Player Profiles

53

ANDREW ADAIR

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-4, 310, SO. KETTLE RUN HS WARRENTON, VA.

2021 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring practice workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Kettle Run High School in Nokesville, Va. • Two-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com • Also received offers from Baylor, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, James

Madison, Kent State, Lehigh, Monmouth, Richmond, Tennessee and Tulane

PERSONAL:

• Son of Cherie and Brian Adair • Exercise Science major • Birthday is on Dec. 6

17

BENJAMIN ALEXANDER

SAFETY 6-1, 185, R-SR. PENNS VALLEY HS SPRING MILLS, PA.

2020 (R-SR.):

• Saw playing in time in all 11 games, starting the first two games of the season • Finished the season with 19 tackles (11 solo, nine assisted) • Opened the year with a season-best seven tackles at Western Kentucky, including four solo stops • Two solo stops in a home win over FIU • Helped the Flames secure their first-ever win over a ACC program by recording a solo tackle in a road win at Syracuse • Solo stop and a fumble recovery during Liberty’s road victory at Virginia

Tech • Helped Liberty capture its second Cure Bowl victory, recording an assisted tackle during Liberty’s upset win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina

2019 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in 12 of 13 games this season, starting the last two games of the season • Finished the season with 19 tackles (nine solo, 10 assisted) • Saw a significant amount of playing time as part of Liberty’s special teams units • Finished with a pair of tackles at UMass • Also added single tackles against Louisiana, Hampton and Maine • Got his first career start during the regular season finale against New

Mexico State, finishing the contest with six tackles (three solo, three assisted) • Had a career game during Liberty’s win over Georgia Southern in the

FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl • Finished the Cure Bowl with a career-best eight tackles, including five solo, and two pass breakups

2018 (R-SO.):

• Named Liberty’s Special Teams Player of the Week after the Norfolk

State game • Played in all 12 games • Finished the season with nine tackles (five solo, four assisted) • Recorded a single tackle against Old Dominion, North Texas, Troy, Virginia and Auburn • Two tackles (one solo, one assisted) during Liberty’s home victory over New

Mexico State • Finished the season with two tackles against Norfolk State (one solo, one assisted)

2017 (R-FR.):

• Named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll • Saw playing time in 10 of 11 games • Finished the season with six tackles (four solo, two assisted) • Recorded a pair of tackles against St. Francis (Pa.) and Duquesne • Recovered a fumble during Liberty’s win against Indiana State • Member of the Flames’ special teams units

2016 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduated from Penns Valley High School • Competed for four seasons at Penns Valley High School • Named WHVL MVP as a senior, amassing 492 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns, two interception returns for touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns • Set school and county records as a junior with 384 rushing yards and six total touchdowns in one game • Totaled 775 passing yards, 799 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns and 137 receiving yards during junior season

PERSONAL:

• Son of Raymond and Joleen Alexander • Cousin, Emma Weakland, played volleyball at Winthrop • Cousin, Mark Weakland, played football at The Citadel • Cousin, Josh Weakland, played football at Slippery Rock • Cousin, Alex Weakland, played women’s basketball at Shepherd • Graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration • Currently working on his MBA • Birthday is May 8

46

AIDAN ALVES

PUNTER 6-1, 220, R-JR. NORTHERN YORK HS DILLSBURG, PA.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Liberty’s starting punter for all 11 games • Finished the year averaging a career-best 41.8 yards per punt (26 punts for 1,088 yards) • Recorded six punts of 50 or more yards and eight inside the opponent’s 20-yard line • Averaged 40 or more yards per punt in six of Liberty’s 11 games • Averaged a season-best 48.0 yards per punt against North Alabama, including a season-long punt of 56 yards • Two out of three punts landed inside the 20-yard line against ULM where he averaged 42.0 yards per punt • Averaged 43.2 yards per punt during Liberty’s road win over Syracuse • Averaged 44.0 yards per punt to help the Flames upend in-state foe Virginia

Tech, including a 51 yard punt • Finished the NC State game averaging 45.8 yards per punt, including a pair of 50-plus yard punts

2019 (R-SO.):

• 2019 Ray Guy Award watch list member • Liberty’s starting punter for all 13 games • Averaged more than 4.0 yards per punt longer than his freshman season (37.0 average in 2018; 41.6 average in 2019)

• Averaged 40 or more yards per punt in nine games, including eight of the last 10 games • Nine 50-plus yard punts, including a pair of 70-yard punts • 11 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line • Five punts for an average of 48.0 yards per punt at New Mexico State • Averaged a season-best 49.0 yards per punt at BYU, including three 50plus yard punts • Also added two tackles, both solo stops, during the first two games of the season

2018 (R-FR.):

• Liberty’s starting punter for all 12 games • Finished the season averaging 37.0 yards per punt (68 punts for 2,444 yards) • Placed 23 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line • Seven 50-yard punts • Five games averaging 40.0 yards or more per punt • Finished the New Mexico game averaging 41.7 yards per punt, including 3-of-7 punts inside the 20-yard line • Averaged 38.6 yards per punt during Liberty’s road game at New Mexico

State, with 4-of-7 punts landing inside the 20-yard line • Named Liberty’s Special Teams Player of the Week after the Idaho

State game • Had five punts against Idaho State, averaging 45.2 yards per punt and placed 3-of-5 punts inside the 20-yard line • Named Liberty’s Special Teams Player of the Week after the UMass game • Averaged 43.0 yards per punt at UMass and placed 3-of-6 punts inside the 20-yard line • Two punts for an average of 44.5 yards per punt at Virginia • Seven punts for 282 yards at Auburn, averaging 40.3 yards per punt

2017 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduated from Northern York High School • Four-year varsity letterwinner • Earned all-conference honors as a kicker and punter during his senior year • All-Sentinel first-team kicker and punter as a senior • Named to four different all-state teams during his senior year • Kicked the game-winning field goal to knock off a previously undefeated team and send Northern York into the playoffs as a senior • Also played soccer and lacrosse during high school

PERSONAL:

• Son of Jennifer and Steven Alves • Business major • Birthday is May 22

22

DAIJAHN ANTHONY

CORNERBACK 6-1, 185, R-SO. HERMITAGE HS (SHEPHERD) RICHMOND, VA.

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va. • Saw playing time in 10 games during the 2019 season, including five starts • Finished the season with 14 tackles, including 13 solo stops • Added two interceptions (19 return yards) and three pass breakups

PREP:

• Graduated from Hermitage High School in Henrico, Va. • All-Region honoree • All-Star game participant • Had seven interceptions and three touchdowns during his high school career

PERSONAL:

• Son of Virginia Pair • Sociology major • Birthday is Sept. 9

80

KYLEN AUSTIN

WIDE RECEIVER 6-1, 175, FR. ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL BALTIMORE, MD.

2021 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from St. Paul’s School for Boys in Brooklandville, Md., in

December • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com • Also received offers from 30 total schools, including Army, Columbia,

Dartmouth, East Carolina, Georgetown, Harvard, Kent State, Marshall,

Navy, Princeton, Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary and

Yale • First-team All-MIAA honoree • Finished his junior season with 33 receptions for 563 yards and nine touchdowns • Recorded 1,231 all-purpose yards during his junior year, including a punt return for a touchdown • Finished his senior year with 20 receptions for 250 yards and three touchdowns • Also added two interceptions during his senior year

PERSONAL:

• Son of Monica Jenifer and Kyle Austin • Business Administration major • Birthday is Jan. 12

18

ISAIAH AVERY

CORNERBACK 6-1, 185, JR. ANTIOCH HS (CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO) ANTIOCH, CALIF.

2020 (JR.):

• Saw playing time in four games during the season • Played in a reserve role against Virginia Tech, Western Carolina, NC State and UMass

2019 (SO):

• Saw playing time in 10 of Liberty’s 13 games • Finished his first season at Liberty with 10 tackles, including nine solo stops • Recorded his first tackle as a Flame during Liberty’s home victory over

Buffalo • Finished the Hampton game with a season-best five tackles, all solo stops • Two solo tackles during a win over New Mexico, while adding a pass breakup • Two tackles during a road win at New Mexico State (one solo, one assisted) • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2019 workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from City College of San Francisco in San

Francisco, Calif.

• Played in 10 games in 2018, helping the Rams to a 7-4 record and a trip to the Golden State Bowl • Finished the season with 32 tackles (27 solo, five assisted) • Led the team with six pass breakups • Returned an interception 83 yards for a touchdown

PREP:

• Graduated from Antioch High School in Antioch, Calif. • Finished his junior and senior seasons with a combined five interceptions

PERSONAL:

• Son of Lisa and Vernon Avery • Birthday is November 21 • Computer Science major

95

ALEX BARBIR

KICKER 5-10, 210, SR. SOUTH FORSYTH HS (PENN STATE) ALPHARETTA, GA.

2020 (JR.):

• Starting kicker for all 11 games • VaSID All-State second team honoree • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team • Led the Flames with 89 points scored • Ranked No. 27 in the country in total points • Ranked No. 44 in the country in field goals per game (1.18) • Finished the season connecting on 13-of-20 field goal attempts (65.0 percent) • Connected on two game winning field goals during his first year at

Liberty • Knocked down a 51-yard field goal with one second left in regulation to secure Liberty’s first-ever win at Virginia Tech • Connected on a 44-yard field goal in overtime to help Liberty defeat No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl • Also finished the season 50-of-52 on point after attempts • Averaged 58.9 yards per kickoff (78 kickoffs for 4,597 yards) • 25 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks • Scored eight or more points in five games • Connected on a season-high three field goals in a win over FIU • Scored a season-high 10 points against Western Carolina

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Penn State • Redshirted during the 2016 season • Saw playing time against Akron, Georgia State and Maryland during the 2017 season • Finished the season with six kickoffs for 367 yards, averaging 61.7 yards per kickoff • Transferred to Liberty following the 2017 season, but did not play football with the Flames during the 2018 and 2019 seasons

PREP:

• Graduated from South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Ga. • Four-year letterman at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Ga. • Helped the War Eagles reach state elite eight as a senior • Converted 14-of-19 field goal attempts during junior and senior seasons • Had 125-of-140 kickoff attempts go for touchbacks during his junior and senior years • Two-time all-state selection • Three-time all-county and All-Region 6 selection • Converted on a school-record 56-yard field goal in his junior year • Played in Elite Jr. Classic and Offense-Defense All-American Bowl • Rated a three-star prospect by all four major recruiting services - ESPN,

Rivals, Scout and 247Sports • At kicker nationally, ranked seventh by 247Sports, No. 15 by ESPN and

No. 17 by Scout • Ranked as the second-best kicker in the state of Georgia and sixth-best in the south by Scout • Also earned one letter each in track and soccer

PERSONAL:

• Son of Hope and Daniel Barbir • Birthday is August 17 • Business Management major

60

GAGE BASSHAM

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-3, 305, R-FR. LORD BOTETOURT HS ABINGDON, VA.

2020 (FR.):

• Redshirted • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Lord Botetourt High School • Four-year starter at Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, Va. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from ETSU, Marshall and Old Dominion • District Lineman of the Year • First-team all-district • First-team all-region • First-team all-state • 2019 Blue Ridge District Champions • 2019 Region 3D Champions • Helped his team to the 2019 state championship game played at Liberty’s

Williams Stadium

PERSONAL:

• Son of Deborah and Mark Bassham • Birthday is on October 7 • Criminal Justice major

11

JOHNATHAN BENNETT

QUARTERBACK 6-0, 225, R-FR. SUMMERVILLE HS SUMMERVILLE, S.C.

2019 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in four games • Finished the season completing 4-of-5 pass attempts for 77 yards and a touchdown • Completed 3-of-4 passing attempts for 43 yards against North Alabama • Had his first career touchdown pass against North Alabama (five yards to

Chris Barrett) • Completed a 34-yard passing attempt against ULM

2018 (FR.):

• Saw playing time during Liberty’s first two games of the season • Redshirted after suffering a season-ending injury during Liberty’s game against Hampton • Completed 2-of-5 passing attempts for 11 yards • Completed passing attempts against No. 22 Syracuse (four yards) and

Louisiana (seven yards) • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2019 spring football workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Summerville High School in December • Also received offers from Appalachian State, Campbell, Charlotte,

Coastal Carolina, The Citadel, Gardner-Webb, and Old Dominion • Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com • Low Country Player of the Year and Region 8 5A Player of the Year as a senior • Finished his final season at Summerville High School throwing for 2,120 yards, completing 127-of-207 pass attempts for 33 touchdowns • Also rushed for 18 touchdowns and 614 yards • First-team all-region selection as a senior, guiding his team to a regional title

PERSONAL:

• Son of Kim Bennett • Birthday is on June 15 • Criminal Justice major

14

DEON BIGGINS

CORNERBACK 6-1, 170, R-FR. HORN LAKE HS HORN LAKE, MISS.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in nine games as a true freshman • Member of Liberty’s special teams units • Recorded his first career tackle against Southern Miss

PREP:

• Graduated from Horn Lake High School in Horn Lake, Miss. • Also received offers from Austin Peay, Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana

Tech • Fastest Man 4.35 Forty Time • Finished his senior season with three interceptions and seven pass breakups • Helped lead Horn Lake to the 2018 6A State Championship

PERSONAL:

• Son of Yolanda Hassell Rooks and Charlie Biggins • Business Administration major

64

JACOB BODDEN

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-5, 320, R-SO. HOOVER HS HOOVER, ALA.

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games • Started four games, including the last three games of the season at left guard • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense • Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns

2019 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in two games against Hampton and Virginia • Helped the Flames record 39 pancake blocks during the season • Was part of an offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Calvert finish his career as Liberty’s all-time leader in career passing yards (12,025) and touchdowns (93) • Liberty’s offensive line allowed Calvert to post the longest streak in the country among FBS quarterbacks by completing 295 passing attempts without an interception in 2019. • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 21 nationally in passing yards per game (288.9) • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 32 in total offensive yards per game (439.4) • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,041 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,396 receiving yards) 2018 (FR.): • Redshirted after seeing playing time in two games (Auburn and

Norfolk State)

PREP:

• Graduated from Hoover High School • Signed with the Flames during the December signing period • Named a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com • Received offers from Eastern Kentucky, Mercer, Samford and Southeast

Missouri State • Hoover High School’s offense rushed for more than 3,000 yards during his senior year • The Buccaneers averaged 38 points per game and 6.5 yards per rushing attempt during his senior campaign • Coaching staff graded his average season performance as a senior at 92 percent • Started 28 career games at Hoover High School, helping the powerhouse program to state titles in 2016 and 2017

PERSONAL:

• Son of Mindy and Mark Bodden • Birthday is on Jan. 5 • Sport Management major

30

MICHAEL BOLLINGER

TIGHT END 6-0, 240, R-JR. BOILING SPRINGS JS SPARTANBURG, S.C.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in nine of Liberty’s 11 games • Recorded a 13-yard touchdown reception against UMass • Helped the Flames to win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC

Mortgage Cure Bowl, finishing the game with a four-yard rushing attempt • Also recorded a 10-yard kickoff return during Liberty’s season-opening road win at Western Kentucky

2019 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time during the first three games of the season • Redshirted after suffering a season-ending injury • Caught a 19-yard touchdown pass during Liberty’s home victory over

Buffalo • Started the game against Buffalo

2018 (SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 12 games • Started the final two games of the season • Finished the season with three tackles as a part of the special teams units • Also had three kickoff returns for 34 yards • Caught his first career touchdown for 18 yards in the Flames’ season finale against Norfolk State

2017 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in six games, including four of Liberty’s five

Big South contests • Named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll

PREP:

• Graduated from Boiling Springs High School • Three-year letter winner at Boiling Springs • Two-time all-region selection

• All-state selection as a senior, finishing the year with 75 receptions for 1,050 yards and 15 touchdowns • Named to the All-Area Academic team • Earned all-region and all-state honors as a baseball player • Named to the North/South All-Star team as a senior after finishing the year with a .405 batting average, 19 doubles and 10 home runs

PERSONAL:

• Son of Lisa and David Bollinger • Social Sciences major • Birthday is June 10

59

DAMIAN BOUNDS

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-1, 290, R-SR. STOCKBRIDGE HS ELLENWOOD, GA.

2020 (R-SR.):

• Played in 10 games, starting eight contests at left guard • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense • Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns

2019 (R-JR.):

• Started all 13 games at left guard • Graded out at 88.7 percent in 2019 • Helped the Flames record 39 pancake blocks during the season • Was part of an offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Calvert finish his career as Liberty’s all-time leader in career passing yards (12,025) and touchdowns (93) • Liberty’s offensive line allowed Calvert to post the longest streak in the country among FBS quarterbacks by completing 295 passing attempts without an interception in 2019 • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 21 nationally in passing yards per game (288.9) • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 32 in total offensive yards per game (439.4) • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,041 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,396 receiving yards)

2018 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in the first 10 games of the season, serving in a backup role at center • Helped Liberty finish the season averaging 261.5 passing yards per game, which would have ranked No. 33 in the country if the Flames were eligible for the FBS national rankings (not eligible due to FBS transition process) • The Flames allowed 21 sacks during the season, which would have ranked No. 39 in the country • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,032 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,037 receiving yards) • Allowed quarterback Buckshot Calvert to throw for 3,068 yards and 21 touchdowns, helping him become the program’s all-time career leader in passing touchdowns during the season

2017 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in nine of Liberty’s 11 games, mostly at left guard • Helped protect quarterback Buckshot Calvert, allowing the sophomore

to set a school record in passing yards (3,363), completions (257), and touchdowns (29) • If Liberty’s offense was eligible for FCS national rankings (not eligible due to FBS transition process), the Flames would have ranked No. 12 in total offense (449.2 yards per game) and No. 9 in passing offense (309.9 yards per game). • The Flames would have also ranked No. 9 in the country (FCS) in fewest passes intercepted (6).

