The Liberty Flames concluded the 2021 season at 8-5, winning a third consecutive bowl game with its defeat of Eastern Michigan in the Lending Tree Bowl. Head coach Hugh Freeze is entering his fourth season as the Flames’ head football coach, and he has a very talented roster at his disposal as Liberty looks to advance to a fourth straight bowl game.

Based on how the roster looks now, here’s a look at the players who will determine how successful Liberty is in 2022, presented in no particular order…

Quarterback Johnathan Bennett/Charlie Brewer

Ok, I’m cheating a bit here, but it will be a true quarterback battle this spring and summer as Coach Freeze looks to find a replacement for likely first round NFL Draft pick Malik Willis. Johnathan Bennett has been in the system for three years, and he got his chance to see the field briefly during 2021 behind Willis. Now, Liberty brings in Charlie Brewer, a transfer from Utah, who has extensive starting experience at the Power Five level, beginning with Baylor. The quarterback is always the most important position on the team, and whoever wins the job will be the most important player for the Flames in 2022.

Wide receiver Demario Douglas

Liberty loses a few pieces at receiver, but one name that is back is Demario Douglas. The slot receiver no longer has to split time with the veteran DJ Stubbs, and we should see his production continue to increase. Outside of Malik Willis, Douglas was the highest rated player on the team in 2021. He will need to build some chemistry with the new quarterback, but he has the skillset and explosiveness.

Center Cam Reddy

Gone is Thomas Sargeant and his 60 consecutive starts at center. Liberty brought in Cam Reddy, a transfer from Colorado State who began his collegiate career at Boston College. He started every game of the past two seasons for the Rams and was an honorable mention All-Mountain West performer. He will have to compete with John Kourtis for the starting position, but Reddy has the experience to help the Flames move on without Sargeant.

Linebacker Mike Smith, Jr.

The Flames will be without Rashaad Harding, Storey Jackson, and Aaron Pierre, and JUCO transfer Mike Smith, Jr. will be counted on to step in and take a big role. The former Kansas commit, Smith averaged 10 tackles per game at the JUCO level. He had 248 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions during his time at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Safety Javon Scruggs

Scruggs will enter the 2022 season as the unquestioned leader for the Flames. He has 47 career games under his belt, including 34 starts. He is the team’s active leader in tackles, interceptions, and forced fumbles. Now, as a senior, Scruggs will be the veteran voice for the defense under new leadership as there are two new defensive assistants and Josh Aldridge and Jack Curtis have taken over as Co-Defensive Coordinators.

Defensive tackle Kendy Charles

Elijah James and Ralfs Rusins are gone, from the interior of the defensive line, and behind them the Flames are pretty young but have developed some experience at the position. Henry Chibueze will be penciled in as one starter while Kendy Charles will continue to see his role increase. He played in 11 games in 2021 while recording 21 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.