This is the fifth and final piece in a series taking a look at Liberty football entering 2025 fall practices. Be sure to check back for the rest of this series throughout the week as we tackle a variety of Liberty football topics.
As Liberty begins training camp this week, there are several position battles that head coach Jamey Chadwell and his staff is keeping tabs on. Here are the top position battles to watch during camp.
Quarterback
This one is obvious. Ethan Vasko is expected to get a long look as the starter for the Flames as he is the only one in the room with significant starting experience at the FBS level entering the season. Ryan Burger and Michael Merdinger should also push Vasko during training camp while Ethan Houck and Jayden Bradford have high ceilings as the youngsters in the room.
Running back
Juju Gray’s spot is pretty much locked down as the back the Flames’ will use to get the ball to out of the backfield, on reverses, and in the option pitch game. The other, between the tackles running back, spot is more of a unknown right now. Vaughn Blue will certainly have his opportunities, and he will also help Gray on the perimeter, as well. Caden Williams, Evan Dickens, even true freshman Malachi Fannin-Render could all be in the mix.
Defensive Line
We know what to expect at Joker for the Flames with CJ Bazile and Brenton Williams leading the way, and Bryce Dixon should anchor one of the interior spots on the defensive line. Outside of that there are still some question marks for the Liberty defensive front. Aaron Hester should be the favorite at defensive end while Mike Jarvis, Eli Hall, Markus Clark, and Joe Strickland will likely all be the mix on the interior.
Offensive Line
Aaron Fenimore’s spot is known at center. Jack Tucker (tackle) and Harrison Hayes (guard) will also get some playing time and are favorites to start. DJ Geth (guard), the North Carolina transfer who was part of the two-deep last year, will also factor into the mix and could earn himself a starting spot. Outside of those four, there are some unknowns that will need to be sorted out during camp. Transfers Trey Bedosky, Christian Williams, Erwil Anthony, and Da’Ja’Quywan Jackson should all be in the mix.