2016 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduated from Stockbridge High School • Three-year letter winner in high school • Named best offensive lineman as a freshman on the ninth-grade team • Honorable mention all-region as a sophomore • Two-time all-region honoree as a junior and senior • Helped lead Stockbridge High School to a 4A state title during his junior season • Best Offensive Lineman award winner as a senior while earning first-team all-state honors • Played basketball in high school

PERSONAL:

• Son of Damian Bounds and Charisse Tate-Upshaw • Exercise science major • Birthday is May 11

92

CHRIS BOTI

DEFENSIVE LINE 6-2, 285, FR. ST. VINCENT PALLOTTI HS COLUMBIA, S.C.

PREP:

• Graduated from St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, Md. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Two-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com • Also received offers from 20 total schools, including Army, Buffalo,

Delaware, FIU, James Madison, Kent State, Navy, Ohio, Old Dominion,

Richmond, UConn and UMass • First-team All-MIAA honoree • Helped lead St Vincent Pallotti to the MIAA Championship title in 2019 and runner-up spot in 2018

PERSONAL:

• Son of Mariam and Junior Boti

13

WILL BOWERS

QUARTERBACK 6-0, 190, R-FR. CARROLL SENIOR HS SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS

2020 (R-FR.):

• Did not see any playing time during the season

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the 2019 season

PREP:

• Graduated from Carroll Senior High School • Two-year letter winner at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas • First-team all-district honoree as a junior • Finished his junior season throwing for 2,519 yards and 30 touchdowns • Rushed for 878 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior

• Helped Carroll Senior High School advance to the state quarterfinals during his junior season • District 5-6A Offensive MVP as a senior • Finished his senior season throwing for 2,556 yards and 20 touchdowns • Rushed for 555 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior • Also participated in track and basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Angela and Michael Bowers • Birthday is on October 28 • Business Finance major

33

FRANK BOYD

RUNNING BACK 5-11, 200, R-JR. MANCHESTER HS CHESTERFIELD, VA.

2020 (R-JR):

• Did not see any playing time during the season

2019 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in two games against Hampton and in Liberty’s regular season finale against New Mexico State • Finished the Hampton game with four carries for 21 yards

2018 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in eight of 12 games • Finished the season rushing 42 times for 228 yards and three touchdowns • Averaged 5.4 yards per carry • Named Liberty’s Offensive Player of the Week after the UMass game • Four carries for 33 yards during his first collegiate game against Old

Dominion • Six rushes for 47 yards in a home win over Idaho State • Finished the UMass game with a season-high 16 carries for 83 yards and three touchdowns • Scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter at UMass and his third touchdown during the first of three overtime periods • Six rushing attempts for 15 yards at Auburn • Carried the ball 10 times for 50 yards in the Flames’ season finale against

Norfolk State

2017 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season • Samkon Gado Award winner following Liberty’s 2017 spring practice, earning the award for being the most improved offensive player during spring workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Manchester High School • Three-year letter winner during his high school career, including his final two years at Manchester High School in Chesterfield, Va. • Finished his sophomore season at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian,

Va., with an interception and a kickoff return for a touchdown as a safety • Received all-conference honors during his junior and senior seasons at

Manchester High School • Earned second-team all-region honors as a running back during his junior season, rushing for 900 yards and 13 touchdowns • Named conference player of the year following his senior season where he rushed for 1,615 yards and 20 touchdowns • Finished his senior year with 175 receiving yards and a touchdown, while adding 189 kickoff return yards and a touchdown • First-team all-region and all-state as a senior • Participated in Big River Rivalry All-Star game

PERSONAL:

• Son of Franklin and Tolitha Boyd • Project management (business) major • Birthday is March 3

63

CARTER BRADLEY

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-2, 310, R-JR. LIBERTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LYNCHBURG, VA.

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in one game against Western Carolina

2019 (R-FR.):

• Did not see any playing time during the 2019 season

2018 (FR.):

• Redshirted

PREP:

• Graduated from Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Va. • Started each game of his junior and senior seasons • Second-team all-conference and honorable mention all-state as a senior • Played in the VHSCA All-Star Game as a senior • Four-year High Honors award winner • Also a two-year varsity basketball player and played varsity baseball as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Carrie Brown and Chris Bradley • Birthday is on September 1 • Business Administration major

91

JAKE BRICKELL

PUNTER 6-2, 205, R-FR. INDEPENDENCE HS FRANKLIN, TENN.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in one game against Western Carolina

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted

PREP:

• Graduated from Independence High School in Thompson Station, Tenn. • Three-year starter at the varsity level as a punter and holder • Helped Independence High School finish his junior season with a 15-0 record en route to claiming a state title • Independence High School finished as the state title runner-up during his senior year with a 14-1 record

PERSONAL:

• Son of Stacy Messer and Scott Brickell • Birthday is February 8 • Aviation Science major

9

SEAN BROWN

QUARTERBACK 6-1, 180, FR. MIDDLE CREEK HS APEX, N.C.

PREP:

• Saw playing time in one game against Western Carolina

PREP:

• Graduated from Middle Creek High School in Apex, N.C. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from Campbell, Charlotte, Elon, Furman and Bucknell • Finished his last two years of high school throwing for 5,034 yards and 50 touchdowns • Two-time all-conference honoree • Three-time academic all-conference • 2019 Offensive MVP

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tracie and Mike Brown

19

BRODY BRUMM

WIDE RECEIVER 6-0, 200, R-JR. WINAMAC HS WINAMAC, IND.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games • Finished the season with four receptions for 21 yards • Leader on Liberty’s special teams units • Finished the year with eight tackles (four solo, four assisted) • Two receptions for 10 yards at Western Kentucky • Had his first career touchdown reception, a two-yard scoring play, against North Alabama • Nine-yard reception against ULM • Finished with a pair of special teams tackles against Southern Miss

2019 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games • Key member of Liberty’s special teams units • Finished the season with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted) • Had a 22-yard reception against Virginia

2018 (FR.):

• Redshirted after seeing playing time in the Flames’ season finale against

Norfolk State • Finished the game with one reception for seven yards

PREP:

• Graduated from Winamac High School • Academic All-Conference as a junior and senior • First-team all-state defensive back as a senior • Finished his senior year tied for first in the state with eight interceptions • First-team HNAC All-Conference, All-Loganland as a senior • Participated in basketball and track & field

PERSONAL:

• Son of Lori and Bryce Brumm • Business Administration: Finance major • Birthday is March 12

97

MARQUISE BRUNSON

DEFENSIVE LINE 6-3, 275, FR. PRINCESS ANNE HS VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.

PREP:

• Graduated from Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, Va. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com • Also received offers from Buffalo, Charlotte, East Carolina, FIU, Georgia

Tech, James Madison, Marshall, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, NC State, Northwestern, Old Dominion, Pitt, Tennessee, UConn, Virginia,

Virginia Tech and Wisconsin • Finished his senior year with 60 tackles, 10 sacks and an interception • First-team all-region defensive line and offensive line • Second team All-Beach defensive line and offensive line

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tanya and Wayne Brunson • Sport Management major

56

WILL BUCHANAN

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-6, 315, R-FR. CHRIST SCHOOL ASHEVILLE, N.C.

2020 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts • Redshirted after seeing playing time in three games (North Alabama,

ULM and UMass)

PREP:

• Graduated from Christ School in Arden, N.C. • Also received offers from Bryant, Campbell, Charleston Southern, Eastern

Kentucky, Elon, ETSU, Gardner-Webb, Jacksonville State, Mercer, William & Mary and Wofford • First-team all-conference, first-team All-Western Carolina and first-team all-state as a junior • Named to the USA Today All-North Carolina team • Helped Christ School to two state runner-up titles • Also participated in track & field

PERSONAL:

• Son of Carrie and Scott Buchanan • Father Scott Buchanan played football at Gardner-Webb • Birthday is January 5

23

MALIK CAPER

RUNNING BACK 6-0, 240, R-FR. GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HURST, TEXAS

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time as a linebacker in six games • Finished the season with an assisted tackle against Western Carolina • Member of the Flames special teams units

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted after seeing playing time in two games (Hampton and New

Mexico) • Finished the Hampton game with an assisted tackle

PREP:

• Graduated from Grapevine Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas • Also received offers from Abilene Christian, Colorado, Missouri State,

Navy, New Mexico State, SMU, Stephen F. Austin, Syracuse, Texas State and Tulane • Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com • Finished his career with 3,609 all-purpose yards, 40 touchdowns, 195 tackles and eight interceptions • First-team all-state honoree • First-team all-district at both linebacker and running back • Second team all-district punter • Helped lead Grapefruit Faith Christian School to the state title in 2016

PERSONAL:

• Son of Demetricia Caper and Ron Morgan • Business major • Birthday is November 30

91

KENDY CHARLES

DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-0, 280, R-FR. ORANGE PARK HS ORANGE PARK, FLA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in five games as a true freshman • Finished the season with two tackles • Recorded a solo tackle against North Alabama • Had a three-yard tackle for a loss against Western Carolina

PREP:

• Graduated from Orange Park High School in Orange Park, Fla. • Also received offers from Bethune-Cookman, Chattanooga, Charleston

Southern, The Citadel, Coastal Carolina, New Hampshire, Western

Kentucky and Wofford • Finished his high school career with 216 tackles, 30 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles • Also scored a pair of touchdowns, five two-point conversions and connected on 15-of-17 field goal attempts • 5A Co-Player of the Year • 5A all-state honoree • Three-time first-team all-county • Two-time first-team all-conference • Two-time first-team all-district

PERSONAL:

• Son of Marie and Jean Charles • Sport Management major

50

HENRY CHIBUEZE

DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-3, 350, R-SO. WOODBRIDGE HS WOODBRIDGE, VA. .

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games • Finished the season with 17 tackles, including 11 solo stops • Helped Liberty’s defense rank No. 11 in the country in total defense (317.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 22 in scoring defense (20.5 points allowed per game) • The Flames also ranked No. 14 in third-down percentage defense (31.9 percent) • Finished with three tackles, including two solo stops, against Southern

Miss and Virginia Tech • Also recorded a quarterback hurry during Liberty’s first-ever win over

Virginia Tech • Posted a season-high four tackles, including three solo tackles, against

Western Carolina • Recorded a pair of tackles during Liberty’s regular season finale win against UMass

2019 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in three games • Finished with assisted tackles against UMass and during Liberty’s regular season finale against New Mexico State

2018 (FR.):

• Redshirted after seeing playing time during Liberty’s season finale against Norfolk State

PREP:

• Graduated from Woodbridge High School in Woodbridge, Va. • Three-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com • Received offers from East Carolina, James Madison, North Carolina,

Temple and Virginia • Four-year letter winner • Selected first team all-conference honoree as a junior and senior • Selected first team All-Occoquan Region and all-state as a senior • Named to the All-Met second team as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Juliana and Adolph Chibueze • Business administration major • Birthday is Dec. 21

10

TRESHAUN CLARK

DEFENSIVE END 6-1, 235, SO. CAPE CORAL HS CAPE CORAL, FLA.

2020 (SO.):

• Started all 11 games • VaSID All-State second-team selection • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent first team • Ranked fourth on the team in tackles • Finished the season with 38 tackles (23 solo, 15 assisted) • Tied for the team lead with six quarterback hurries • Also added 10.0 tackles for a loss (48 yards) and 5.5 sacks (34 yards) • Helped Liberty’s defense rank No. 11 in the country in total defense (317.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 22 in scoring defense (20.5 points allowed per game) • The Flames also ranked No. 14 in third-down percentage defense (31.9 percent) • Five tackles, including four solo stops, and 1.5 sacks (7 yards) against FIU • Seven tackles, including six assisted stops, and 2.0 tackles for a loss (6 yards) against Southern Miss • Helped Liberty secure its first-ever win over Virginia Tech with four solo tackles • Four solo stops, including 2.0 tackles for a loss (10 yards), against

Western Carolina • Five tackles, a four-yard sack and three quarterback hurries during

Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina at the FBC Mortgage Cure

Bowl

2019 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games as a true freshman • Started the last seven games of the season at defensive end • Finished the season with 39 tackles (25 solo, 14 assisted) • Added 8.5 tackles for a loss (29 yards), 5.5 sacks (24 yards) and a forced fumble • Recorded at least one tackle in all 13 games • Three tackles, including two solo stops, against No. 22 Syracuse during his first collegiate game • Three stops against Buffalo, including two solo tackles • Three solo tackles against New Mexico, including a four-yard tackle for a loss • Four stops in a road win at New Mexico State, including 2.5 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks • Three solo tackles against both Maine and Rutgers • Four assisted tackles, including an assisted sack, at Virginia • Posted a season-high eight tackles (five solo, three assisted), including a seven-yard sack, during Liberty’s win over Georgia Southern in the RBC

Mortgage Cure Bowl

PREP:

• Graduated from Cape Coral High School in Cape Coral, Fla. • Native of Danville, Va. • Also received offers from Alabama A&M, Appalachian State, Central

Michigan, Cornell, Marshall and UConn • District and All-State all-star game participant • Named the Defensive MVP of the all-state all-star game

PERSONAL:

• Son of Sherrita and Christopher Clark • Biology major • Birthday is June 20

17

KHALEB COLEMAN

WIDE RECEIVER 6-2, 215, R-JR. WOODROW WILSON HS WASHINGTON, D.C.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Battled injuries during the 2020 season • Only saw playing time in one game against UMass

2019 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time during the first eight games of the season • Missed Liberty’s final five games of the regular season due to an injury • Saw a significant amount of playing time as part of Liberty’s special teams units • Ranked second on Liberty’s roster with four special teams tackles • Finished the season with five receptions for 47 yards • Opened the season with three receptions for 25 yards against No. 22

Syracuse • Had a 49-yard kickoff return against Hampton

2018 (R-FR.):

• Finished his first season on the field for the Flames with 11 receptions for 126 yards • Saw playing time in nine games and started three contests • Had his first career reception during Liberty’s FBS opening win at home over Old Dominion • Caught his first career touchdown reception during a home win over Troy • Finished the Troy game with two receptions for 39 yards • Had a season-best seven receptions for 56 yards against Idaho State • Recorded a 23-yard reception at UMass

2017 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School • Two-year letter winner at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington,

D.C. • Two-time all-league and all-state honoree • Finished his junior year with 35 receptions for 550 yards and seven touchdowns • Named to the USA Today All-D.C. team as a senior • Finished his senior year with 40 receptions for 867 yards and 13 touchdowns • Named to the Virginia Top 100 Player listing following his senior year

PERSONAL:

• Son of Jermaine Coleman and Mehgan Jones • Interdisciplinary Studies major • Birthday is July 30

31

TIM COUTRAS

SAFETY 6-2, 195, FR. NOLENSVILLE HS NASHVILLE, TENN.

2021 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring practice workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Nolensville High School in Nolensville, Tenn. in December • 2020 three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • 2020 two-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com • Also received offers from ETSU, Eastern Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee Tech and UT Martin • Finished his career with 20 interceptions, returning four for a touchdown • Also added 65 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 1,005 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior year • 4A Mr. Football Finalist • Two-time all-state selection • Region 4A MVP • Region 4A Athlete of the Year as a senior • Also played basketball and baseball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tess and Chris Coutras • Sport Management major • Birthday is November 17

82

D’WAYNE CRAWFORD

WIDE RECEIVER 5-6, 175, R-SO. CFA ACADEMY (EAST CAROLINA) CONCORD, N.C.

