We have officially entered the football offseason, and now we can begin our endless speculation on the 2022 version of the Liberty Flames. We’ve already taken a look at the offense and here we turn our focus to the defense and special teams.
Defensive End: Durrell Johnson (Sr.) | Aakil Washington (So.)
Defensive End: TreShaun Clark (Jr.) | Stephen Sings V (So.)
Liberty only loses Jayod Sanders from its group of incredibly talented and deep defensive ends. Redshirt-freshman Kaci Seegars will also look to push into the rotation.
Defensive Tackle: Kendy Charles (So.) | Khristian Zachary (So.)
Nose Guard: Henry Chibueze (RJr.) | Chris Boti (So.)
Elijah James and Ralfs Rusins are gone, but the Flames have built up some solid depth on the interior of the line. Chibueze and Charles showed their ability in 2021 while Boti made an impact during his true freshman campaign. We could also see Zachary make the move from end to tackle this season to add more depth. Also keep an eye out for former Auburn transfer Jay Hardy, redshirt-freshman Marquise Brunson, and true freshman Bryce Dixon.
Mike LB: Ahmad Walker (So.) | Tyren Dupree (RJr.)
Will LB: Mike Smith, Jr (Jr.) | Jordan Norwood (Fr.)
Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Scott Symons has moved on to SMU, and he leaves behind a linebacker room without much experience. 2021 starters Rashaad Harding and Storey Jackson are gone, but the Flames have a budding star in Ahmad Walker. Dupree provides some experience while newcomers Mike Smith, Jr. and Jordan Norwood will be needed. Other names to watch include Carl Poole, Jerome Jolly, Jr, and Micah Glaize. Liberty could also add another transfer here before the season.
CB: Chris Megginson (Jr.) | Amarian Williams (RFr.)
CB: Daijahn Anthony (RJr.) | Kobe Singleton (So.)
Anthony emerged in 2021 and will provide some stability alongside Megginson. Williams got some limited playing time as a true freshman and will continue to emerge. The Southern Utah transfer, Kobe Singleton, will provide an additional playmaker while Deon Biggins will look to add depth.
Rover: Javon Scruggs (Sr.) | Rocket Rahimi (RSo.)
Strong Safety: Juawan Treadwell (Sr.) | Jayden Sweeney (Fr.)
Free Safety: Quinton Reese (So.) | Jaylon Jimmerson (Jr.)
Scruggs is the unquestioned leader of the defense and team, as he returns for one more season. Juawan Treadwell will return to the starting lineup after being supplanted by Skyler Thomas in 2021. Reese will be returning from injury and is one of the most talented players of the group. Rahimi and Jimmerson add depth while Sweeney will be able to play immediately.
Kicker: Brayden Beck (So.)
Punter: Aidan Alves (RSr.)
Long Snapper: Austin Mock (RSr.)
Holder: Aidan Alves (RSr.)
Kick Returner: Shedro Louis (Jr.)
Punt Returner: Demario Douglas (RSo.)
Beck supplanted Alex Barbir early in 2021, and he showed he has some potential. A full offseason will help him immensely. The rest of the team’s specialists return.
