Liberty has added Joep Engbers, a transfer offensive lineman from Illinois, as he announced on social media. Engbers has three years of eligibility remaining.
Since entering the portal, Engbers has picked up offers from Liberty, Washington State, Central Michigan, New Mexico, and others. The 6’4″, 305 pound offensive lineman has had a long and winding road that has led him to Liberty. He was born in Singapore, but his parents are from the Netherlands which is where he spent much of his childhood. He eventually landed in the United States and in Texas where he was introduced to American football at Bosqueville High School in Waco. Engbers then transferred to IMG Academy to continue to pursue football before his parents moved to Chicago and he eventually followed them and finished his high school career at Fenwick High School. As a senior at Fenwick, Engbers was named all-conference in the Chicago Catholic League and an honorable mention all-state selection.
Coming out of high school, Engbers received several Division I offers including from Ball State, Brown, Dartmouth, East Carolina, and Kent State, but he opted to become a preferred walk-on player at Illinois. He redshirted in 2023 as a true freshman and has not recorded any stats during his two years at Illinois.
The Flames have some holes to fill on the offensive line. Aaron Fenimore has established himself as a starter and leader for the team and offense at center. Jack Tucker and Harrison Hayes are returning starters. DJ Geth could also break into a starting spot at one of the guard positions. Several incoming transfers will look to bolster the depth in addition to Edwards including Braeden Edwards (Northwestern), Trey Bedosky (UAB), Erwil Anthony (Wingate), Christian Williams (Florida), and Da’Jy’Quwan Jackson (JUCO).