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in four games • Member of the Flames special teams units • Had a 17-yard kickoff return against Western Carolina

2019 (R-FR.):

• Redshirted during the 2019 season

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from East Carolina

PREP:

• Graduated from CFA Academy in Concord, N.C. • Four-year all-conference selection • Earned all-state honors as a senior • Voted team MVP as a senior • Also participated in track & field and baseball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Dari and Derrick Crawford • Birthday is August 1 • Graphic Design major

4

CJ DANIELS

WIDE RECEIVER 6-1, 195, FR. PARKVIEW HS LILBURN, GA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games as a true freshman • Started two games (Syracuse and Southern Miss) • Finished the year with 11 receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns • Two receptions for 25 yards at Syracuse • Three receptions for 59 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown, against

Southern Miss • Two receptions for 17 yards at Virginia Tech • Has two receptions, both for touchdowns (40 and 56 yards), against

Western Carolina • Had a solo tackle against ULM

PREP:

• Graduated from Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from Air Force, Army, Navy, North Dakota State and

Southern Illinois • Finished his senior year with 1,411 receiving yards on 93 receptions for 15 touchdowns • Two-time second-team all-county honoree • Two-time first-team all-region selection • Helped Parkview High School to a pair of region titles

PERSONAL:

• Son of Natalie Beavers and Carlton Daniels • Sport Management major

36

DANIEL DARKO

SAFETY 6-0, 180, R-JR. SEED SCHOOL OF MARYLAND (MARSHALL) BALTIMORE, MD.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time during Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl • Finished the game with a solo tackle as a member of the Flames special teams units

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Marshall • Member of the Marshall football team during the 2018 season

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Graduated from Seed School in Maryland in Baltimore, Md. • Also played soccer

PERSONAL:

• Son of Sarah Okyere and Robert Darko • Business Administration major • Birthday is September 22

3

DEMARIO DOUGLAS

WIDE RECEIVER 5-8, 165, R-FR. MANDARIN HS JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

2020 (R-FR.):

• RSaw playing time in all 11 games • FWAA Freshman All-America team selection as a punt returner • Finished the year ranked No. 9 in the country in punt returns (11.1 yards per return) • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team • VaSID All-State first-team selection • Ranked second on Liberty’s roster with 32 receptions and three touchdowns • Finished the season with 363 receiving yards • Three receptions for 11 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown, against

North Alabama • Three punt returns for 107 yards, including a 73-yard return for a touchdown, against ULM • Six receptions for 115 yards and a 12-yard touchdown against Southern

Miss • Four receptions for 68 yards and a 41-yard touchdown against UMass • •Helped secure Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC

Mortgage Cure Bowl with five receptions for 51 yards

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted after playing four games during the 2019 season • Finished the season with nine receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown • Had a four-yard reception during his first collegiate game against No. 22

Syracuse • Four catches for 85 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown reception at

UMass • Two receptions for 22 yards during Liberty’s regular-season finale against

New Mexico State • Two receptions for 25 yards during the Flames’ win over Georgia

Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

PREP:

• Graduated from Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla. • Also received offers from Chattanooga, FAU, Gardner-Webb, Tennessee-

Martin, The Citadel, UAB and West Florida • Finished his senior season with 1,700 all-purpose yards, 1,300 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns • Named to the All-USA team • Helped lead Mandarin to the state title in 2018 • Finished the state title game with four receiving touchdowns, setting a new state title game record

PERSONAL:

• Son of Angie Mack and Mario Douglas • Business major • Birthday is December 8

35

TYREN DUPREE

LINEBACKER 6-1, 225, R-SO. CHEROKEE HS LEESBURG, ALA.

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games, including a start against UMass • Finished the season with 26 tackles (16 solo, 10 assisted) • Three tackles, including two assisted stops, against FIU • Recorded a season-high seven tackles (four solo, three assisted) against

ULM • Two solo tackles during Liberty’s first-ever win over Virginia Tech • Five stops, including three solo tackles, against Western Carolina • Two solo tackles at NC State • Three stops against UMass • Two solo tackles to help Liberty secure a win over No. 9/11 Coastal

Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2019 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in 12 out of 13 games • Started the last two games of the season, including Liberty’s win over

Georgia Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl • Finished the season with 29 tackles (13 solo, 16 assisted), 2.0 sacks (14 yards), two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry • Saw a significant amount of playing time as part of Liberty’s special teams units • Two assisted tackles during the season opener against No. 22 Syracuse • Three tackles, including two solo stops, at Louisiana • Helped Liberty to a road win at New Mexico State, finishing with five tackles, including a sack • Recorded a career-high six tackles at Rutgers • Two tackles during a road win at UMass, including a 13-yard sack • Got his first career start during Liberty’s regular season finale, finishing the contest with four tackles, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry • Finished the season with four tackles against Georgia Southern (two solo, two assisted)

2018 (FR.):

• Saw playing time against UMass and Virginia before being redshirted • Named Liberty’s Special Teams Player of the Week after the Virginia game

PREP:

• Graduated from Cherokee High School • Signed with the Flames during the December signing period • Named a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com • Received offers from Central Arkansas, Samford, South Alabama and

UAB • Starting quarterback at Cherokee High School • Played basketball for Cherokee High School • Four-time All-Cherokee County selection • Three-time all-region honoree • Selected 2016 Cherokee County Offensive MVP • Four-time Offensive MVP • 2017 Racehorse Award for Best Defensive Back • 2017 Dirty Rat Award for Best Defensive Back • 2017 team captain

PERSONAL:

• Son of Vaneshia Dupree • Birthday is on October 20 • Sports Psychology major

8

JIMMY FAULKS

CORNERBACK 6-1, 190, R-SR. LAKEWOOD HS ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.

2020 (R-SR.):

• Saw playing time in four games • Finished the season with three tackles, including two solo stops • Two tackles (one solo, one assisted) against North Alabama • Recorded a solo stop and a seven-yard interception return against

Southern Miss • Helped Liberty finished the season ranked No. 23 in the country in interceptions (11)

2019 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games, starting all 12 of Liberty’s regular season games • Finished the season with 17 tackles (nine solo, eight assisted) • Finished the Louisiana game with three tackles, including two solo stops • Two solo tackles against Hampton • Recorded his second career interception against New Mexico • Helped the Flames to a road win at UMass with a pair of tackles • Finished the BYU game with two solo tackles

2018 (JR.):

• Redshirted after playing one game at Army

2017 (SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games, starting six of the last eight games at boundary cornerback • Finished the season with 15 tackles (nine solo, six assisted) • Tied for third on the team with four pass breakups • Finished five games with multiple tackles • Recorded two stops during Liberty’s season-opening win at Baylor • Made two tackles and a pass breakup against Morehead State • Posted three solo tackles and an interception against Indiana State • Finished with a season-best five tackles against Gardner-Webb, including two solo stops

2016 (FR.):

• Played in nine games as a reserve cornerback • Made six tackles, all solo stops • Recorded a solo tackle in his first career game at Virginia Tech • Posted a season-high two tackles at SMU

PREP:

• Graduated from Lakewood High School • Two-year varsity letter winner while at Lakewood • Threw for 353 yards and three touchdowns as a quarterback on the junior varsity team during his freshman season • Played free safety as a sophomore, finishing the year with 52 tackles and a fumble recovery on the junior varsity team • Posted 36 tackles and seven pass breakups during his first season of varsity play as a junior • Finished his senior year with 54 tackles and four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown • Played baseball and participated in track & field at Lakewood High School

PERSONAL:

• Son of Jimmy Faulks Sr. and Carleatha Walters • Business Administration: Financial Planning major • Birthday is Dec. 28

81

NOAH FRITH

WIDE RECEIVER 6-4, 195, R-SO. WOODSTOCK HS WOODSTOCK, VA.

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in six games, starting five contests • Battled injuries during the first half of the season • Finished the year with 16 receptions for 211 yards and two touchdowns • Three receptions for 56 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown, against

FIU • Two receptions for 17 yards during Liberty’s first-ever win over Virginia

Tech • Led the Flames at NC State with four receptions for 73 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown • Four receptions for 38 yards against UMass • Finished with a 10-yard reception to help Liberty to a win over No. 9/11

Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2019 (R-FR.):

• Missed the first four games of the season due to injuries • Saw playing time during the final nine games of the season, starting the last seven contests • Finished the season with 15 receptions for 291 yards and three touchdowns • Recorded a career-long 53-yard reception against New Mexico • Had his first career touchdown reception for 14 yards in a win over Maine • Finished the UMass game with three receptions for 42 yards • Two receptions for 43 yards against Virginia, including 32-yard touchdown reception • Closed the regular season with two receptions for 37 yards against New

Mexico State, including a five-yard touchdown reception • Had two receptions for 49 yards during Liberty’s win over Georgia

Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2018 (FR.):

• Redshirted after playing in four games • Caught a nine-yard reception at Auburn

PREP:

• Graduated from Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Va. • Received offers from Campbell, Columbia, Eastern Kentucky and Mercer • Named to the all-county team as a junior in both football and basketball • 4-6A honorable mention selection in football as a junior • Selected second team 6A All-Region honoree in basketball as a junior • Named to the All-County first team as a junior • Finished his senior year with 1,412 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns • 2017 Region 4-7A Offensive Player of the Year • Played basketball for Woodstock High School

PERSONAL:

• Son of Deneika and Antonio Mitchell • Birthday is September 23 • Sport Management major

25

GABE FUSTER

LINEBACKER 6-0, 235, FR. DEEP CREEK HS CHESAPEAKE, VA.

2020 (FR.):

• Did not see any playing time • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Va. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Finished his career at Deep Creek High School with 322 tackles • Three-time All-District, All-Region and All-Tidewater honoree • All-Tidewater second-team linebacker as a freshman • Freshman Hotbed All-American Top linebacker • One of 20 linebackers nationally invited to the Ray Lewis Academy following his sophomore and junior seasons • All-state honoree as a junior after finishing the season with 111 tackles (49 solo, 62 assisted), 35 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, a sack, an interception and four touchdowns • All-757 Defense first-year linebacker as a senior, finishing the season with 86 tackles (44 solo, 42 assisted), 22 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, six touchdowns and two forced fumbles • Also participated in wrestling and track & field

PERSONAL:

• Son of Ashley and Gustavo Fuster • Sport Management major • Birthday is July 20

21

MICAH GLAIZE

LINEBACKER 6-0, 205, SO. BROOKVILLE HS LYNCHBURG, VA.

2020 (SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games • Finished the season with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted) • Opened the season with two solo tackles at Western Kentucky • Two tackles, one solo and one assisted, against ULM • Recorded an assisted stop against Southern Miss • Finished the season with an assisted tackle during Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2019 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in 12 of 13 games as a true freshman • Finished the season with 11 tackles (eight solo, three assisted) and a quarterback hurry • Recorded his first career tackle and quarterback hurry in a home win over

Buffalo • Solo tackle during Liberty’s home win over New Mexico • Finished the Maine game with a season-high five tackles, including three solo stops • Recorded a season-best four solo tackles in a road win at UMass

PREP:

• Graduated from Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Va. • Also received offers from Delaware, Elon, James Madison, Norfolk State and Old Dominion

• Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com • Three-time all-district and all-region first-team defense selection • Two-time all-district and all-region first-team offense honoree • Two-time all-state first-team honoree on both offense and defense • Finished his sophomore season with 55 tackles (30 solo, 25 assisted), 7.5 tackles for a loss and one forced fumble, while leading his team to a conference title • First-team all-state wide receiver and all-purpose defender as a junior • Finished his junior year with 52 tackles (18 solo, 34 assisted), 5.0 tackles for a loss, a sack, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery • Had 55 receptions for 1,108 yards and 14 touchdowns as a wide receiver • First-team all-state all-purpose honoree on offense and defense as a senior • Finished his final year at Brookville with 61 tackles (40 solo, 21 assisted), 3.0 tackles for a loss, eight pass breakups, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries • Had 41 receptions during his senior year for 725 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 544 yards and four touchdowns

PERSONAL:

• Son of Nikia Fisher and Chris Glaize • Birthday is October 13

52

JONATHAN GRAHAM

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-5, 325, R-SO. LA PLATA HS LA PLATA, MD.

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games as a reserve at right guard • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense • Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns

2019 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games as a backup at left tackle • Helped the Flames record 39 pancake blocks during the season • Was part of an offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Calvert finish his career as Liberty’s all-time leader in career passing yards (12,025) and touchdowns (93) • Liberty’s offensive line allowed Calvert to post the longest streak in the country among FBS quarterbacks by completing 295 passing attempts without an interception in 2019. • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 21 nationally in passing yards per game (288.9) • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 32 in total offensive yards per game (439.4) • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,041 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,396 receiving yards)

2018 (FR.):

• Redshirted

PREP:

• Graduated from La Plata High School • Signed with the Flames during the December signing period • Received an offer from Maine

• Four-year varsity letter winner and starter • Team captain • Selected first team all-conference and all-county honoree as a senior • Named offensive MVP • Participated in the SMAC vs. PG All-Star game • Selected to participate in the Maryland Crab Bowl • Played basketball at La Plata High School

PERSONAL:

• Son of Lynise and Keith Graham • Birthday is Dec. 4

15

T.J. GREEN

RUNNING BACK 6-1, 200, R-JR. CHANDLER HS (UTAH) CHANDLER, ARIZ.

2021 (R-JR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2021 spring football workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Utah • Finished the 2018 and 2019 seasons with 25 games played, 59 rushing attempts for 258 yards and a touchdown • Also had four receptions for 15 yards

PREP:

• Graduated from Chandler High School in Chandler, Ariz. in 2017 • 2017 four-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com • 2017 three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • 2016 Arizona Cardinals’ High School All-Around Player of the Year • East Valley Tribune Football Player of the Year • First-team USA Today All-USA Arizona • 2016 finalist for Big Schools Football Athlete of the Year and first-team

All-6A Conference • Earned The Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football

Foundation Archie Amerson Running Back Award, given to the top senior player in the state at his position • 2,267 yards and 35 touchdowns on 247 carries as a senior for an average of 9.2 yards per rush and 151.1 yards per game • Also had 14 receptions for 278 yards and four touchdowns • Helped lead Chandler High School to the 2016 6A state title, scoring three touchdowns in the title game and rushing for 233 yards on 30 carries • Chandler also won the State Champions Bowl Series game over Georgia state high school champion Valdosta • 1,148 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 109 carries as a junior, when he also had six receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown • Also ran track and won 2016 and 2017 state championships in the 110 hurdles and 4x100 relay • Helped lead Chandler High School to back-to-back state track titles

PERSONAL:

• Son of Vonda Wilson and Dion Green • Sport Management major

93

WILLIAM GREEN

DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-5, 310, R-JR. WESTOVER HS (GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE) ALBANY, GA.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in four games • Finished the season with three tackles, including two solo tackles • Recorded a solo tackle during Liberty’s win over ULM • Finished the Western Carolina game with a season-high two stops (one solo, one assisted) • Helped Liberty’s defense rank No. 11 in the country in total defense (317.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 22 in scoring defense (20.5 points allowed per game) • The Flames also ranked No. 14 in third-down percentage defense (31.9 percent)

2019 (JR.):

• Redshirted during the 2019 season

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Ga. • Also received offers from Jacksonville State and Western Kentucky • Finished his first season at Georgia Military with 21 tackles (nine solo, 12 assisted) and a fumble recovery • Helped Georgia Military limit opponents to 16.8 points per game and 289.6 total offensive yards allowed per contest

PREP:

• Graduated from Westover High School in Albany, Ga. • Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com out of high school • Finished his junior season with 52 tackles and three sacks • Recorded 25 tackles and two sacks as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Deirdre Johnson and William Green Sr. • Physical Education major • Birthday is August 6

10

NATE HAMPTON

QUARTERBACK 6-6, 230, FR. DAVIE COUNTY HS ADVANCE, N.C.

2021 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Davie County High School in Mocksville, N.C. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com • Also received offers from more than 20 other programs, including

Appalachian State, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Cornell, Dartmouth,

FAU, FIU, Kent State, Kentucky, Marshall, Old Dominion, Princeton, UAB,

Vanderbilt, West Virginia, Western Kentucky and Yale • Finished his senior year passing for 3,300 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 427 yards and 10 touchdowns • All-conference honoree • Participated in the Northwest Shrine Bowl

PERSONAL:

• Son of Lori and Ryan Hampton • Business major

78

BRIAN HANNIBAL

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-2, 290, R-FR. JAMES HUBERT BLAKE HS SILVER SPRING, MD.

2020 (FR.):

• Redshirted

PREP:

• Graduated from James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring, Md. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from Buffalo, Charlotte, Georgetown, Old Dominion,

Marshall, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse and Yale • Allowed only two sacks during his senior year • First-team all-county • First-team all-division honorable mention • All-Met selection

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tonya and Anslem Hannibal • Computer Science major

0

RASHAAD HARDING

LINEBACKER 6-1, 225, R-SR. CARENCRO HS (ULM) CARENCRO, LA.

