt to be burned.
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| #26 Desmond Rice hopes to emerge as starting RB on 8/29 |
Running Back
One of the more high profile position battles is that of starting running back. After Aldreakis Allen’s suspension, the offense’s strength suddenly turned into a huge question mark. Desmond Rice and Clifton Richardson are the top two challengers for the starting spot.
Rice is a 5’8″ 195 pound junior who played his high school ball at Liberty Christian Academy. He has seen a solid amount of playing time in his first 2 seasons totaling nearly 200 yards on 46 carries. The biggest question surrounding Rice is whether or not he can be an every down back.
One of the most hyped transfers in recent memory, Richardson comes to Liberty following two seasons at Virginia. He totaled 425 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns during his time playing for the Cavaliers. Coming out of high school in Newport News, Virginia, Richardson was a top 100 prospect. Can Richardson live up to the hype?
Prediction: Rice is the opening day starter, but he and Richardson will both have ample opportunities as they are platooned to begin the season. Also, don’t rule out the return of Aldreakis Allen.
Wide Receiver
After the loss of Pat Kelly, Ryan Ferguson, and Elliott Dutra, questions have emerged surrounding the 2013 crop of receivers. Which receivers will settle into the weekly rotation, and who will emerge as the go to man?
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| Can Darrin Peterson emerge as a go-to receiver? |
Darrin Peterson, Dante Shells, and Gabe Henderson are all currently listed as starting wide receivers with Jaquan Glover, Damarcus Faison, and Greg Pratt their backups. Certainly the coaching staff hopes to have this group slimmed down to 4 or 5 guys as the top wideouts by August 29th. This group, while talented, combined for just 16 catches for 184 yards in 2012.
Prediction: Peterson, Shells, and Henderson are likely to remain part of the top 5 receivers, and Glover’s experience should give him an edge over his competition. But don’t be surprised to see running back D.J. Abnar and tight end Brandon Apon included in the 4 and 5 wide packages.
