Last year’s offense had one glaring weakness at the skill positions – outside wide receiver. The Flames lacked the depth needed to compete with some of the better defensive secondaries they faced on the outside in 2021. That sent the Liberty coaching staff to hit the recruiting trail hard, and they have brought in three big bodies to help bolster the production on the outside in CJ Yarbrough, Caleb Snead, and Markel Fortenberry, all three of them 6’3″ or 6’4″.

As the Flames prepare to kick off another spring camp on March 4, here is a look at the wide receiver position:

WIDE RECEIVER

Returners

Demario Douglas (R-So), Noah Frith (R-Jr), CJ Daniels (R-So), Treon SIbley (R-So), Brody Brumm (R-Sr), Jaivian Lofton (Sr), Khaleb Coleman (R-Sr), Kylen Austin (R-Fr), D’Wayne Crawford (R-Jr), Eddie Ogle (R-So), Cole Peterlin (Sr), Cade Rowland (R-So)

The Buzz: Demario Douglas is now the unquestioned leader of the receiver room as he led the Flames in receiving in 2021 with 52 receptions for 701 yards to go along with six touchdowns. The slot receiver has All-American potential and will be counted on to become a team leader.

CJ Daniels was second on the team in receiving in 2021 with 37 receptions for 629 yards. He also led the team with 7 touchdowns. Daniels has the size and ability to play both on the outside and in the slot.

Noah Frith saw a lot of playing time on the outside in 2021, where he caught 16 passes for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns. Treon Sibley also proved to be a valuable receiver in certain packages. Jaivian Lofton has fought through injuries during his two years on campus.

Newcomers

CJ Yarbrough (R-So), Caleb Snead (Sr), Markel Fortenberry (Fr)

CJ Yarbrough returns to the team after a year away from the program. He remained enrolled and taking classes at Liberty over the past year, and now he is back with the team this spring. Yarbrough has proven that he has the ability to make an impact for the Flames as he caught 17 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown while fighting through injuries in 2020.

The Lynchburg native, Caleb Snead, joins Liberty for his final season of eligibility after beginning his collegiate career at Campbell. The 6’4″ Snead had 1,067 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2021 and finished his Campbell career with 2,439 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Fortenberry is a talented high school recruit from Maryville, Tennessee. At 6’4″, he will also provide a big body on the outside. If he’s unable to see the field this fall, he can utilize his first year in the program to develop and adjust to the college game.

Gone

DJ Stubbs (21 catches for 342 yards, 2 TDs; 1/1 passing for 44 yards)

Kevin Shaa (28 catches for 516 yards, 6 TDs)

Ahmad Jackson (no stats)