2021 (R-SR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from ULM • 2017 three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • 2017 two-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com • Also received offers from Jackson State, Jacksonville State, McNeese

State, SMU, South Alabama, Stephen F. Austin and Tulane • Played in 31 games for ULM over three seasons (2017-19) • Recorded 132 total tackles (71 solo, 61 assisted), including 12.5 tackles for a loss (38 yards) and 4.5 sacks (22 yards)

PREP:

• Graduated from Carencro High School in Lafayette, La. • Finished his high school career with 180 tackles, 31.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions • All-state honorable mention, first-team all-district and first-team All-

Acadiana as a junior • District Defensive MVP as a senior • First-team all-district, all-state and All-Acadiana as a senior • Helped Carencro High School to a shared district title in 2015

PERSONAL:

• Son of Umeki and Rogernick Harding • Sport Management major •

7

MARCUS HASKINS

CORNERBACK 6-0, 185, R-JR. EAST RIDGE HS (IOWA WESTERN CC) ST. PAUL, MINN.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games, starting nine contests • Finished his first season at Liberty with 30 tackles • 25 of his 30 tackles were solo stops (83.3 percent) • Ranked third on the team in tackles among defensive backs • Two tackles (one solo, one assisted) during his first game at Western

Kentucky • Had a five-yard interception return against ULM • Helped Liberty rank No. 23 in the country in interceptions, recording one of the Flames’ 11 interceptions during the season

• Recorded four solo tackles during Liberty’s road win at Syracuse • Three solo tackles during Liberty’s first-ever win over Virginia Tech • Six tackles, all solo stops, at NC State, including a six-yard tackle for a loss • Five tackles, including four solo stops, against UMass • Helped Liberty secure a win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC

Mortgage Cure Bowl with a season-high seven tackles (five solo, two assisted)

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Iowa Western Community College • Also received offers from Akron, Austin Peay, Buffalo, Charlotte, Coastal

Carolina, Kent State, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, Northern Iowa,

Montana State, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee Martin and Troy • Finished the 2019 season at Iowa Western with 31 tackles, 10 pass breakups, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles • First-team All-ICCAC Conference • First-team All-America NJCAA DB • Recorded an interception in five straight games to open his college football career • Had a pair of games with two interceptions during the season’s final three contests • Tied the NCAA Division II single-game record with seven passes defended in a 31-7 win over Upper Iowa (six pass breakups and an one interception)

PREP:

• Graduated from James East Ridge High School in Woodbury, Minn. • Recorded 41 tackles during his senior season • Ranked sixth on the team and added a pair of forced fumbles • Had 170 all-purpose yards, including 125 on his nine interception returns • First-team all-conference as a senior • A Cliff Harris Award finalist • Earned D2CCA, Associated Press and Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-

America first-team and D2Football.com All-America honorable mention • Don Hansen’s Football Gazette Super Region 4 Freshman of the Year • Don Hansen’s Football Gazette and D2CCA All-Super Region 4 first-team • NSIC Defensive Newcomer of the Year and All-NSIC South Division First

Team • Led the county with 2.9 passes defended per game • Led the Northern Sun and ranked second in the nation with nine interceptions • Led the conference with 20 pass breakups

PERSONAL:

• Son of Naomi and Kevin Haskins • Communications major • Birthday is September 25

85

TREY HATCHER

TIGHT END 6-2, 260, SO. LIBERTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LYNCHBURG, VA.

2020 (SO.):

• Redshirted

PREP:

• Graduated from Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Va. • Three-year varsity letter winner • Earned first-team all-district honors as a junior • Named second-team all-district as a senior • Helped Liberty Christian Academy earn a playoff appearance during his senior year • Also played basketball • Guided his team to a district championship in basketball as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Sarah and Keith Hatcher • Father Keith Hatcher played two seasons for the Flames (1989-90) • Keith Hatcher was named an Associated Press second-team All-America offensive lineman in 1990 • Birthday is May 30

51

HARRISON HAYES

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-4, 275, FR. PINE-RICHLAND HS WEXFORD, PA.

PREP:

• Graduated from Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia, Pa. • Two-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com • Also received offers from Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Brown,

Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Columbia, Dartmouth, Eastern Kentucky,

Fordham, Kent State, Monmouth, New Hampshire, Old Dominion,

Pennsylvania, Princeton, Richmond, Toledo, UConn and Yale • Three-year starter • 2020 preseason all-state offensive lineman • Helped Pine-Richland win the 2019 WPIAL championship

PERSONAL:

• Son of Mariann and Stu Hayes

20

TROY HENDERSON

RUNNING BACK 5-8, 165, R-SO. INDEPENDENCE HS FRANKLIN, TENN.

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in four games • Finished the season with 32 carries for 141 yards • Four carries for 19 yards against North Alabama • Four carries for 12 yards against ULM • Nine rushing attempts for 31 yards against Western Carolina • Finished the UMass game with a season-high 15 carries for 79 yards • Also added a 15-yard kickoff return against UMass

2019 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in eight games • Finished the season rushing 10 times for 87 yards and a touchdown • Also had three receptions for 33 yards and two touchdowns • Carried the ball three times for five yards during his first collegiate game against No. 22 Syracuse • Finished the Hampton game with a season-high four carries for 63 yards • Recorded his first collegiate touchdown on a 59-yard run against

Hampton • Had three kickoff returns for 61 yards during a road win at UMass • Also added solo rushing attempts against Maine, BYU and New Mexico

State

2018 (FR.):

• Redshirted

PREP:

• Graduated from Independence High School • Signed with the Flames during the December signing period

• Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com • Received offers from Elon, Northwestern, Samford and Wake Forest • Named the MVP of his junior varsity team as a freshman • Rushed for 3,289 yards during his final three seasons at Independence

High School while adding 52 all-purpose touchdowns • Finished his sophomore season with 934 rushing yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry • Received the Offensive MVP Skill Award as a sophomore while earning all-district second-team honors • Rushed for 978 yards and averaged 6.3 yards per carry as a junior while recording 24 all-purpose touchdowns • Second-team all-conference honoree as a junior • Finished his career at Independence High School by rushing for 1,377 yards, averaging 8.3 yards per carry and adding 21 all-purpose touchdowns during his senior season • All-district first team honoree as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Kim and Chris Henderson • Birthday is on January 8 • Psychology major

12

TREVOR HOBBS

TIGHT END 6-5, 245, SR. JIMTOWN HS (GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE) ELKHART, IND.

2020 (SR.):

• Saw playing time in three games • Finished the season with three receptions for 33 yards • Two receptions for five yards in his first game at Liberty against Western

Carolina • Had a 28-yard reception against UMass • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Golden West College • Also received offers from North Alabama, Missouri Southern, Tennessee

Tech, Texas A&M-Commerce and Western New Mexico • Finished the 2019 season with 25 receptions, 456 receiving yards and four touchdowns • Ranked as the No. 1 JUCO tight end in the country by JCGridiron.com • All-conference honoree

PREP:

• Graduated from Jimtown High School in Elkhart, Ind. • Three-year letter winner • Three-sport starter in football, basketball and baseball • Finished his junior season with 27 receptions for 425 yards • All-State honorable mention selection as a junior • 40 catches for 700 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior • All-conference and all-state honoree as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Kimberly and Todd Hobbs • Psychology major • Birthday is February 5

0

JOHNNY HUNTLEY

TIGHT END 6-3, 240, R-SR. SOUTH PLANTATION HS (COLORADO) PLANTATION, FLA.

2020 (R-SR.):

• Started all 11 games during the season • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team • Finished the season with 15 receptions for 201 yards and three touchdowns • Two receptions for 35 yards during Liberty’s road win at Syracuse • 10-yard touchdown reception against Southern Miss • Two receptions for 30 yards, including a five-yard touchdown, during

Liberty’s first-ever win over Virginia Tech • Finished the Western Carolina game with a season-high four receptions for 65 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown • Two receptions for 24 yards at NC State • Helped the Flames defeat No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage

Cure Bowl with two receptions for 34 yards

2019 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in 12 of 13 games • Started at tight end for the Flames against Louisiana, finishing the game with a six-yard reception • Led all tight ends with 196 receiving yards • Finished the last seven games of the season with at least one reception per game • Had single receptions against Maine (15 yards), Rutgers (22 yards),

UMass (13 yards) and BYU (four yards) • Finished the Virginia game with a season-high 36 receiving yards on two receptions • Recorded a pair of receptions for 10 yards against New Mexico State • Two receptions for 90 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown catch, during Liberty’s win over Georgia Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure

Bowl

2018 (R-SO.):

• Joined Liberty’s roster in January and participated in spring workouts • Sat out the 2018 season due to NCAA transfer policy

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty after playing two seasons at Colorado • Saw playing time in 12 of 13 games as a true freshman, becoming one of four true freshmen to play for Colorado in 2016 • Finished his freshman year with one reception for 14 yards against

Idaho State • Two-year member of the Buffs’ special teams units

PREP:

• Graduated from South Plantation High School in Plantation, Fla. • Ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 61 overall prospect in the state of

Florida and the 69th receiver in the nation • Earned All-Broward County first-team honors as a senior • Named team MVP as a senior after recording 55 receptions for 940 yards and 12 touchdowns • Played safety as a senior, finishing the year with 20 tackles, three forced fumbles, and an interception • Started two years at wide receiver, finishing his junior year with 11 touchdown receptions

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tovia and Reco Wright • Sport management major • Birthday is Dec. 30

18

AHMAD JACKSON

WIDE RECEIVER 6-1, 210, FR. SANDY CREEK HS ATLANTA, GA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in three games (ULM, Western Carolina and UMass)

PREP:

• Graduated from Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Ga. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received an offer from Ole Miss • Finished his senior year with 61 receptions for 1,191 yards and 11 touchdowns

PERSONAL:

• Son of Marlene and Clovis Jackson • Business Management major

88

JEROME JACKSON

TIGHT END 6-3, 255, R-JR. TIMBER CREEK HS FORT WORTH, TEXAS

2020 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games, including a start against NC State • Finished the season with nine receptions for 75 yards • One of eight players on the team with two more touchdowns (2) • Recorded a reception in nine-straight games • 15-yard reception to help Liberty open the season with a win at Western

Kentucky • 19-yard reception against ULM • Helped the Flames record a road win at Syracuse with a 10-yard reception • Two-yard touchdown reception during Liberty’s first-ever win over

Virginia Tech • Six-yard touchdown catch at NC State

2019 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games, including three starts • Finished the season with three receptions for 15 yards • Two of his three receptions resulted in touchdowns • Two-year touchdown reception during Liberty’s home win over New

Mexico • Nine-yard catch in a road victory over New Mexico State • Four-year touchdown reception in a road win at UMass

2018 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 12 games • Named Liberty’s Special Teams Player of the Week after the Army game • Recorded a 10-yard reception in a home win over New Mexico State, the first reception of his career

2017 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduated from Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth, Texas • Four-year letter winner • Earned All-District 6A-1 honorable mention accolades as a junior • Finished his senior season with 477 yards and three touchdowns • Averaged 17.7 yards per reception as a senior, earning All-District 6A-1 first-team honors • Member of the track & field and powerlifting programs

PERSONAL:

• Son of Angela and Greg Jackson • Biology major • Birthday is April 1

55

ELIJAH JAMES

DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-5, 300, SR. OSWEGO EAST HS (IOWA WESTERN CC) CHICAGO, ILL.

2020 (SR.):

• Saw playing time in 10 games, starting nine contests • Missed the North Alabama game • 2020 Associated Press All Bowl Team selection after blocking a potential game-tying field goal by No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina to secure the win for the Flames at the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl • Finished the season with 33 tackles (13 solo, 20 assisted) • Added 2.5 tackles for a loss (five yards) and 1.0 sacks (three yards) • Two pass breakup and two quarterback hurries • Three tackles (one solo, two assisted) against in each game against FIU,

ULM and Syracuse • Finished the Southern Miss game with a season-high seven tackles (three solo, four assisted) • Three stops (two solo, one assisted) and a pass breakup during Liberty’s first-ever win over Virginia Tech • Two tackles, including a three-yard sack, against Western Carolina • Six stops, including four assisted tackles, at NC State

2019 (JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games • Finished his first season with the Flames with 19 tackles (seven solo, 12 assisted) • Also added 1.5 tackles for a loss (three yards) and a quarterback hurry • Four tackles, including three solo stops, at Louisiana • Two stops against New Mexico, Rutgers and BYU • Finished with three assisted tackles in a road win at UMass • Three tackles, including a tackle for a loss, at Virginia • Three tackles, including two assisted tackles, during Liberty’s win over

Georgia Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Iowa Western Community College in Council

Bluffs, Iowa. • Also received offers from Kentucky and Chattanooga • During his two seasons at Iowa Western, the Reivers posted a combined 21-2 record, captured two Region XI Championships and claimed victories in the Graphic Edge Bowl both seasons • Posted an 11-1 record in 2017 and finished the year ranked No. 2 in the country • Ended 2018 with a 10-1 record and ranked No. 3 in the country • Finished his sophomore season ranked second on the team with 57 tackles (33 solo, 24 assisted), 16.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass breakup • Opened his career at Iowa Western as a freshman with 31 tackles (17 solo, 14 assisted), 3.0 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks

PREP:

• Graduated from Oswego East High School in Oswego, Ill. • Participated in football, basketball and track & field

PERSONAL:

• Son of Brianna and James Davis • Criminal Justice major • Birthday is January 20 • • • • •

13

JAYLON JIMMERSON

SAFETY 6-1, 200, FR. PITTSBURG HS (INCARNATE WORD) PITTSBURG, TEXAS

2021 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Incarnate Word • Also received offers Abilene Christian and Stephen F. Austin • 2019 All-Southland Conference third team • 2019 HERO Sports Freshman All-America honorable mention team honors • Played in 11 games in 2019, including a pair of starts • Ranked third on the team with 55 tackles (29 solo, 26 assisted) • Led the team with four interceptions • Added 3.0 tackles for a loss and a 1.0 sacks

PREP:

• Graduated from Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, Texas • An all-around athlete at the high school level, starting on both sides of the ball during his senior season • As a quarterback, threw for 2,594 yards and 23 scores, while rushing for 1,260 yards and 23 touchdowns • As a corner, recorded 101 tackles and eight interceptions in senior season • Contributed on special teams as well, returning kicks, including two punt return touchdowns • Finished senior year with 50 total touchdowns, including 23 passing, 23 rushing, one receiving and three returns • District MVP • 4A all-conference selection • Third-team All-America freshman honor

PERSONAL:

• Son of Ykevia and Dustin Smith • Kinesiology major • Birthday is December 27

54

ANDREW JOHNS

LONG SNAPPER 6-0, 220, R-FR. FOUNDATION ACADEMY CLERMONT, FLA.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in one game against UMass

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted after playing in one game against Hampton

PREP:

• Graduate of the Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, Fla. • Four-year letter winner • Four-time All-State long snapper • Three-year team captain • Two-time All-State defensive selection • Two-time FCA Doug Scott Leadership Award honoree • Finished his career with 236 career tackles, playing at both defensive end and linebacker • As a senior, he recorded 161 tackles, 21 sacks, seven fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles • Player of the Year as a senior and was the fourth-ranked long snapper in the nation • Also participated in track & field

PERSONAL:

• Son of Amy and Joel Johns • Birthday is June 14 • Music major

11

DURRELL JOHNSON

DEFENSIVE END 6-4, 225, JR. OVERLEA HS (ASA COLLEGE) BALTIMORE, MD.

2020 (JR.):

• Phil Steele Postseason All-America fourth-team selection • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent first team • VaSID All-State first-team selection • Started all 11 games at defensive end • Led the team with 11.5 tackles for a loss (74 yards) and 8.5 sacks (65 yards) • Ranked No. 28 in the country in sacks (0.77 per game) • Ranked fourth on Liberty’s roster with 38 tackles (25 solo, 13 assisted) • Added six quarterback hurries and an interception • Helped Liberty rank No. 23 in the country in interceptions, recording one of the Flames’ 11 interceptions during the season • Six tackles, including five solo stops, in his first game at Liberty during the Flames’ season-opening win at Western Kentucky • Finished the FIU game with a season-best 3.5 tackles for a loss (23 yards) and 2.5 sacks (20 yards) • Seven tackles, including a 16-yard sack, during Liberty’s road win at

Syracuse • Four tackles, including three assisted stops, and a quarterback hurry in a road victory at Virginia Tech • Four tackles, two solo and two assisted, during Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from ASA College in Brooklyn, N.Y. • Also received offers from Akron, Bethune-Cookman, Grambling State,

Morgan State and South Alabama • Two-time all-conference honoree at ASA College • JUCO All-American

PREP:

• Graduate of the Overlea High School in Baltimore, Md. • Named a Super 22 Athlete and a BTC All-Star • Also competed in basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Kiffiney Parrish and Durrell Johnson • Birthday is January 10 • Business major

20

JEROME JOLLY JR.

LINEBACKER 5-11, 200, R-FR. MANDARIN HS JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games • Finished the season with eight tackles (five solo, three assisted) as a safety • Solo tackle against FIU • Five tackles, including three solo stops and a three-yard tackle for a loss, against ULM • Two tackles (one solo, one assisted) against Southern Miss • Member of the Flames special teams units • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts

PREP:

• Graduate of the Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from Alabama A&M, Florida A&M, Georgia Southern,

Southern Miss and UAB • Finished his career with 104 tackles, six sacks and five pass breakups • Helped Mandarin High School to the 2018 8A State Championship • Gateway Conference first-team defender

PERSONAL:

• Son of Kenyata and Jerome Jolly Sr. • Birthday is October 13 • Sport Management major

79

JOHN KOURTIS

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-3, 285, R-SO. CANADA PREP ACADEMY TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA

2020 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games as a backup at center • Member of the Flames special teams units • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense • Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns

2019 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in 10 games as a backup at center • Helped the Flames record 39 pancake blocks during the season • Was part of an offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Calvert finish his career as Liberty’s all-time leader in career passing yards (12,025) and touchdowns (93) • Liberty’s offensive line allowed Calvert to post the longest streak in the country among FBS quarterbacks by completing 295 passing attempts without an interception in 2019 • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 21 nationally in passing yards per game (288.9) • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 32 in total offensive yards per game (439.4) • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,041 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,396 receiving yards)

2018 (FR.):

• Redshirted after seeing playing time in two games • Played in Liberty’s season opening game against Old Dominion and 2018 finale against Norfolk State

PREP:

• Graduated from Canada Prep Academy • Two-way starter at defensive end and tight end as a freshman • Started at center as a member of the varsity team • Played for the No. 1 ranked prep football team in Canada as a sophomore • Two-year captain as a junior and senior • Started at right tackle as a junior and left tackle as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Cecilia Fulton and Larry Kourtis • Birthday is on July 9 • Sport Management major

6

JAIVIAN LOFTON

WIDE RECEIVER 6-2, 205, JR. RANCHO CUCAMONGA HS (CHAFFEY COLLEGE) RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIF.

