With fall practice beginning one week from today, here’s a look at 5 positions to watch.

1. Quarterback

Stephon Masha was named the starting quarterback at the end of the spring, but that was before Buckshot Calvert arrived on the scene. While Stephon is still likely to be the starter in Blacksburg, Calvert will push him. There’s also the question of who will be the backup, and if it’s worth burning Calvert and/or Yearick’s redshirt to be 2nd string.

2. Running back

We know Todd Macon will be the starter and will have plenty of reps, but who will be his backup? Gill has always liked having at least two backs ready to go at all times. To say the depth behind Macon is inexperienced is the understatement of the year.

3. Center

Will the redshirt-freshman Dontae Duff prove his worth as starter? Or will Lucas Holder get the nod at center? If Duff is able to claim the nod at center, it will allow Holder to move to right guard and provide the Flames with an additional body in the lineman rotation.

4. Cornerback

Liberty has a solid 3-man group of corners in Jeremy Peters, Chris Turner, and Tyrin Holloway. After Wesley Scott was lost to injury for the year, someone else will need to step up to provide depth at the position.

5. Kicker

We know Alex Probert will be the Flames’ kicker as he was named starter before he even arrived on campus, but how will he adapt to the college game? It’s a big difference in playing in front of 70,000 fans at Virginia Tech than playing high school football in Minnesota.

10 Numbers to Know

3,855 Career rushing yards gone with the graduations of D.J. Abnar & Des Rice 74 Tackles Nick Newman had in 2015, which led the team 44 Career games started by Josh Woodrum 38 Starts from returning offensive lineman in 2015 25 Consecutive starts by Hunter Winstead...

9 Things to Know About Non-Conference Schedule

1. 2016 marks the first time the Flames have ever played one of the premier teams in Virginia, as Liberty travels to Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech. 2. The Hokies will be playing their first game under a head coach not named Frank Beamer in 30 seasons as Justin...

8 things to know about the Big South

1. Presbyterian, who finished 2-9 overall and 1-5 in the Big South last season, returns just one all-conference performer in running back Darrell Bridges. 2. Monmouth, who is in the 3rd year of its 4 year commitment with the league, returns quarterback Cody Williams...

7 Keys for success

1. New Leadership needs to step up Not only did Liberty lose a lot of talent in key positions from last year, but they also lost all 4 team captains. 2. Quarterback can't be a liability Replacing a 4-year starter at any position is a challenging task, but doing so at...

6 Players Poised for a breakout in 2016

1. Stephon Masha The coaching staff is clearly counting on Masha to make a huge leap this season as he has been picked as a captain and a team representative for media day. Much of the team’s success will fall on his shoulders. 2. Todd Macon In the time Macon has...

4 Bold Predictions for the 2016 Season

1. Juwan Wells will lead the Big South in sacks. As a true freshman, Wells recorded 5 sacks last season including 3 in the final 2 games. With Wells expected to be a major contributor from the beginning of the season, his numbers will increase significantly. 2. Damian...

3 Reasons 2016 is the most important season at LU for Gill

1. No more room for error. Losing to Monmouth AND Gardner-Webb in the same season is unacceptable. If something similar happens this season, there will be significant changes made within the football program. 2. No more excuses for not winning Big South auto-bid. With...

2 Ways to get into the playoffs

Here are the 2 most likely scenarios for the Flames to get into the playoffs in 2016: 1. Win the Big South auto-bid. It’s pretty simple, but has been difficult for Liberty to accomplish. Take care of business in the Big South and the Flames will be dancing. This...

1 Reason 2016 Will Be Special

Today, we reach the conclusion of this particular season preview countdown. Dating back to the first post over a month ago, 10 numbers to know, we’ve looked at various storylines entering the 2016 season. (A link to all of the previous 9 entries is at the end of this...