We have officially entered the football offseason, and now we can begin our endless speculation on the 2022 version of the Liberty Flames. Here, we’ll look at the way too early projected depth chart for the offense, with the defense and special teams coming next.
Quarterback: Johnathan Bennett (RSo.) | Charlie Brewer (RSr.)
All eyes will be on the quarterback battle this spring and heading into the summer as Liberty looks to replace Malik Willis. Bennett is the veteran who has been in the program for several years without a ton of playing experience. Brewer will be coming in looking to take the starting job for his final year of eligibility. The Flames also have very talented redshirt-freshmen Kaidon Salter and Nate Hampton.
Running Back: TJ Green (RSr.) | Dae Dae Hunter (Jr.) | Shedro Louis (Jr.)
Under Hugh Freeze, the Flames have always resorted to a rotation of running backs. TJ Green and Shedro Louis return while Hawaii transfer Dae Dae Hunter will look to replace Joshua Mack’s production in the room.
Wide Receiver (X): CJ Yarbrough (RSo.) | Treon Sibley (RSo.)
Wide Receiver (Z): Caleb Snead (RSr.) | Noah Frith (RJr.)
Wide Receiver (H): Demario Douglas (RSo.) | CJ Daniels (RSo.)
The wide receiver room will look much different in 2022 than it did in 2021. CJ Yarbrough, who elected to not play football in 2021, is rumored to return to the program in 2022, though not official at this point. Campbell transfer Caleb Snead will likely make an immediate impact, while Demario Douglas was the team’s leading receiver in 2021 with 52 receptions for 701 yards and 6 touchdowns. Noah Frith, CJ Daniels, and Treon Sibley probide some depth while redshirt-freshman Kylen Austin and true freshman Markel Fortenberry will look to contribute.
Tight End: Jerome Jackson (RSr.) | Austin Henderson (RFr.)
Liberty’s tight end room will have to overcome the loss of Johnny Huntley and Trevor Hobbs. Jerome Jackson returns to the unit and provides great leadership. The Flames also return Michael Bollinger and Brayden Monday, while Minnesota transfer Austin Henderson will fight for playing time.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle: Jonathan Graham (RJr.) | Mason Bundy (RFr.)
Left Guard: Jacob Bodden (RSo.) | Chase Mitchell (RSo.)
Center: Cam Reddy (RJr.) | John Kourtis (RJr.)
Right Guard: Brendan Schlittler (RJr.) | Andrew Adair (RFr.)
Right Tackle: Cooper McCaw (RSr.) | Reggie Young (Jr.)
Liberty will have a new offensive line coach in 2022 and will have to replace two starters (Tristan Schultz & Thomas Sargeant) as well as part-time starter in 2021 Damian Bounds. Bodden, Schlittler, and McCaw are all returning starters while Kourtis has played behind Sargeant for the past few seasons. Incoming transfer from Colorado State Cam Reddy will push him for the starting center position while Jonathan Graham and JUCO transfer Reggie Young will factor into the rotation at tackle. The Flames will also likely add another transfer or two on the line prior to the start of the season.