2020 (JR.):

• Saw playing time in five games • Finished the season with three receptions for 51 yards • Eight-yard reception during Liberty’s season-opening road win at

Western Kentucky • Nine-yard reception against North Alabama • Also recorded a tackle against North Alabama • Finished the ULM game with a season-long 34-yard reception

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. • Also received offers from Arkansas Pine Bluff, Middle Tennessee,

Tennessee Tech and Western Kentucky • Finished his two seasons at Chaffey College with 1,584 receiving yards, 72 receptions and 20 touchdowns • First-team all-conference member

PREP:

• Graduated from Rancho Cucamonga High School in Rancho Cucamonga,

Calif.

PERSONAL:

• Son of Quiana Lundy and Randel Horton • Kinesiology major

1

SHEDRO LOUIS

RUNNING BACK 5-8, 175, SO. IMMOKALEE HS IMMOKALEE, FLA.

2020 (SO.):

• Saw playing time in 10 of 11 games • Started against Southern Miss and Coastal Carolina • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team • Finished the season with 61 rushing attempts for 429 yards and three touchdowns • Also added five receptions for 48 yards

• Ranked No. 23 in the country in kickoff returns (25.3 yards per return) • Finished the season with 14 returns for 354 yards • Four carries for 41 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown run, against

Western Kentucky • Nine carries for 57 yards against North Alabama • Finished the ULM game with a season-high three receptions for 33 yards • Had a breakout game during Liberty’s win at Syracuse, finishing with 10 carries for 170 yards • Scored on 75-yard and 52-yard rushing touchdown against Syracuse • Finished with a season-high 12 carries for 64 yards against Southern Miss

2019 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in 11 of Liberty’s 13 games as a true freshman • Ranked No. 13 in the country in average kickoff return yardage (27.6) • Ranked sixth in single-season program history with 662 total kickoff return yards • Had four receptions for 33 yards • Finished his first collegiate game with three kickoff returns for 48 yards against No. 22 Syracuse • Had a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Maine • One of 39 FBS players in the country with a kickoff return for a touchdown in 2019 • Had two special teams returns for a touchdown called back due to penalty against Hampton (94-yard kickoff return and 67-yard punt return) • Missed the Rutgers and UMass games due to an injury • Also saw time as a reserve wide receiver • Had his first two career receptions against Buffalo (15 yards) • Signed with Liberty during the December 2018 signing period and took part in spring 2019 workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Immokalee High School in Immokalee, Fla. in December (2018) • Also received offers from Akron and Valdosta • Finished his career with 1,700 receiving yards and a school-record 15 interceptions • Finished one game of his career at Immokalee with five touchdowns

PERSONAL:

• Son of Chantina and Louiders Louis • Birthday is November 1 • Sport Management major

33

AARON LOVINS

SAFETY 5-11, 190, R-FR. BRENTWOOD ACADEMY NASHVILLE, TENN.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in five games • Finished the season with three tackles (one solo, two assisted) • Two assisted stops against ULM • Recorded a solo tackle against Western Carolina

PREP:

• Graduated from Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tenn. • Also received offers from Austin Peay and Missouri Western State • Finished his senior year with 81 tackles (52 solo, 29 assisted), six tackles

for a loss, eight pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt • All-state cornerback • All-country cornerback • Played in the East-West All-Star game • Helped Brentwood Academy claim three state titles

PERSONAL:

• Son of Lisa and Rich Lovins • Business major

29

DURON LOWE

CORNERBACK 5-11, 185, R-SR. AQUINAS HS (UTEP) KANSAS CITY, KAN.

PREVIOUS SCHOOLS:

• Transferred to Liberty from UTEP • Two-time All-Conference USA honorable mention selection (2019 and 2020) • Started all seven of the games in 2020 • Finished the 2020 season with 19 tackles (16 solo) and two interceptions • Had 3.0 tackles for loss (nine yards), one pass breakup, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery • His top performance came in the win over Abilene Christian with five stops (four solo) • Had three solo tackles at Texas Tech and against Southern Miss • Also returned nine kickoffs for a total of 292 yards and a touchdown • Had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Louisiana Tech • Started 11 of 12 games in the secondary 2019 • Finished the season with 25 tackles, including 20 solo stops, and six pass breakups • Top performance came at UAB with four solo stops • Returned 11 kickoffs for 281 yards (team-leading 25.5-yard average) • Had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at North Texas • Started his collegiate career at Butler Community College • Led Butler to an 8-3 record in 2017 • Finished the season with 20 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception

PREP:

• Graduated from Aquinas High School • Recorded 51 total tackles, two interceptions, 24 pass break-ups and one forced fumble as a senior • Finished the season with a career best 11 stops • Tallied six pass break-ups in a 42-13 win over Blue Valley North • Also participated in basketball and track

PERSONAL:

• Son of Cartina and David Lowe • Business Management major • Birthday is November 29

8

JOSHUA MACK

RUNNING BACK 5-11, 200, R-SR. PITTSFORD-MENDON HS (MAINE) PITTSFORD, N.Y.

2020 (R-SR.):

• Saw playing time in 10 games and started seven games • VaSID All-State second team honoree • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent first team • Led all running backs on Liberty’s roster in rushing

• Finished the season with 139 carries for 797 yards and four touchdowns • Added six receptions for 18 yards • Recorded five 100-yard rushing games • Opened the season rushing 23 times for 100 yards at Western Kentucky • 13 carries for 107 yards and a two-yard rushing touchdown against FIU • 16 rushing attempts for 130 yards against North Alabama • 19 carries for 90 yards during Liberty’s first-ever win over Virginia Tech • Finished the Western Carolina game with 15 carries for 68 yards and a one-yard touchdown • 11 rushing attempts for 109 yards and a season long 59-yard rushing touchdown against UMass • Helped the Flames down No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina at the FBC Mortgage

Cure Bowl by rushing 14 times for 105 yards

2019 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games • Finished his first season with the Flames rushing for 792 yards on 136 carries with seven rushing touchdowns • Added 13 receptions for 177 yards • Six carries for 36 yards at Louisiana • Nine rushing attempts for 59 yards during a home victory over Buffalo • Recorded his first rushing touchdown at Liberty during a home win over

Hampton and rushed 10 times for 55 yards • Finished the New Mexico game with 14 carries for 95 yards • Posted his first career 100-yard game at Liberty, finishing the New

Mexico State game with 16 carries for 113 yards and the game-winning touchdown • Rushed 11 times for 45 yards, including a two-yard rushing touchdown, against his former teammates at Maine • Led Liberty’s rushing attack with 11 carries for 109 yards and finished with a career-high two touchdowns at Rutgers • Added two kickoff returns for 37 yards at Rutgers • Helped Liberty become bowl eligible with a win over New Mexico State, finishing the game with 16 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown • Helped the Flames defeat Georgia Southern in the RBC Mortgage Cure

Bowl, rushing 11 times for 25 yards and a three-yard rushing touchdown

2018 (R-SO.):

• Sat out the 2018 season due to NCAA transfer policy

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty after playing two seasons at Maine • Finished his two years at Maine rushing for 2,047 yards on 383 carries (5.3 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns • Also added 41 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns • Ranked No. 1 in the country (FCS) in 2017 in rushing yards per game (133.5) • Ranked No. 3 in the country (FCS) in 2017 in total rushing yards with 1,335 and added nine rushing touchdowns • 2017 Walter Payton Award finalist • 2016 Hero Sports FCS Freshman All-American Honorable Mention • Rushed for 712 yards on 140 carries with six touchdowns as a freshman

PREP:

• Graduated from Pittsford-Mendon High School in Pittsford, N.Y. • Two-time All-Greater Rochester • Two-time all-league/all-county • USA Today second team all-state • 2015 Rochester Co-Player of the Year • Section-5 playoff shore game rushing record (344 yards) • Section-5 regular season shore game rushing record (353 yards) • Also competed in basketball and track • Was ranked third long jumper in Section 5 in 2015

PERSONAL:

• Son of Essie May Spann-Cox and Josh Mack • Birthday is on April 18 • Fashion Design major

74

BRYCE MATTHEWS

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-6, 300, SR. BRENTWOOD ACADEMY (OLE MISS) FRANKLIN, TENN.

2020 (SR.):

• Saw playing time in five games during his first season at Liberty • Served as a back-up at right tackle • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense • Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Ole Miss • Saw playing time in 20 games during this four-year career with the

Rebels (2016 – redshirted; 2017 – six games; 2018 – six games; 2019 – seven games) • Four-time member of the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll (2016-2019)

PREP:

• Graduated from Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tenn. • Was a four-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com out of high school • Listed among the top 250 prospects in the nation by Rivals.com and

Scout.com • Ranked the No. 13 offensive tackle by Scout.com and No. 14 by Rivals. com • Played in the Offense-Defense All-American Senior Bowl • Three-year starter • Helped Brentwood Academy to the Division 2AA state title as a senior • Division 2AA Mr. Football runner-up • Also played basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Kim and Jason Matthews • Father Jason Mathews had an 11-year NFL career as an offensive lineman with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans • Birthday is July 31 • Graduated with a managerial finance degree from Ole Miss • Currently pursuing a MBA at Liberty

77

COOPER MCCAW

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-5, 305, R-JR. GRAPEVINE FAITH HS ROANOKE, TEXAS

2020 (R-FR.):

• Started all 11 games at right tackle • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense

• Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns

2019 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games as a backup at right tackle • Graded out at 88.6 percent in 2019 • Helped the Flames record 39 pancake blocks during the season • Was part of an offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Calvert finish his career as Liberty’s all-time leader in career passing yards (12,025) and touchdowns (93) • Liberty’s offensive line allowed Calvert to post the longest streak in the country among FBS quarterbacks by completing 295 passing attempts without an interception in 2019 • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 21 nationally in passing yards per game (288.9) • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 32 in total offensive yards per game (439.4) • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,041 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,396 receiving yards)

2018 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 12 games during his first year on the field for the

Flames • Served as a backup at left tackle during the season • Helped Liberty finish the season averaging 261.5 passing yards per game, which would have ranked No. 33 in the country if the Flames were eligible for the FBS national rankings (not eligible due to FBS transition process) • The Flames allowed 21 sacks during the season, which would have ranked No. 39 in the country • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,032 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,037 receiving yards) • Allowed quarterback Stephen Calvert to throw for 3,068 yards and 21 touchdowns, helping him become the program’s all-time career leader in touchdown passes

2017 (FR.):

• Named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll • Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduate of Grapevine Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas • Four-year letter winner • Helped Grapevine Faith win a district championship as a freshman • All-district honorable mention selection as a sophomore • First-team all-district and second-team all-state as a junior • Earned first-team all-district and all-state honors as a senior • Named to the academic all-state team as a junior and senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Jeff and Cindy McCaw • Father, Jeff, played football at Grand Valley State • Birthday is March 26 • Business Administration: Entrepreneur major

4

CHRIS MEGGINSON

CORNERBACK 6-0, 185, SO. HERITAGE HS LYNCHBURG, VA.

2020 (SO.):

• Started all 11 games during the season • Doubled his tackle total from his freshman season • Finished the season with 30 tackles (22 solo, eight assisted) • Opened the year with a season-high five tackles (three solo, two assisted) at Western Kentucky • Three tackles, including two solo stops, against FIU and North Alabama • One solo tackle and an interception during Liberty’s win at Syracuse • Helped Liberty rank No. 23 in the country in interceptions, recording one of the Flames’ 11 interceptions during the season • Three solo tackles during Liberty’s first-ever win over Virginia Tech • Four tackles, including three solo stops, at NC State • Helped Liberty defeat No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina at the FBC Mortgage

Cure Bowl by finishing the game with three tackles, including two solo stops • 2019 (Fr.): • Saw playing time in all 13 games as a true freshman • Finished the season with 14 tackles (10 solo, four assisted) and two pass breakups • Saw a significant amount of playing time as part of Liberty’s special teams units • Finished the Louisiana game with a season-best four tackles, including three solo stops • Two tackles during Liberty’s home win over Buffalo • Posted a pair of solo tackles during the Flames’ road win at New Mexico

State • Helped the Flames to home victories over Maine and New Mexico State with two tackles in each game

PREP:

• Graduated from Heritage High School in Lynchburg, Va. • Also received an offer from Elon, Georgia State, VMI, and Western Illinois • Helped Heritage claim the 2018 VHSL 3A State Championship title during his final career high school game at Williams Stadium • He sealed the Pioneers’ state title victory with a late fourth quarter interception

PERSONAL:

• Son of Benita and Arnold Megginson • Birthday is October 16 • Business major

50

CHASE MITCHELL

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-4, 320,R- FR. WASHINGTON HS WASHINGTON, PA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in two games (FIU and Western Carolina) • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense • Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns

PREP:

• Graduated from Washington High School in Washington, Pa. • Also received offers from Howard, UMass, West Liberty and William &

Mary • Two-time all-conference honoree • All-WPIAL • Helped Washington High School to four conference titles and a WPIAL title

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tamara Mitchell • Business major

41

AUSTIN MOCK

LONG SNAPPER 6-2, 245, R-JR. LIBERTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LYNCHBURG, VA.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Liberty’s starting long snapper in all 11 games • Helped kicker Alex Barbir earn VaSID All-State second team and Phil

Steele Postseason All-Independent second team honors • Barbir Led the Flames with 89 points scored • Barbir Ranked No. 27 in the country in total points • Barbir Ranked No. 44 in the country in field goals per game (1.18) • Barbir connected on two game winning field goals during his first year at

Liberty • Barbir knocked down a 51-yard field goal with one second left in regulation to secure Liberty’s first-ever win at Virginia Tech • Barbir connected on a 44-yard field goal in overtime to help Liberty defeat No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl • Also helped punter Aidan Alves finish the year averaging a career-best 41.8 yards per punt (26 punts for 1,088 yards) • Alves recorded six punts of 50 or more yards and eight inside the opponent’s 20-yard line • Alves averaged 40 or more yards per punt in six of Liberty’s 11 games

2019 (R-SO.):

• Liberty’s starting long snapper in all 13 games • Helped punter Aidan Alves, who was named to the 2019 Ray Guy Award watch list member • Alves averaged more than 4.0 yards per punt longer than his freshman season (37.0 average in 2018; 41.6 average in 2019) • Alves averaged 40 or more yards per punt in nine games, including eight of the last 10 games • Liberty had nine 50-plus yard punts in 2019, including a pair of 70-yard punts • Kicker Alex Probert scored a career-best 89 points in 2019 with Mock as the long snapper • Recorded a solo tackle in a road win at UMass

2018 (R-FR.):

• Played in all 12 games • Served as Liberty’s starting long snapper

PREP:

• Graduate of Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Va. • Four-year varsity letterwinner in football • Played baseball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Patricia and Stephen Mock • Birthday is February 4 • Business Administration major

87

BRAYDEN MONDAY

TIGHT END 6-4, 240, R-FR. TUSCOLA HS WAYNESVILLE, N.C.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in nine games • Transitioned to playing as a tight end during the 2020 season • Member of the Flames special teams units

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted after playing in four games as a true freshman • Saw playing time against No. 22 Syracuse, Louisiana, Buffalo and New

Mexico State • Finished the season with eight tackles (three solo, five assisted) • Two tackles during his first collegiate game against No. 22 Syracuse • Four stops at Louisiana • Assisted tackles against Buffalo and a road game at New Mexico State

PREP:

• Graduated from Tuscola High School in Waynesville, N.C. • Also received offers from Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida, Florida

International, Georgia State, Michigan State, Ohio State and Tulane • Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com • 2017 Defensive Player of the Year as a junior • Earned all-conference honors as a senior • Team captain during his junior and senior seasons • Blue Grey All-American Bowl participant

PERSONAL:

• Son of Shannon and Leslie Clark and Michael Monday • Birthday is May 8 • Exercise Science major

14

STETSON MOORE

TIGHT END 6-4, 230, R-SO. PHILADELPHIA HS (PEARL RIVER CC) PHILADELPHIA, MISS.

2021 (R-SO.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Pearl River Community College in Poplarville,

Miss. • Saw playing time in 13 career games at Pearl River • Finished with 23 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns

PREP:

• Graduate of Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Miss. • Also received an offer from UAB • Started playing football during his junior year of high school • Finished his high school career with 812 receiving yards and eight touchdowns • Also played basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Lizzie Moore • Business major • Birthday is December 9

86

ED OGLE

WIDE RECEIVER 5-9, 180, R-FR. LIBERTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ALLENTOWN, PA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in one game against Western Carolina

PREP:

• Native of Allentown, Pa., who graduated from Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Va. • Two-year varsity letter winner

• Finished his junior season with 308 receiving yards and a touchdown • Totaled 909 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior • Team captain as a senior • Also participated in wrestling, lacrosse and track & field • Placed fourth at the state tournament in wrestling as a freshman and sophomore • Participated in the 4x100 at the Penn Relays as a senior • 12th Grade Honor Roll

PERSONAL:

• Son of Annmarie and Edmund Ogle • Birthday is May 8 • Pre-Law major

44

IKE OKOYE

DEFENSIVE END 6-2, 210, R-FR. WHEATON HS SILVER SPRINGS, MD.

