Our position previews continue with a look at Liberty’s linebackers under the direction of defensive coordinator Scott Symons. Be sure to check out any of our previous position previews this month if you have missed any:
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Offensive line
Tight ends
Wide receivers
Special teams
Defensive line
Corners
For the past couple of years, Coach Symons and the Flames have sought to build out the depth and talent level at linebacker. While Symons would say his unit is not quite to the level he wants it to be (I’m not sure any coach is ever 100% satisfied and is always looking to improve), the linebackers are much deeper and closer to what Liberty is looking for.
Last season, there were games where the starting linebackers, Anthony Butler and Aaron Pierre, would barely come off the field for the Flames. That shouldn’t be the case this season as Liberty has as many as six linebackers they are comfortable turning to as needed.
“Last year we went into the season and played four linebackers,” Symons said. “Two of the four had torn labrums. That was Anthony Butler and Aaron Pierre who started every game and was on scout team the year before. Our experience and depth last year was my biggest concern. Storey Jackson, Ahmad Walker, Tyren (Dupree) is getting back to healthy, the labrum is not an issue, Aaron Pierre. That is four guys right there that we feel confident. Then, Rashaad Harding has played a lot of snaps, Carl (Poole) has played a lot of snaps, so you are talking about six guys you feel really comfortable with.”
Frontrunners
MIKE LB 34 Ahmad Walker FR 6’1″ 220
A true freshman, Walker may be a player the team can count on for his entire career, and perhaps he can even begin his career as a starter at the MIKE. He will see playing time this season as a true freshman, it’s just a matter of how much time he plays.
LB Coach Scott Symons – “He’s the most physical linebacker we have. When he hits you, you know about it. For a freshman to play with that level of tenacity and physical toughness that he brings to the table, it’s just a different dynamic in our room. He’s got a very high football IQ. He has very natural instincts as a linebacker. It’s just, from the spring, cleaning up the technique and fundamental aspect, and we’re still working on some of those things. Very rarely does he make the same mistake twice. He can learn really quick. There’s some growing pains, obviously, when you have a freshman out there, but the upside is tremendous. I think he’s going to continue to get better and better, and be a big time player for this program for years to come.”
WILL LB 12 Storey Jackson SR 6’2″ 225
Another transfer, Jackson is a former FCS All-American at Prarie View A&M. He was a late addition to the roster, joining the team during the summer and was not able to go through spring practice. That took him some time to adapt to his new team, but as training camp has progressed Jackson has begun to rise at the position as he has begun to push for starting time behind Pierre.
LB Coach Scott Symons – “He’s the best note taker in our room. He came here for one reason, it’s a business decision for him, and he’s approaching it that way. I think every practice it gets a little bit slower. It’s not going to be a finished product. He’s a weight room guy. He doesn’t have a ton of hobbies. He loves the weight room, he loves lifting, he loves training, eating right. That’s what you expect from an All-American. It doesn’t matter what level, to be an All-American that’s a pretty big deal.”
Competition
MIKE LB 35 Tyren Dupree R-SO 6’1″ 225
During Liberty’s open scrimmage for Fan Appreciation Day almost two weeks ago, Dupree got time with the first string unit on third down situations where he came in for Pierre. It could be a foreshadowing of his role this season as Coach Symons looks for specific roles for some of his depth pieces. Dupree was the team’s third linebacker in the rotation in 2020, as he finished with 26 tackles while playing in all 11 games and making one start.
WILL LB 32 Aaron Pierre R-JR 6’1″ 225
Prior to the 2020 season, Pierre was virtually counted out and wasn’t being projected to play, much less make much of an impact on the field. That turned out to be inaccurate as Pierre not only started nine of 11 games, he was also a team captain and leader on and off the field. He finished third on the team last season with 41 tackles to go along with 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
MIKE LB 57 Carl Poole R-FR 5’11” 225
Poole grew into Liberty’s top bench player at the MIKE spot behind Anthony Butler in the 2020 season. He continues to develop at the position and will provide additional depth and experience for Coach Symons.
MIKE LB 0 Rashaad Harding R-SR 6’1″ 225
Harding comes in as a transfer from Louisiana Monroe where he played in 31 games over three seasons for the Warhawks while recording 132 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.
Depth
LB 20 Jerome Jolly, Jr R-FR 5’11” 200
LB Coach Scott Symons – “Jerome Jolly I think will be a really good linebacker at some point in his career. He’s played it for six months now.”
