As the 2020 football year concludes, it’s safe to say that this year will go down as the greatest season in Liberty Football history. The Flames finished with an overall record of 10-1, marking their first 10 win season since 2008. The season included two wins over ACC teams (Syracuse & Virginia Tech), a combined 5-0 record against Conference USA and Sun Belt opponents, and was topped off by a Cure Bowl victory over unbeaten rival Coastal Carolina who was ranked #12 in the CFP Rankings. A historic season like this undoubtedly takes a team effort.  There were many great contributors and individual performances this season and without further ado, here are our season awards. 

Offensive MVP: Malik Willis

  1. This award was a no-brainer. After sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, Willis took over as the starting QB for the Flames this season and simply put, went off. The junior threw for 2,260 yards and 20 touchdowns passing, to a mere 6 interceptions. Willis not only led the team in rushing but the entire nation (for QBs), as he accounted for 944 rushing yards and another 14 touchdowns. Willis broke the Liberty rushing record and all-purpose yards record for QBs this season, both of which were previously held by Flames great Mike Brown. In the Cure Bowl against #12 Coastal Carolina, Willis threw for 220 yards passing and rushed for 137 yards and 4 touchdowns. His combined 337 yards of offense and 4 touchdowns earned Willis Cure Bowl MVP, as the Flames QB joined Lamar Jackson and Cam Newton as the only QBs to throw for 200 or more yards with 135 or more rushing yards and 4 or more rushing touchdowns in a single game. Without Willis, this season would have been much different. His dual-threat ability not only opened the playbook but allowed Willis to create positive plays out of nothing time and time again. With Willis coming back for at least one more season, this offense is in good hands as the Liberty QB could emerge as a darkhorse Heisman Candidate for next season. 

Defensive MVP: Javon Scruggs

Our Defensive MVP award goes to junior S Javon Scruggs. The Appomattox, VA native was the Captain of this year’s defense, and he was a leader on the team not only vocally, but backed it with his play as well. Scruggs finished the season as the team’s leading tackler with 69 (37 SOLO), and also was tied with the team lead in interceptions (2). Scruggs also recorded 2 pass deflections and forced 3 fumbles on the year, further proving his defensive play-making ability. Scruggs arguably saved his best game of the year for last, as he recorded 8 tackles, forced a fumble, and had an interception which he returned to the Coastal 10-yard line. With one year remaining, Scruggs will look to anchor down the Flames defense yet again. 

Special Teams MVP: Alex Barbir

Upon the news that former Flames starting K Alex Probert was transferring, no one knew who would take over the kicking duties for Liberty. Enter Alex Barbir. A former Penn State Nittany Lion, Barbir was a highly touted recruit out of high school and served as the Nittany Lions backup K for a couple of seasons. After deciding to transfer from Penn State, Barbir came to Liberty, but as a regular student. When it was announced that Liberty was in need of a kicker, Barbir walked-on the team and became the starter. Due to being out of the game for two years, Barbir had early-season struggles but eventually found a groove. In the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina, Barbir went 3/3 on FGs and 4/4 on PATs. His 44-yarder in OT would prove to be the game-winner as the Flames upset the Chanticleers. Despite his exceptional performance in the bowl game, Barbir will most be remembered for his 51-yard game-winning field goal to upset Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. On the season, Barbir went 13/20 on FGs (2/2 from 50+) and 50/52 on PATs. While Barbir is a senior, he will have the option to come back if he chooses, as the NCAA is granting athletes an extra year of eligibility. 

Newcomer Of The Year: Anthony Butler

Our Newcomer of the Year award goes to linebacker Anthony Butler. The Flames defense had a number of new additions this season via the transfer portal, but Butler made the biggest impact. The senior accounted for 67 tackles (32 SOLO), which was good for second on the team behind Scruggs. Butler also accounted for 2 interceptions which led the team along with Scruggs. Butler’s incredible year was highlighted by his performance against North Alabama, where Butler recorded 9 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a sack. That performance earned Butler the Pro Football Focus National Defensive Player of the Week. All season long, Butler was productive and brought a certain energy and tenacity to the Flames defense. As a senior, Flames Nation will eagerly wait to see if Butler will choose to return for another season or not. 

Most Improved: Demario Douglas

While Douglas technically redshirted last season, he still made appearances in games for the Flames while maintaining his eligibility. As a true freshman, Douglass recorded 136 yards receiving on only 9 receptions and 1 touchdown. This season Douglas was much more active, accounting for 363 yards receiving on 32 receptions with 3 touchdowns. The Jacksonville native also took over punt return duties for the Flames, as he averaged 10.5 yards a return (225 yards total), which was good for 10th best in the nation. Douglas also returned a punt for a touchdown against UL-Monroe. 

Offensive Rookie Of The Year: CJ Daniels

WR CJ Daniels earns our Offensive Rookie Of The Year Award. Coming into a stacked Liberty receiving room as a true freshman, Daniels turned heads during the off-season. Daniels earned the nickname “Sticky,” due to his knack for catching tough passes. The freshman finished the year with 220 yards receiving (11 receptions) and 3 touchdowns. Daniel’s best game came against Western Carolina where he recorded 96 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. 

Defensive Rookie Of The Year: Quinton Reese

Our Defensive Rookie Of The Year award goes to CB Quinton Reese. Due to a good amount of veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball, Reese was one of the few true freshmen to make an impact. Reese appeared in 5 of the Flames 10 games and recorded 13 tackles (9 SOLO), 1 interception, and 1 pass deflection. Reese’s best performance came against UMASS when the Alpharetta, GA native recorded 6 tackles, an interception, and a pass deflection. He also defended all three incomplete passes in overtime against Coastal in the Cure Bowl.