2020 (FR.):

• Redshirted

PREP:

• Graduated from Wheaton High School in Silver Springs, Md. • Started playing football during his sophomore season • Finished his sophomore season with 28 tackles and eight sacks in nine JV games • Moved up to the varsity level as a junior, finishing the year with 11 tackles and a sack • Two-time Defensive Player of the Game as a senior • Finished his senior season with 36 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and a two pass breakups

PERSONAL:

• Son of Vera and Joseph Okoye • Biology major

42

MICAIAH OVERTON

DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-3, 285, R-FR. BESSEMER ACADEMY TUSCALOOSA, ALA.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Did not see any playing time

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the 2019 season

PREP:

• Native of College State, Texas who graduated from Bessemer Academy in Tuscaloosa, Ala. • Also received offers from Alabama State, Arizona State, Southeast

Missouri State, UAB amd UConn • Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com • All-state punter • Ranked as the No. 1 punter in Alabama as a junior • Earned NISA All-State honors as a senior • Helped Bessemer Academy to a state runner-up title as a sophomore • Also participated in baseball, basketball and track & field

• Led Bessemer Academy state title in basketball as a senior • NISA All-State in basketball as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Eunice Thomas and Milton Overton • Birthday is May 2 • Graphic Design major

90

KARSEN PERKINS

DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-4, 240, FR. NW CABARRUS HS CONCORD, N.C.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in two games (North Alabama and ULM) • Helped Liberty’s defense rank No. 11 in the country in total defense (317.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 22 in scoring defense (20.5 points allowed per game) • The Flames also ranked No. 14 in third-down percentage defense (31.9 percent) • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts

PREP:

• Graduate of NW Cabarrus High School in Concord, N.C. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from Akron, Campbell, Charlotte and Eastern

Kentucky • Finished his junior season with 13 sacks to lead the conference • Also tied for the lead in the conference in interceptions • All-conference honoree as a junior • Helped lead NW Cabarrus to a conference title • Also played basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Kelli Dixon and Andre Perkins • Birthday is November 8 • Psychology major

32

AARON PIERRE

LINEBACKER 6-0, 225, R-JR. CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TAMPA, FLA.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games, starting nine contests • Ranked third on the team in tackles • Finished the season with 41 tackles (23 solo, 18 assisted) • Added 3.5 tackles for a loss (six yards) and 1.0 sacks (two yards), a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery • Opened the season with four solo tackles during a road win at Western

Kentucky • Five stops, including two solo stops, against North Alabama and ULM • Helped Liberty knock off Syracuse by recording a season-high seven tackles (four solo, three assisted) • Three tackles, including a one-yard tackle for a loss, against Southern

Miss • Four stops (two solo, two assisted) to help Liberty during its first-ever win over Virginia Tech

• Helped Liberty defeat No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage

Cure Bowl with six tackles, including five solo stops

2019 (R-SO.):

• Did not see any playing time during the 2019 season

2018 (R-FR.):

• Played in all 12 games during his first year on the field for the Flames • Finished the season with 10 tackles (two solo, eight assisted) • Finished the Army game with a season-high eight tackles (two solo, six assisted) • Added single assisted tackles during home wins over Old Dominion and

Idaho State

2017 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduate of Cambridge Christian School in Tampa, Fla. • Four-year letter winner • Named team MVP following his freshman season when he recorded 82 tackles and 640 rushing yards • Suffered an injury during his sophomore season that limited him to playing three games with 14 tackles • Helped Cambridge Christian finish as a 2A state runner-up during his junior year • Finished his junior season with 61 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and three pass breakups • Added 600 total offensive yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, helping him earn all-county and all-state honors • Finished his senior year with 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups • Added 500 total offensive yards and four touchdowns as a senior • Named team captain, Cambridge Christian’s Most Versatile Athlete, allcounty and all-state his senior year • Selected to the Hillsborough All-Star team as a senior • Letter winner in track & field as a sophomore • District and regional qualifier in the 4x100 relay and discus in track & field • Voted school ambassador • Little League football coach

PERSONAL:

• Son of Stephena and Webster Pierre • Uncle, Steve Octavien, was an All-Big 12 honorable mention linebacker at

Nebraska who also played for three seasons in the NFL • Aunt, Dayana Octavien, was an All-America track & field athlete at USF • Uncle, Keith Eloi, was a wide receiver at Nebraska-Omaha and spent time with the Washington Redskins • Birthday is on April 6 • Sport Management major

57

CARL POOLE

LINEBACKER 5-11, 225, R-FR. GEORGE WASHINGTON HS DANVILLE, VA.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in 10 of 11 games • Received his first two career starts against NC State and UMass • Finished the season with 23 tackles (12 solo, 11 assisted) • Five tackles, including two solo stops and a one-yard tackle for a loss, against North Alabama • Three tackles (one solo, two assisted) against ULM • Three stops, including two assisted tackles, against Southern Miss • Four tackles (two solo, two assisted), a forced fumble and a six-yard interception return against Western Carolina • Helped Liberty rank No. 23 in the country in interceptions, recording one of the Flames’ 11 interceptions during the season • Five tackles (two solo, three assisted) and a quarterback hurry at NC

State • Two solo tackles against UMass

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted after seeing playing time in two games • Saw playing time during Liberty’s wins over Hampton and UMass

PREP:

• Graduate of George Washington High School in Danville, Va. • Finished his high school career at George Washington with 405 career tackles • Recorded 60 tackles, 12 touchdowns and five forced fumbles as a freshman • Finished his sophomore season with 75 tackles, seven sacks, 12 touchdowns and six forced fumbles • Tallied 120 tackles as a junior, along with 12 sacks, 10 touchdowns and eight forced fumbles • Capped off his prep career with 150 tackles, 12 sacks, 10 touchdowns and eight forced fumbles • Also participated in basketball and track & field

PERSONAL:

• Son of Sermica and Carl Poole Sr. • Brother of Flames wide receiver Carlos Poole • Uncle, Nate Poole, played collegiately at Marshall (1997-2000) and the wide receiver played four seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals (2002-04) and New Orleans Saints (2005) • Birthday is October 3 • Business Management major

83

CARLOS POOLE

WIDE RECEIVER 6-3, 190, R-FR. GEORGE WASHINGTON HS DANVILLE, VA.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in one game against UMass

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the 2019 season

PREP:

• Graduate of George Washington High School in Danville, Va. • Four-time member of the honor roll • All-state quarterback as a junior and senior • Finished his four-year varsity career with 140 career touchdowns (72 passing, 68 rushing) • Also participated in basketball and tennis

PERSONAL:

• Son of Sermica and Carl Poole Sr. • Brother of Flames linebacker Carl Poole • Uncle, Nate Poole, played collegiately at Marshall (1997-2000) and the wide receiver played four seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals (2002-04) and New Orleans Saints (2005) • Birthday is October 3 • Business Management major

6

ROBERT RAHIMI

SAFETY 6-1, 185, SO. CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (SADDLEBACK CC) SANTA ANA, CALIF.

2021 (SO.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif. • Finished the 2019 season with 48 tackles (27 solo, 21 assisted) • Added 5.5 tackles for a loss, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a blocked kick

PREP:

• Graduated from Cornerstone Christian School in San Antonio, Texas • Two-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com • Finished his senior year with 50 tackles, two forced fumbles and a punt return for a touchdown

PERSONAL:

• Son of Shapo and Jamil Rahimi • Birthday is September 8

16

QUINTON REESE

SAFETY 6-0, 185, FR. BLESSED TRINITY CATHOLIC HS ALPHARETTA, GA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games as a true freshman • Finished the season with 13 tackles (nine solo, four assisted) • Added a sack, a quarterback hurry, an interception and a pass breakup • Started against Western Kentucky to open the season, recording two tackles (one solo, one assisted) • Solo tackle against FIU • Three stops, including two solo tackles and a 13-yard sack, against

Western Carolina • Finished the UMass game with a season-best six tackles (four solo, two assisted), a quarterback hurry, pass breakup and a four-yard interception • Helped Liberty rank No. 23 in the country in interceptions, recording one of the Flames’ 11 interceptions during the season • Recorded a solo tackle during Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal

Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

PREP:

• Graduate of Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Ga. • Also received offers from Akron, Army, Ball State, Coastal Carolina,

Georgia State, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Troy, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Finished his senior year of high school with 115 tackles and eight interceptions • Three-time 4A state champion • AJC 4A all-state honoree • AJC 4A all-region selection • AJC All-Metro • AJC 4A North Fulton Defensive Player of the Year • 2019 Blessed Trinity Player of the Year

PERSONAL:

• Son of Paula and Ocie Reese • Business major • Birthday is July 12

38

CADE ROBINSON

LINEBACKER 6-1, 190, R-FR. ELIZABETHTOWN HS ELIZABETHTOWN, PA.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in six games • Finished the season with five tackles (three solo, two assisted) and a safety • Recorded a solo tackle during his first career game against ULM • Finished the Western Carolina game with a season-high four tackles (two solo, two assisted)

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted after seeing playing time in one game against Hampton • Joined the Flames roster during the spring and practice with the team during spring workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Elizabethtown High School in Elizabethtown, Pa. • First-team all-region and all-state as a junior • Defensive Back of the Year as a junior • Participated in the MTC Lancaster Lebanon League All-Star Game as a senior • Also played basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Jen and Mike Robinson • Birthday is on August 29 • Cybersecurity major

70

BOYD ROGISH

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-3, 285, R-JR. HOMESCHOOLED YORK, PA.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Did not see any playing time

2019 (JR.):

• Redshirted during the 2019 season

PREP:

• Graduated from Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency

PERSONAL:

• Son of Barbara and Boyd Rogish Jr. • Birthday is on July 29 • Pre-Law major

89

CADE ROWLAND

WIDE RECEIVER 5-11, 175, R-FR. SOUTH WALTON HS FREEPORT, FLA.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in one game against Western Carolina

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the 2019 season

PREP:

• Graduated from South Walton High School in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. • Played both quarterback and free safety during his final three seasons at

South Walton High School • Finished his sophomore season completing 33-of-60 passing attempts for 480 yards, while rushing for 220 yards • Added 31 tackles and three interceptions as a sophomore • Completed 75-of-130 passing attempts for 915 yards as a junior, while rushing for 380 yards • Added 57 tackles and seven interceptions as a junior • Finished his senior year completing 31-of-55 passing attempts for 540 yards and rushing for 570 yards • Added 65 tackles and five interceptions as a senior • Four-year varsity letter winner in basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Ashley and Todd Rowland • Father, Todd Rowland, played collegiate football at the University of

Memphis at Lambuth • Sister, Ciera Rowland, is a women’s lacrosse player at Birmingham

Southern • Birthday is on September 6 • Sport Management major

99

RALFS RUSINS

DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-6, 325, R-SR. RIGA HANSA SECONDARY SCHOOL CARNIKAVA, LATVIA

2020 (R-SR.):

• Started all 11 games at nose guard • Ranked seventh on the team in tackles • Finished the season with 34 tackles (15 solo, 19 assisted) • Also added three tackles for a loss (four yards), one sack (one yard) and a forced fumble • Helped Liberty’s defense rank No. 11 in the country in total defense (317.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 22 in scoring defense (20.5 points allowed per game) • The Flames also ranked No. 14 in third-down percentage defense (31.9 percent) • Opened the year with three tackles (two solo, one assisted) at Western

Kentucky • Recorded a season-high six stops against FIU (four solo, two assisted) • Three tackles, including two assisted, in a road win at Syracuse • Finished the Southern Miss game with five tackles, including three solo stops • Four tackles (two solo, two assisted) to help Liberty defeat Virginia Tech for the first time in program history • Three assisted tackles at NC State • Five tackles, including three assisted stops, and a forced fumble against

UMass

2019 (R-JR.):

• Started all 13 games at nose guard • Had a career year, ranking fourth on the team with 60 tackles (15 solo, 45 assisted) • Third on the team in tackles for a loss (6.5) and added 2.0 sacks • Opened the season with a career-high nine tackles against No. 22

Syracuse, including a five-yard sack • Tied his career high with nine tackles against New Mexico, including 1.5 tackles for a loss • Finished with six assisted tackles in a road win at New Mexico State • Seven assisted stops at Rutgers • Eight stops, including seven assisted tackles, at Virginia

• Posted four assisted tackles to help Liberty defeat Georgia Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2018 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 12 games • Started at nose guard against Old Dominion and North Texas • Finished the season with 13 tackles (four solo, nine assisted) • Had a career game against Old Dominion, helping the Flames to the program’s first-ever win at the FBS level with six tackles (one solo, five assisted) and a five-yard sack • Four tackles at Army (one solo, three assisted) • Two stops at Auburn (one solo, one assisted)

2017 (R-SO.):

• Named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll • Saw playing time in four games before missing the second half of the season due to an injury • Received a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA • Finished the season with seven tackles (five solo, two assisted) • Recorded two solo stops during Liberty’s season-opening win at Baylor • Had two tackles against Morehead State • Recorded a solo tackle against Indiana State • Tallied two tackles against No. 5 Jacksonville State

2016 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in nine games • Joined Liberty’s roster following August training camp as a tight end • Part of Liberty’s special teams unit • Recorded a solo tackle and a forced fumble during Liberty’s season finale against No. 16 Coastal Carolina

2015 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduated from Riga Hansa Secondary School (Rigas Hanzas Vidusskola) in Riga, Latvia • Competed for four seasons at Riga Hansa • Also played for the Riga Lions

PERSONAL:

• Son of Gijs and Vita Rusins • Political Science major • Birthday is June 20

15

JAYOD SANDERS

DEFENSIVE END 6-3, 240, SR. LEON HS TALLAHASSEE, FLA.

2020 (SR.):

• Saw playing time in nine games • Finished the season with six tackles (three solo, three assisted) • Two of his six tackles were sacks for a loss of 22 total yards • Helped Liberty’s defense rank No. 11 in the country in total defense (317.7 yards allowed per game) and No. 22 in scoring defense (20.5 points allowed per game) • The Flames also ranked No. 14 in third-down percentage defense (31.9 percent) • Solo tackle during Liberty’s season opening road win at Western

Kentucky • 19-yard sack against FIU • Three-yard sack against North Alabama • One assisted tackle during Liberty’s road win at Syracuse • Two assisted tackles, including a tackle for a loss, against Southern Miss

2019 (JR.):

• Saw playing time in 11 of 13 games • Missed the first two games of the season due to injury • Finished the year with 13 tackles (seven solo, six assisted), 5.5 tackles for

a loss (27 yards), 4.0 sacks (24 yards) and a pass breakup • 10-yard sack in a home win over Hampton • Three solo tackles against Maine, including 3.0 TFLs and 2.0 sacks • Two tackles in a road win at UMass, including a six-yard sack • Two tackles during Liberty’s regular-season finale win over New Mexico

State • Assisted tackle during Liberty’s victory over Georgia Southern in the FBC

Mortgage Cure Bowl

2018 (SO.):

• Saw playing time in nine games, including a start in the season opener against Old Dominion • Helped the Flames to a win in their first-ever FBS game with two assisted tackles, including a shared tackle for a loss, against Old Dominion • Three tackles (two solo, one assisted) in a home win over Troy, including two tackles for a loss and an 11-yard sack • Three tackles (one solo, two assisted) at Auburn • One solo tackle in a home win over New Mexico State and Norfolk State

2017 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in 10 of 11 games during his true freshman season • Finished the year with three tackles • Had an assisted stop against Morehead State and Gardner-Webb • Had a quarterback hurry during Liberty’s home victory over Indiana State • Recorded his first career solo tackle during Liberty’s season finale at

Charleston Southern

PREP:

• Four-year letter winner who graduated from Leon High School in

Tallahassee, Fla. • Won the Christian Character Award as a freshman • First-team all-state honoree as a junior at both defensive end and outside linebacker • All-Big Bend honorable mention selection as a senior at defensive end • 101% Effort Award recipient as a senior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Jada and Todd Sanders • Interdisciplinary Studies major • Birthday is March 20

65

THOMAS SARGEANT

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-1, 295, R-SR. ATLEE HS MECHANICSVILLE, VA.

