On Tuesday, Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell was asked to identify players that have stood out during preseason training camp as the Flames are just about a week through camp. There were a few names that immediately jumped out to Liberty’s head football coach – Peyton Jones, Makai Jackson, Bryce Randolph, Lorenzo Payne, Michael Floyde, D-Icey Hopkins, and Izaiah Guy.
Peyton Jones
Chadwell on Jones – “Peyton Jones is having a good camp. He’s a running back. He had a good spring, but he’s doing a nice job running the ball for us.”
Jones, a Duke transfer, is a physical, downhill running back who gives Liberty a dependable option in the backfield. Jones brings a combination of the backfield. Jones brings a combination of toughness, vision, and power that allows him to consistently fight for extra yards, while also providing value in short-yardage and goal-line situations. With Liberty looking to establish a balanced offensive attack in 2026, Jones could play an important role in giving the Flames a reliable presence on the ground.
Makai Jackson
Chadwell on Jackson – “Makai Jackson, a receiver, he’s a good player at receiver that has made some plays.”
Jackson enters the 2026 season as an intriguing piece of Liberty’s wide receiver room. He brings athleticism and playmaking ability to the position, giving the Flames another option capable of stretching the field and making plays after the catch. With Liberty breaking in a new-look offense, his development and ability to consistently contribute could make him an important part of the passing game.
Bryce Randolph
Chadwell on Randolph – “Bryce Randolph has done a nice job at receiver. He’s a young guy. I think he’s going to put himself in a position to do some good things.”
Randolph is a promising young wide receiver who is pushing for a larger role in the offense. He brings athleticism and versatility to the position and has the potential to give the Flames another reliable target in the passing game. His continued development and ability to earn consistent snaps will be key as Liberty looks to build depth and playmaking ability at receiver.
Lorenzo Payne & Michael Floyde
Chadwell on Payne and Floyde – “Lorenzo Payne can really get after the passer. Michael Floyde can get after the passer. Those two can cause some havoc up front.”
Payne and Floyde could provide the Flames with a pass rush it has lacked for much of the Chadwell era. The incoming transfers have been highlighted numerous times throughout the off-season as players who could take a big step forward and earn vital roles on the field this fall.
D-Icey Hopkins & Izaiah Guy
Chadwell on Hopkins and Guy – “D-Icey Hopkins has had a really nice first few days so far. He’s done a nice job of taking from the spring. Izaiah Guy, two guys that have stood out to me as far as their attention to detail and the way they practice.”
There are a lot of unknowns and questions to be answered in Liberty’s defensive secondary where there are so many new faces. It seems that Hopkins and Guy are providing answers to some of those questions and will be expected to be key pieces. They each have playing experience from their previous stops and look to bring that experience over to the Flames while providing an immediate impact.
