Liberty defensive end Durrell Johnson was named a fourth-team All-American and quarterback Malik Willis was an honorable mention All-American by Phil Steele’s 2020 Postseason honors. Johnson and Willis were also two of the 16 Liberty players named to the 2020 Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent first and second teams.
With 16 All-Independent selections, Liberty ranked second among the four FBS independent programs, trailing only BYU who had 24. Army placed 13 on the All-Independent teams and UMass received 5 honorees.
Receiving Independent All-Conference First-Team honors from Liberty were LB Anthony Butler, DL TreShaun Clark, DL Durrell Johnson, RB Joshua Mack, OL Thomas Sargeant, DB Javon Scruggs, and WR DJ Stubbs.
On the second team from Liberty were K Alex Barbir, PR Demario Douglas, DB Marcus Haskins, TE Johnny Huntley, KR Shedro Louis, OL Cooper McCaw, OL Brendan Schlittler, WR Kevin Shaa, and QB Malik Willis.
Clark, Louis, and Mack are repeat honorees as they each were named to the Phil Steele All-Independent teams a year ago. Clark and Louis made the first team as a defensive lineman and kick returner, respectively, while Mack received 2nd team honors at running back.
In his first season at Liberty, Johnson led the team with 11.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. He was fourth on the team with 38 tackles, adding six QB hurries, a forced fumble, and an interception as he helped the Flames to a No. 11 national rank in total defense with 317.7 yards allowed per game.
Willis led all FBS quarterbacks with 944 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, setting school records in both statistical categories for a quarterback. He finished his first season as Liberty’s starting quarterback completing 170 of 265 passes for 2,260 yards, and 20 touchdowns.