2020 (R-SR.):

• Started all 11 games at center, pushing his start streak to 47-consecutive games • Rimington Award Watch List member (top center in college football) • VaSID All-State first team honoree • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent first team • CoSIDA Academic All-District selection • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense • Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns

2019 (R-JR.):

• Started all 13 games at left tackle for the Flames • Helped the Flames record 39 pancake blocks during the season • Was part of an offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Calvert finish his career as Liberty’s all-time leader in career passing yards (12,025) and touchdowns (93) • Liberty’s offensive line allowed Calvert to post the longest streak in the country among FBS quarterbacks by completing 295 passing attempts without an interception in 2019 • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 21 nationally in passing yards per game (288.9) • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 32 in total offensive yards per game (439.4) • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,041 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,396 receiving yards)

2018 (R-SO.):

• Started all 12 games at center for the Flames • Helped Liberty finish the season averaging 261.5 passing yards per game, which would have ranked No. 33 in the country if the Flames were eligible for the FBS national rankings (not eligible due to FBS transition process) • The Flames allowed 21 sacks during the season, which would have ranked No. 39 in the country • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,032 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,037 receiving yards) • Allowed quarterback Stephen Calvert to throw for 3,068 yards and 21 touchdowns, helping him become the program’s all-time career leader with 65 career touchdown passes

2017 (R-FR.):

• Named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll • Started all 11 games, serving as Liberty’s center throughout the 2017 season • Graded at 93 percent by the coaching staff in 2017, finishing the year with 70 knockdowns and one sack allowed • Helped protect quarterback Buckshot Calvert, allowing the sophomore to set a school record in passing yards (3,363), completions (257) and touchdowns (29) • If Liberty’s offense was eligible for FCS national rankings (not eligible due to FBS transition process), the Flames would have ranked No. 12 in total offense (449.2 yards per game) and No. 9 in passing offense (309.9 yards per game) • The Flames would have also ranked No. 9 in the country (FCS) in fewest passes intercepted (6)

2016 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the season

PREP:

• Graduated from Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, Va. • Earned first team all-conference and second team all-region honors during senior season • Named second team all-conference as a junior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Cheryl and Rob Sargeant • Uncle, Gordon Burks, played football at Hampden-Sydney • Graduated in May 2019 with a degree in Criminal Justice • Birthday is April 11

55

BRENDAN SCHLITTLER

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-5, 315, R-SO. EUREKA HS EUREKA, MO.

2020 (R-SO.):

• Started 10 games at right guard • VaSID All-State second team honoree • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team • Helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 9 in rushing offense (252.4 yards per game), No. 15 in total offense (482.7 yards per game) and No. 16 in scoring offense (38.2 points per game) • Liberty ranked No. 12 in the country in first down offense • Liberty ranked No. 15 in the nation in time of possession (32:58) • Liberty ranked No. 22 in the country in team passing efficiency (154.51) • Liberty ranked No. 8 in fourth-down conference percent (77.3 percent) • Liberty ranked No. 17 in third-down conference percent (48.0 percent) • Helped block for Malik Willis, who led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns

2019 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games • Served as a backup at right guard • Helped the Flames record 39 pancake blocks during the season • Was part of an offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Calvert finish his career as Liberty’s all-time leader in career passing yards (12,025) and touchdowns (93) • Liberty’s offensive line allowed Calvert to post the longest streak in the country among FBS quarterbacks by completing 295 passing attempts without an interception in 2019 • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 21 nationally in passing yards per game (288.9) • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 32 in total offensive yards per game (439.4) • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,041 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,396 receiving yards)

2018 (FR.):

• Redshirted after playing in the season opener against Old Dominion

PREP:

• Graduate of Eureka High School in Eureka, Mo. • Signed with the Flames during the December signing period • Named a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com • Received offers from Army, Columbia, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern

Michigan, NIU and Tennessee-Martin • All-conference and all-district honoree as a junior • Finished his senior year with 76 pancake blocks and no sacks allowed • Named first-team all-conference, all-district and all-state as a senior • Played baseball at Eureka High School PERSONAL: • Son of Susan and Michael Schlittler • Birthday is on April 26 • Business major

68

TRISTAN SCHULTZ

OFFENSIVE LINE 6-4, 305, SR. CULVER COMMUNITY HS (FORK UNION) CULVER, IND.

2019 (JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games at left tackle • Graded out at 82.3 percent • Helped the Flames record 39 pancake blocks during the season • Was part of an offensive line that helped quarterback Stephen Calvert finish his career as Liberty’s all-time leader in career passing yards (12,025) and touchdowns (93) • Liberty’s offensive line allowed Calvert to post the longest streak in the country among FBS quarterbacks by completing 295 passing attempts without an interception in 2019 • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 21 nationally in passing yards per game (288.9) • Liberty finished the 2019 season ranked No. 32 in total offensive yards per game (439.4) • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,041 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,396 receiving yards)

2018 (SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 12 games, starting 10 games at right tackle • Named Liberty’s Special Teams Player of the Week after the Army game • Helped Liberty finish the season averaging 261.5 passing yards per game, which would have ranked No. 33 in the country if the Flames were eligible for the FBS national rankings (not eligible due to FBS transition process) • The Flames allowed 21 sacks during the season, which would have ranked No. 39 in the country • Protected a pair of 1,000-yard performers in running back Frankie

Hickson (1,032 yards rushing) and wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (1,037 receiving yards) • Allowed quarterback Stephen Calvert to throw for 3,068 yards and 21 touchdowns, helping him become the program’s all-time career leader with 65 career touchdown passes

2017 (FR.):

• Named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll • Saw playing time in nine of 11 games during his true freshman season • Helped protect quarterback Buckshot Calvert, allowing the sophomore to set a school record in passing yards (3,363), completions (257) and touchdowns (29) • If Liberty’s offense was eligible for FCS national rankings (not eligible due to FBS transition process), the Flames would have ranked No. 12 in total offense (449.2 yards per game) and No. 9 in passing offense (309.9 yards per game). • The Flames would have also ranked No. 9 in the country (FCS) in fewest passes intercepted (6) • Joined Liberty’s roster for spring workouts

PREP:

• Graduate of Culver Community High School • Came to Liberty after playing at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork

Union, Va. • Letter-winning offensive lineman from Culver Community High School in

Culver, Ind. • Earned all-conference and team MVP honors as a senior • Played basketball and baseball as well at Culver Community High School

PERSONAL:

• Son of Hollie and Troy Schultz • Father, Troy, played football at Ball State, earning All-MAC first-team honors at defensive tackle in 1986 and second-team accolades in 1987 • Business Administration: Project Management major • Birthday is December 26

1

JAVON SCRUGGS

SAFETY 5-11, 180, JR. APPOMATTOX HS APPOMATTOX, VA.

2020 (JR.):

• VaSID All-State first team honoree • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent first team • Led the Flames in tackles • Finished the season with 69 tackles (37 solo, 32 assisted) • Added 4.0 tackles for a loss (11 yards), three forced fumbles, two interceptions, two quarterback hurries and two pass breakups • Ranked No. 13 in the country in tackles per game by a safety (6.3) • Ranked No. 48 in the country in forced fumbles (2/0.27 per game) • Ranked No. 67 in the country in interceptions (2) • Helped Liberty rank No. 23 in the country in interceptions, recording two of the Flames’ 11 interceptions during the season • Five tackles, including four solo stops, against Western Kentucky • Seven stops (four solo, three assisted), a two-yard tackle for a loss and a forced fumble against North Alabama • Led Liberty’s defensive effort at Syracuse with a season-high 12 tackles (seven solo, five assisted) and a three-yard tackle for a loss • Seven tackles, including four solo stops, against Southern Miss • Four stops (two solo, two assisted) during Liberty’s first-ever win over

Virginia Tech • Finished the NC State game with 10 stops (five solo, five assisted), a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup • Eight tackles (five solo, three assisted), a 59-yard interception return and a forced fumble during Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2019 (SO.):

• Saw playing time in 12 games, starting 11 contests • Missed the UMass game with an injury • Ranked fifth on Liberty’s roster with 58 tackles (32 solo, 26 assisted) • Added 4.5 tackles for a loss (8 yards), three pass breakups, two interceptions and a fumble recovery • Got his first career start against No. 22 Syracuse, recording three solo tackles • Finished the New Mexico game with six tackles, including four solo tackles • Six tackles and a 72-yard interception return during a road win at New

Mexico State • Four stops and a 29-yard fumble return during a home win against

Maine • Finished the Rutgers game with a career-high 10 tackles • Six tackles at BYU, including five solo stops and a 2.5 tackles for a loss • Seven tackles at Virginia, including six assisted stops • Helped the Flames defeat Georgia Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure

Bowl, finishing the contest with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted)

2018 (FR.):

• Played in all 12 games as a true freshman • Finished the season with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted) • Recorded two solo tackles and a forced fumble in his first collegiate game, helping the Flames to a win over Old Dominion during the team’s first-ever FBS game • Solo tackle against North Texas • Two assisted tackles in a win over Idaho State • Named Liberty’s Special Teams Player of the Week after the Idaho State game • Two tackles (one solo, one assisted) at UMass

PREP:

• Graduate of Appomattox County High School • Signed with the Flames during the February signing period • Received an offer from Marshall • Helped Appomattox County High School win state championships in each of his final three seasons with the Raiders • Finished his career with 342 tackles (166 solo, 176 assisted), five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 15 interceptions, 32 pass breakups and six punt blocks • Named 2017 VHSL Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year • Selected first team all-conference, all-region and all-state at both quarterback and defensive back as a senior • Runner-up finisher in the final voting for The News & Advance (Lynchburg) Player of the Year award • Titan Finalist for the Bill Dudley Award • Finished his senior year completing 82-of-147 passing attempts for 1,949 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,194 yards and 18 touchdowns • Finished senior season with 129 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, eight interceptions and a fumble recovery • Added 17 passes defended and two blocked punts as a senior • Selected as first team all-conference quarterback as a junior • Named second team all-conference and all-region at defensive back as a junior

PERSONAL:

• Son of Nashara Scruggs • Birthday is on November 1 • Sport Management major

2

KACI SEEGARS

DEFENSIVE END 6-3, 210, FR. WILLIAM A. HOUGH HS CHARLOTTE, N.C.

2021 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

2020 (R-SR.):

• Graduated from William A. Hough High School in Cornelius, N.C. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Two-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com • Also received offers from Kansas State, Missouri, NC State and Texas

A&M • Missed his freshman season due to an injury • Finished his sophomore year with 78 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, six sacks • Recorded 71 tackles, 14 sacks and five pass breakups as a junior • Two-time all-conference honoree • All-state honoree as a junior • Helped William A. Hough capture a conference title during his high school career • Also played basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Eugene Seegars • Birthday is November 2

2

KEVIN SHAA

WIDE RECEIVER 5-11, 165, R-SR. MCCLYMONDS HS (CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO) OAKLAND, CALIF.

2020 (R-SR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games, starting nine contests • VaSID All-State second team honoree • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team • Led the Flames with four touchdown receptions • Ranked second on the team in receptions (32) and receiving yards (363) • Six receptions for 91 yards against FIU • Two catches for 11 yards during Liberty’s road win at Syracuse • Two of his three receptions against Southern Miss resulted in touchdowns (39 and 11 yards) • Two receptions for 43 yards during Liberty’s first-ever win against

Virginia Tech • Posted a season-high 137 receiving yards against Western Carolina, including an 83-yard touchdown catch • His 83-yard touchdown reception against Western Carolina was the longest reception of the season by a Flame • Two receptions for 38 yards against UMass, including a 31-yard touchdown play • Three receptions for 35 yards during Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal

Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2019 (R-JR.):

• Saw playing time in 11 games, starting the first six games of the season • Ranked third on Liberty’s roster in receptions (26) and receiving yards (346) • One of six players on Liberty’s roster with multiple touchdown receptions, as he finished the season with two touchdown grabs • Recorded his first career touchdown against Buffalo (33 yards) and finished the game with five receptions for 67 yards • Tied a season high with five receptions for 21 yards against New Mexico • Recorded his second touchdown reception of the season (15 yards) during Liberty’s Homecoming win over Maine • Finished the Rutgers game with four receptions for a career-high 89 receiving yards • Had two receptions for 12 yards during Liberty’s win over Georgia

Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2018 (R-SO.):

• Saw playing time in four games • Finished the season with three receptions for 52 yards • Two receptions for 48 yards in his first game at Liberty, helping the

Flames to a 52-10 win over Old Dominion in the program’s first-ever win at the FBS level • Four-yard reception and a 28-yard kickoff return in a road win at New

Mexico

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Signed with the Flames during the December signing period and participated in spring workouts in 2018 • Received offers from Eastern Michigan and Old Dominion • Finished his two-year career at City College of San Francisco with 42 receptions, 840 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns

PREP:

• Graduated from McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif.

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tasha Tanksley and Kevin Shaa • Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting in May 2020 • Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Management • Birthday is on November 10

21

TREON SIBLEY

WIDE RECEIVER 6-0, 210, R-FR. COVENTRY HS AKRON, OHIO

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in nine of Liberty’s 11 games • Finished the season with three tackles (two solo, one assisted) • Had a breakout game during Liberty’s home victory over ULM • Finished the ULM game with two tackles (one solo, one assisted), blocked one punt attempt and recovered a different punt attempt that was fumbled in the end zone for a touchdown • Added a solo tackle during Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted after playing in two games (Rutgers and UMass) • Finished the Rutgers game with a 19-yard kickoff return • Signed with Liberty during the December 2018 signing period and took part in Spring 2019 workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Coventry High School in Akron, Ohio in December • Also received an offer from Akron • Broke six school records during his high school career, including scoring 27 touchdowns and totaling nearly 1,800 all-purpose yards during his senior year • All-state wide receiver • PTC Player of the Year

PERSONAL:

• Son of Shannon Jackson and Tranceshun Sibley • Sport Management major • Birthday is on January 5

3

STEPHEN SINGS V

Defensive End 6-3, 235, R-Fr. Zebulon B. Vance HS Charlotte, N.C.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in 10 of 11 games • Finished the season with 10 tackles (seven solo, three assisted) • Added 3.0 tackles for a loss (23 yards) and 2.5 sacks (20 yards) • Also recorded a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup

PREP:

• Graduated from Zebulon B. Vance High School in Charlotte, N.C. • Two-time All-Conference honoree • Broke the school’s sack record as a junior with 21 sacks • Named Defensive Player of the Year as a senior • Also played tennis

PERSONAL:

• Son of Olivia Robbins and Stephen Sings • Business major • Birthday is October 26

28

CHANCE SMITH

Safety 5-11, 175, R-Fr. Wake Forest HS Wake Forest, N.C.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in eight games • Finished the season with five tackles (three solo, two assisted) • Opened the season with a pair of assisted tackles at Western Kentucky • Recorded solo stops against ULM, Syracuse and UMass

PREP:

• Graduated from Wake Forest High School in Wake Forest, N.C. • 4AA Defensive Player of the Year as a junior • Finished his junior season with 44 tackles, including 28 solo stops, 23 pass breakups and five interceptions • Helped Wake Forest High School claim its third-straight state championship as a junior • Finished his senior season with 68 tackles, including 42 solo tackles, 17 pass breakups and four interceptions • All-Conference honoree as a senior • Selected to play in the Shrine Bowl where he recorded an interception • Also participated in track & field

PERSONAL:

• Son of Denise and Thomas Smith • Business Management major • Birthday is March 11

28

TYRON STAPLES

Linebacker 6-0, 190, R-Jr. Liberty HS Bedford, Va.

2020 (R-JR.):

• Did not see any playing time

2019 (R-SO.):

• Did not see any playing time

2018 (R-FR.):

• Redshirted

2017 (FR.):

• Did not see any playing time

PREP:

• Graduated from Liberty High School in Bedford, Va. • Finished his sophomore season with 74 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles • Played three games at running back as a sophomore, rushing for 750 yards and six touchdowns • All Times-land, all-district and all-conference at both defensive back and running back as a sophomore • Recorded 62 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and an interception as a junior • Also rushed for 720 yards and eight touchdowns • All-district honoree as a running back and defensive back as a junior • Finished his senior year rushing for 1,650 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 82 tackles and a forced fumble • All-district, all-conference, all-area and all-state as a senior • Also participated in track and basketball

PERSONAL:

• Son of Yolanda and Gerry Staples • Birthday is on July 19 • Communications major

PLAYER PROFILES 23

CEDRIC STONE

SAFETY 5-11, 180, R-SR. INDEPENDENCE HS (GEORGIA STATE) CHARLOTTE, N.C.

