Liberty has still not completed the 2023 football season as the 13-0 Flames prepare to take on Oregon on January 1st in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

Still, December’s national signing day has passed with the Flames officially adding 18 names to the 2024 roster. So, let’s take a way too early look at our projected depth chart for the Flames in 2024:

Note: There is still likely to be some roster movement through the transfer portal throughout the rest of the month of December, with more additions expected during February’s signing period, and another transfer portal window in the spring.

Quarterback: Kaidon Salter
Backup: Trey Lowe

In addition to Salter and Lowe, the Flames also have Nate Hampton, Reese Mooney, and incoming freshman Jayden Bradford on the roster. There will be plenty of competition throughout that group in the spring and into the summer.

Running Back:  (A-Back) Billy Lucas; (B-Back) Quinton Cooley
Backup: Vaughn Blue; Jaimes Jointer, Jr

Everybody returns from the nation’s leading rushing offense in 2023. Talk about depth. Add to these four Victor Venn and true freshman Caden Williams. Sheesh.

Wide Receiver (X): Errol Rogers
Backup: Markel Fortenberry

Wide Receiver (Z): CJ Daniels
Backup: Treon Sibley

Wide Receiver (H): Aaron Bedgood
Backup: Reese Smith

There is certainly room here for a transfer (or two) to come in and make an immediate impact. Bedgood could potentially get an extra year due to a possible medical redshirt. The return of Victor Jones and Reese Smith from injury would certainly help, as well.

Left Tackle: Chase Mitchell
Backup: Jack Tucker

Left Guard: Jordan White
Backup: Brian Hannibal

Center: Aaron Fenimore
Backup: Andrew Johnson

Right Guard: Harrison Hayes
Backup: Cal Grubbs

Right Tackle: Xavior Gray
Backup: Austin Anderson

Everyone returns at tackle, and the Flames should be really good there with plenty of depth. Jordan White is likely to slide over to one of the vacated guard positions while Aaron Fenimore moves up to the first team at center. The right guard spot and the depth at guard is certainly still a work in progress and it would be expected Liberty tries to add at least one more lineman through the portal.

Tight End: Bentley Hanshaw OR Austin Henderson
Back up: Jacob Jenkins OR Bo Burklow

Hanshaw could very well return for another season, though it doesn’t appear that decision has been completely finalized. The Flames also welcome Coastal Carolina transfer Jacob Jenkins who had his waiver denied and had to sit out the 2023 season after his second transfer. The depth is very evident here.

Defensive End: TJ Bush
Backup: Grey Carroll OR Larry Jones, III

Defensive Tackle: Chris Boti
Backup: Jay Hardy

Nose Guard: Bryce Dixon
Backup: Eli Hall

Joker: CJ Bazile
Backup: Bryson Jennings OR Miyon Conaway OR Alvin Williams

The two outside positions are pretty stable from the 2023 season. The interior of the line is much more a work in progress. Chris Boti, Bryce Dixon, and Jay Hardy all return and will help anchor that group. Wake Forest transfer Eli Hall and JUCO transfer Rod Daniels could also factor in here.

Mike: Teylor Jackson
Backup: Kaidon Whidby

Will: Jerome Jolly, Jr.
Backup: Joseph Carter

This is a room that has been a huge focus of the recruiting staff throughout the Class of 2024, including through the portal. The addition of Jackson will provide tremendous depth and experience while Jolly and Carter return to provide some continuity. Expect to see at least one more name added to this room through the portal. This group has the potential to have more depth than we have seen in a while at linebacker for the Flames.

Cornerback: Kobe Singleton
Backup: Dexter Ricks, Jr.

Cornerback: Amarian Williams
Backup: Marquis Bell  OR Joshua Wiggins

All of these names are slated to return for the Flames in 2024. Singleton and Williams have certainly been strong pieces at corner while Ricks, Bell and Wiggins have provided some depth when healthy.

Star: Quinton Reese
Backup: A’Khori Jones

Safety: Brylan Green
Backup: Christian Bodnar

Safety: Eldric Griffin
Backup: Jayden Sweeney

There has been a decent amount of turnover at the safety position, one of the few units on the team that has seen significant change to this point. Quinton Reese returns for one more season and provides plenty of leadership and experience while Brylan Green is now an upperclassman and leader. A’Khori Jones has been a good depth piece his first two years on the team, and he has the potential to have a much larger impact and potentially even a starter. Eldric Griffin is a JUCO transfer who could be an immediate impact performer.

Kicker: Nick Brown
Backup: Brayden Beck

Nick Brown has probably earned the right to at least enter next season as the starter at kicker. We will see if any new names are added for competition.

Punter: Max Morgan

Long Snapper: Austin Turner

Holder: Max Morgan

Kick Returner: Aaron Bedgood

Punt Returner: Brylan Green

All the specialists are slated to return.