We continue our position previews with a look at Liberty’s defensive line.
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Tight Ends
Quarterbacks
Wide Receivers
Running Backs
Special Teams
Linebackers
Offensive Line
Durrell Johnson is gone. TreShaun Clark is gone. Dennis Osagiede? Dre Butler? Stephen Sings? Khristian Zachary? Yep, they’re all gone too. The defensive line was the strength of the team in 2022 especially with the team’s ability to rush the passer. Just because all those names are gone doesn’t mean this year’s version doesn’t have the potential to be very good also though. Other than Kendy Charles, most of the names are either new to Liberty and/or are very young. The potential on this unit is incredibly high, but it also wouldn’t be shocking if it takes a few games under their belt to begin to hit their stride.
Frontrunners
DE 23 TJ Bush FR 6’2″ 255
The true freshman followed Jamey Chadwell, Skylor Magee and company from Coastal Carolina to Liberty, as he was committed to the Chanticleers prior to the coaching change. He changed his mind and signed with Liberty in December before enrolling in the spring. Bush immediately made his presence felt. It’s no question as to whether or not he plays, the only questions remaining for him now is if he starts and just how good he can be this season. He has been working with the first team since the spring.
DL Coach Skylor Magee – “He has really shown that he is ready to play and ready to contribute. He’s been probably the most notable young guy that has taken a step forward. It’s been really good watching his development. He came in and had the size and strength but also the football IQ is really what has set him apart from some of the other freshmen.”
DT 9 Kendy Charles SR 6’0″ 280
It feels like Kendy just arrived in Lynchburg, but now he’s the elder statesman not just at the position but on the team. Expectations are incredibly high for Charles this season as many think he could blossom into a first team all-conference selection.
DL Coach Skylor Magee – “Last year you had a bunch of guys on the defense that were veteran guys that he could lean on so he didn’t have to say much. He just kind of led by example. We’ve been having our talks about becoming more vocal. He’s working at it, he’s getting better at it.”
DT 99 Bryce Dixon SO 6’1″ 270
A year ago, the prior coaching staff was ranting and raving about Dixon’s ability and potential during camp. He was too good to keep off the field a year ago, and a year later it looks like he will be a starter and certainly a key member of the rotation on the interior of the line.
DL Coach Skylor Magee – “The biggest surprise has been Bryce Dixon. He’s probably lost somewhere around 20 pounds. He’s moving better, he got stronger, he’s changed his body. He’s a guy that really, really had a good camp in the spring. We were a little shaky on him. We challenged him to do some things differently. He’s stepped up.”
JOKER 11 CJ Bazile, Jr. SO 6’1″ 250
Bazile got limited reps as a true freshman last year, but now he is expected to be a feature piece for the Flames at the newly minted Joker position which is similar to the previous version that was referred to as the Bandit. This position will line up in a three-point stance and rush coming off the edge most of the time, but can also stand up and look more like a linebacker in certain formations.
Competition
DE 49 Grey Carroll R-SO 6’1″ 245
The Georgia Tech transfer offers some experience at a very young position. He is pushing Bush for the starting defensive end spot and will see himself on the field plenty for the Flames this fall.
DL Coach Skylor Magee – “Him and TJ Bush are kind of 1A and 1B guys. When one is not in, the other one will be in.”
DT 92 Chris Boti SO 6’1″ 275
Boti is another name to keep an eye on as an interior defensive lineman. He is currently playing behind Kendy Charles and will see some playing time.
DL Coach Skylor Magee – “Him and Kendy are kind of 1A and 1B. It’s good to have a guy that knows all the techniques, all the fundamentals. He’s a little bit smaller than Kendy, but he’s electric in the pass rush. He’s a nice addition to have. He’s a guy that you don’t worry about whether he’s in there or Kendy’s in there. He’s another solid depth guy.”
DT 4 Jay Hardy JR 6’3″ 300
The former Auburn transfer, Hardy has significant upside. He could develop into being a future NFL Draft pick for the Flames. Hardy has fought through injuries at times during his career, but when healthy he could be the team’s best interior defensive lineman. He’s currently working with Dixon at one of the interior line positions for the Flames.
DL Coach Skylor Magee – “He will look a little different now. He’s, I think, 295. I think last year he played at 330. He will be another guy you will see. He’s done some things with his body, he’s moving better.”
JOKER 27 Bryan Whitehead II SO 6’1″ 245
The former JUCO All-American, Whitehead has tremendous skill as a pass rusher. Expect to hear his name called plenty of times as a name wreaking havoc in the opposition’s backfield. Whether he starts or not, Whitehead will be prominently featured on the field.
DL Coach Skylor Magee – CJ Bazile and Bryan Whitehead have really shown that those two are ready to play and contribute a lot.”
DE 1 Larry Jones, III FR 6’1″ 240
The coaching staff has been very high on Jones throughout the summer and into camp. The true freshman has incredible upside and is currently playing behind Bush and Carroll at defensive end. Will he force his way onto the field this season? He certainly could carve out a role.
DL Coach Skylor Magee – “He has really, really shown flashes this camp. Extremely, extremely athletic, very, very raw, very, very talented, but same as TJ he has a long way to go mentally. He’s a guy that can really, really be special.”
Depth
JOKER 17 Bryson Jennings R-FR 6’4″ 230
JOKER 19 Miyon Conaway R-FR 6’2″ 245
JOKER 55 Donovan Dozier FR 6’2″ 245
DL Coach Skylor Magee – “We’re trying to establish a third guy and some more depth (at Joker). Donovan Dozier, Miyon Conaway, and Bryson Jennings, those guys are battling for that third spot. It’s been really fun to see those guys work and compete every day.”