2020 (R-SR.):

• Saw playing time in 10 of 11 games • Started the last five games of the season • Finished the year with 23 tackles (14 solo, nine assisted) • Finished his first game at Liberty with two solo tackles against Western

Kentucky • Recorded a solo stop during Liberty’s road win over Syracuse • Three tackles, including two assisted stops and a 0.5 tackle for a loss, against Southern Miss • Matched a season high with four tackles (two solo, two assisted) during

Liberty’s first-ever win over Virginia Tech • Three solo tackles against Western Carolina • Three tackles, including two assisted stops and a 14-yard interception return at NC State • Helped Liberty rank No. 23 in the country in interceptions, recording one of the Flames’ 11 interceptions during the season • Matched his season high four stops (two solo, two assisted) during

Liberty’s win over No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage Cure

Bowl

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Georgia State • Saw playing time in 40 career games • Finished his career with 68 career tackles (52 solo, 16 assisted) • Add nine passes defended, 3.0 tackles for a loss (10 yards) and a fumble recovery • Moved to safety in 2019 after playing cornerback his first three years • Stated ever game in 2019, finishing the year with 48 tackles, four pass breakups and a fumble recovery

PREP:

• Graduate of Independence High School in Charlotte, N.C. • Southwestern 4A Defensive Player of the Year • First-team All-Charlotte Observer • Four interceptions as a senior, along with 10 pass breakups and 37 tackles • Also used as a receiver and returner • Also participated in track

PERSONAL:

• Son of Allison and Cedric Stone • Currently pursuing his MBA • Birthday is October 27

90

JASON STRICKER

KICKER/PUNTER 6-2, 180, R-FR. MARVIN RIDGE HS WAXHAW, N.C.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Saw playing time in one game against Western Carolina • Connected on 1-of-2 point after attempts

2019 (FR.):

• Redshirted during the 2019 season

PREP:

• Graduated from Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, N.C. • Also received offers from Air Force, Army, Charlotte, Maryland, Navy,

TCU, UCF and Virginia • Four-year varsity starter at both kicker and punter • Two-time Special Teams Player of the Year (2017 and 2018) • First-team all-conference kicker as a junior and senior • U.S. Army All-American & Eastbay All-America kicker (2013, 2014 and 2015) • 2018 Greater Charlotte Region Kicker of the Year • Two-time Marvin Ridge High School Special Teams MVP (2017 and 2018) • 2018 Marvin Ridge High School team captain • Finished his career with a school-record 20 field goals (20-of-29), including 9-of-15 as a senior • Kicked a school record 51-yard field goal as a junior • 52-of-59 kickoffs during his senior year resulted in a touchback, setting a program record • Finished his senior year averaging 68.1 yards per kickoff (59 kickoffs for 4,020 yards) • Placed 16-of-38 punts during his senior year inside the opponent’s 20yard line

PERSONAL:

• Son of Suzanne and Mike Stricker • Birthday is January 6 • Exercise Science major

5

DJ STUBBS

WIDE RECEIVER 5-9, 185, SR. UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

2020 (SR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games, starting 10 contests • VaSID All-State second team honoree • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent first team • Led the Flames in receptions (38) and receiving yards (523) • Ranked second on the team with three touchdown receptions • Eight receptions for 119 yards with a 14-yard touchdown against FIU • Five receptions for 37 yards with a 12-yard touchdown against North

Alabama • Helped Liberty pick up a road win at Syracuse, finishing the game with four receptions for 58 yards and a 36-yard touchdown reception • Finished the Southern Miss game with six receptions for 71 yards • Three receptions for 24 yards during Liberty’s first-ever win at Virginia

Tech • Three receptions for 56 yards against UMass • Helped the Flames defeat No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage

Cure Bowl by finishing the game with five receptions for 68 yards

2019 (JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 13 games, including nine starts • Ranked second on Liberty’s roster with 401 receiving yards • Ranked third on the team with 32 receptions • One of six players on the squad with two or more touchdown receptions in 2019 • Led the Flames with 16 punt returns for 35 yards • Opened the season with five receptions for 47 yards against No. 22

Syracuse • Scored Liberty’s first TD of 2019 on a 12-yard pass from QB Stephen

Calvert and finished the Louisiana game with five receptions for 52 yards • Finished the Maine game with two receptions for 37 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown reception during the Homecoming victory • Three receptions for 24 yards at Rutgers, while completing a 38-yard passing play • Helped the Flames to a road win at UMass with three receptions for 65 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown reception • Three receptions for 25 yards during Liberty’s regular-season finale win over New Mexico State • Had a 15-yard reception and three punt returns during Liberty’s win over

Georgia Southern in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

2018 (SO.):

• Saw playing time in all 12 games, including five starts • Ranked second on Liberty’s roster with 50 receptions for 631 yards and a touchdown • Finished the year with three 100-yard games • Led the team with 10 punt returns for 101 yards • Helped the Flames open the FBS era with a win over Old Dominion, finishing the game with seven receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown • Named Liberty’s Offensive Player of the Week after the Old Dominion game • Six receptions for 95 yards against North Texas • Named Liberty’s Offensive Player of the Week after the North Texas game • Three receptions for 20 yards and completed a 39-yard pass play in a road win at New Mexico • Finished the New Mexico State game with 11 receptions for 115 yards • Named Liberty’s Special Teams Player of the Week after the New Mexico

State game (Oct. 6) • Eight catches for 108 yards in a home win over Idaho State

2017 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games as a true freshman • Finished the year with seven receptions for 50 yards • Led the team with 17 punt returns for 115 yards (6.8 yards per return) • Added two kickoff returns for 83 yards • Recorded three receptions for 19 yards during Liberty’s season-opening win at Baylor • Had a season-best 71-yard kickoff return against Morehead State • Added a 32-yard punt return against Morehead State and a solo tackle • Had a 25-yard punt return against Indiana State • Made a 10-yard reception against Monmouth • Finished the Presbyterian game with two receptions for 20 yards

PREP:

• Graduated from University Christian School in Jacksonville, Fla. • Three-year letter winner • Played quarterback, running back, wide receiver and free safety during his time at University Christian School • Helped his high school win state championships during his junior and senior seasons • Finished his sophomore season with 25 receptions and eight touchdowns as a wide receiver • Finished his junior season with 30 receptions for five touchdowns as a wide receiver, 15 carries for four touchdowns as a running back, four interceptions as a safety and 25 completions with six touchdowns as a quarterback • Ended his senior season with 55 rushing attempts for 474 yards and four touchdowns and had 23 receptions for 307 yards and four touchdowns • Completed 13-of-31 pass attempts for 262 yards and four touchdowns,

while adding three interceptions his senior year • Participated in basketball and track & field at University Christian School • Five-time all-tournament team member in basketball, helping University

Christian School win two tournament titles • Two-time basketball MVP

PERSONAL:

• Son of Cherell Young and Donell Stubbs • Digital Communication major • Birthday is May 31

5

SKYLER THOMAS

SAFETY 5-10, 185, R-SR. CITRUS HILL HS (WASHINGTON STATE) RIVERSIDE, CALIF.

2021 (R-SR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2021 spring football workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Washington State • Saw playing time in 28 career games during three seasons with the

Cougars (2017-19; redshirted in 2016) • Finished his three years at Washington State with 152 career tackles (89 solo, 63 assisted), 3.5 tackles for a loss, 12 passes defended, six interceptions and two fumble recoveries • Started 12 of 13 games as a redshirt junior in 2019, finishing second on the team with 72 tackles • Led the team in 2019 with four interceptions • Started all 13 games at free safety in 2018 • Ranked third on the team with 76 tackles • Recorded two pass breakups and two interceptions

PREP:

• Graduated from Citrus High School in Perris, Calif. • 2017 three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • 2017 two-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com • No. 18 rated safety prospect in California by Scout.com • Finished his sophomore season with 45 tackles, six tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and an interception • All-League first-team selection as a junior, finishing the year with 86 tackles, four sacks and seven forced fumbles • Scored three touchdowns as a junior, one rushing, one fumble return and one kickoff return • Helped Citrus High School capture the CIF State Division 2A championship title as a senior • Named to the All-CIF Southern Section Inland Division and All-Mountain

Pass League teams as a senior, finishing the year with 65 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, four sacks, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups • Played in the Inland Empire All-Star Football Classic for Riverside County, had a 92-yard kickoff return of touchdown and an interception

PERSONAL:

• Son of Shavonda Story • Sport Management major

9

JUAWAN TREADWELL

SAFETY 6-0, 195, JR. CRETE-MONEE HS (INDEPENDENCE CC) CRETE, ILL.

2020 (JR.):

• Saw playing time in all 11 games, starting nine contests • Finished the year with 35 tackles (22 solo, 13 assisted) • Added 4.5 tackles for a loss (24 yards) • Recorded two assisted tackles in his first career game at Liberty against

Western Kentucky • Finished the North Alabama game with six tackles, including five solo stops and a five-yard tackle for a loss • Two solo stops and a five-yard tackle for a loss at Syracuse • Four tackles (three solo, one assisted) and a five-yard tackle for a loss against Southern Miss • Two assisted stops during Liberty’s first-ever win at Virginia Tech • Five tackles, including three solo stops, against Western Carolina • Matched a season high with six tackles (four solo, two assisted) and a pass breakup at NC State • Three tackles (two solo, one assisted) against UMass • Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s 2020 spring football workouts

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Independence Community College in

Independence, Kan. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from Akron, South Alabama, Southern Miss and

Temple • Finished the 2019 campaign at Independence with 57 tackles, 10 pass breakups and 1.5 tackles for a loss • All-conference and All-America honoree at Independence

PREP:

• Graduated from Crete-Monee High School in Crete, Ill. • Two-time all-conference honoree as a junior and senior • Also participated in basketball and track & field

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tammi Treadwell and Michael Scott • Brother, Laquon Treadwell, was a third team All-American and SEC

Freshman of the Year at Ole Miss (2013-15) • Laquon Treadwell was a first round draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and has played for the Minnesota Vikings (2016-19) and the Atlanta Falcons (2020) • Business major • Birthday is January 7

34

AHMAD WALKER

LINEBACKER 6-0, 220, FR. WARNER ROBINS HS WARNER ROBINS, GA.

2021 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Ga. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com • Also received offers from Air Force, Akron, Arkansas State, Army,

Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Georgia

State, Georgia Tech, Louisiana, Memphis, Navy, Old Dominion, South

Alabama, Troy and Tulane • Three-time All-Region first team honoree • Finished his sophomore season with 90 tackles, five sacks and an interception return for a touchdown • All-State first team honoree and Regional Player of the Year as a junior • Finished his junior year with 127 tackles, 13 sacks and two interceptions • Finished his career as the high school’s all-time leader in games played (60) • Four-year AB Honor Roll student • Helped Warner Robins High School win four regional titles and an appearance in the state title game in 2019 • Also participated in basketball, track and golf

PERSONAL:

• Son of Tangela and Ezel Walker • Exercise Science major • Birthday is December 22

24

AAKIL WASHINGTON

DEFENSIVE END 6-2, 245, R-FR. WHEELER HS MARIETTA, GA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in nine of 11 games • Finished the season with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted) • Third on the team with four quarterback hurries • Solo tackle and a quarterback hurry against ULM • Assisted tackle to help Liberty knock off Virginia Tech for the first time in program history • Three tackles, including two assisted tackles and a 13-yard sack, at NC

State • Helped the Flames defeat No. 9/11 Coastal Carolina in the FBC Mortgage

Cure Bowl by finishing the season with a solo tackle and a quarterback hurry

PREP:

• Graduated from Wheeler High School in Marietta, Ga. • Also received offers from Akron, Buffalo, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina,

Eastern Kentucky, Florida A&M, Georgia Southern, Illinois State,

Jacksonville State, Kent State, Mercer, Troy, Tulane and Western Carolina • Finished his senior season with 59 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and a safety • Three-time first-team all-region honoree

PERSONAL:

• Son of Eloisa Reynoso and Nicholas Washington • Information Technology major

40

BJ WHEAT JR.

TIGHT END 6-3, 310, R-FR. E.C. GLASS HS LYNCHBURG, VA.

2020 (R-FR.):

• Redshirted

PREP:

• Graduated from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Va. • Also received offers from Charleston, Fairmont State, Virginia State and

West Virginia State • All-state, all-region, all-area and all-district honoree

PERSONAL:

• Son of Kira King and Robert Wheat • Sport Management major

48

RASHAD WHITEHEAD

DEFENSIVE END 6-2, 265, R-FR. B.E.S.T. ACADEMY BRUNSWICK, GA.

2020 (FR.):

• Saw playing time in two games (ULM and Western Carolina)

PREP:

• Graduated from B.E.S.T. Academy in Atlanta, Ga. • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from Akron, Arizona, Army, Buffalo, Charlotte,

Florida Atlantic, Fordham, Mercer, Navy and USF • 151 tackles and 16 sacks • Also finished his career with 45 receptions for 385 yards and seven touchdowns • Second-team all-conference defense honoree as a sophomore • First-team all-conference defense selection as a junior and senior • Pre-Season All-Region selection heading into his senior season

PERSONAL:

• Son of TaCorey and Robert Whitehead • Business Management major

26

AMARIAN WILLIAMS

Cornerback 5-10, 165, Fr. Cedar Hill HS Cedar Hill, Texas

PREP:

• Graduated from Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill, Texas • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com • Two-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com • Also received offers from Abilene Christian, Central Arkansas, Lamar,

Northwestern State, Prairie View A&M, Tennessee State and Texas

Southern • First-team all-district honor • Finished his senior season with 16 pass breakups and an interception

PERSONAL:

• Son of Siamara and Andrae Williams • Sports Science major

39

RUSSIAN WILLIAMS

Running Back 5-6, 160, Fr. Robinson HS Burke, Va.

2021 (FR.):

• Mid-year enrollee who took part in Liberty’s spring 2021 workouts

PREP:

• Graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax, Va. • Three-year varsity letterwinner • Finished his junior year rushing 72 times for 657 yards and 10 touchdowns • Also added nine kickoff returns for 283 yards (31.4 yards per return) • Finished his junior year with 940 all-purpose yards • Capped off his high school career by rushing 176 times for 1,288 yards and 16 touchdowns • Added five receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown • Also had 10 kickoff returns for 300 yards and a touchdown (98 yard return – school record) • Finished his senior year with 1,674 all-purpose yards • All-District kick returner second-team honoree as a senior • All-Conference running back second-team honoree as a senior • Four-year member of the track program

PERSONAL:

• Son of India and Joshua Hutton • Business Administration major • Birthday is October 29

7

MALIK WILLIS

QUARTERBACK 6-1, 195, R-JR. ROSWELL HS (AUBURN) ATLANTA, GA.

2020 (R-JR.):

• CFPA National Performer of the Year Award Watch List • Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List (Midseason) • Maxwell Award Watch List • Davey O’Brien Award Quarterback Class of 2020 member • Phil Steele Postseason All-America honorable mention selection • Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second team • Dudley Award winner (top player in Virginia as presented by the

Richmond Times-Dispatch) • Touchdown Club of Richmond Offensive Back of the Year award winner • VaSID Offensive Player of the Year • VaSID All-State first team honoree • Three-time CFPA National Performer of the Week – Honorable Mention (Sept. 20, Oct. 25 and Nov. 15) • Two-time Davey O’Brien Award “Star of the Week” (Sept. 21 and Oct. 26) • Three-time Manning Award “Star of the Week” (Sept. 28, Oct. 26 and

Nov. 9) • No. 1 ranked rushing quarterback in the country (944 rushing yards, 14

TDs) • Ranked No. 7 in the country in rushing touchdowns and No. 16 in rushing yards • Other National Rankings: No. 8 in points responsible for (204) and points responsible for per game (20.4); No. 9 in total offense (320.4 yards per game); No. 11 in total touchdowns (14); No. 17 in passing efficiency (156.2); No. 16 in passing touchdowns; No. 22 in passing yards per attempt (8.53); No. 27 in passing yards; No. 33 in completion percentage (64.2 percent) and passing yards per completion (13.29) • Led the Flames in total offense (3,204 yards), passing yards (2,260) and passing touchdowns (20) • Missed the North Alabama game due to an injury • Had a rushing touchdown in eight of the 10 games he played in • Rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns during his first collegiate start to open the season at Western Kentucky • His 168 rushing yards against Western Kentucky were the most in program history in a single game by a Liberty quarterback • Posted two 300 yard passing games (345 yards against Southern Miss and 306 yards against Western Carolina • Tied a program record with six passing touchdowns in a win against

Southern Miss • Led the Flames to their first-ever win over an ACC opponent, completing 16-of-20 pass attempts for 182 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 58 yards and a touchdown at Syracuse • Guided the Flames to their first-ever win over Virginia Tech, completing 20-of-30 passing attempts for three touchdowns, while rushing for 108 yards and a touchdown • Named the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl MVP after leading the Flames to the program’s first-ever win over a national ranked FBS team (No. 9/11

Coastal Carolina) • Finished the Cure Bowl game completing 19-of-29 passing attempts for 220 yards, while rushing for 137 yards and four touchdowns

2019 (JR.):

• Sat out the season due to NCAA transfer rules

PREVIOUS SCHOOL:

• Transferred to Liberty from Auburn • Saw playing time in 15 games during the 2017 and 2018 seasons • Finished his career at Auburn completing 11-of-14 passing attempts for 69 yards and a touchdown • Also rushed 28 times for 309 yards and two touchdowns • Averaged 31.6 rushing yards per game as a freshman (16 carries for 221 yards) • Saw playing time during Liberty’s game at Auburn on Nov. 17, 2018, completing 2-of-3 passing attempts and recording a 16-yard rushing touchdown for the Tigers

PREP:

• Graduate of Roswell High School in Roswell, Ga. • Four-year letter winner • Led the Hornets to the Class 7A state title game as a senior • Passed for 2,562 yards and rushed for 1,033 yards as a senior, accounting for 37 touchdowns • Class 7A AJC offensive player of the year and first team all-state • Played his sophomore and junior seasons at Westlake High School in

Atlanta, Ga. • Also a baseball letter winner • Honor roll student

PERSONAL:

• Son of Shastca Grier and Harold Willis • His uncle, James Anderson, played for 11 seasons in the NFL and was a third round draft pick in 2006 • Marketing major • Birthday is May 25

77

KRISTIAN ZACHARY

DEFENSIVE LINE 6-3, 230, FR. CARROLLTON HS FAYETTEVILLE, GA.

PREP:

• Graduated from Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Ga., • Four-star recruit as ranked by ESPN.com • Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com and Rivals.com • Ranked as the No. 29 weak-side defensive end in the 2021 recruiting class by 247Sports.com • Also received offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and

South Carolina • Finished his high school career with 58 tackles for a loss and 30 sack • All-state selection • Sports Illustrated All-America candidate

PERSONAL:

• Son of Susan and Kevin Zachary • Theology major