Liberty’s spring football session has finished and we’ve seen our first lengthy glimpse of the 2026 Flames on the field. Now, it’s time to jump to some conclusions. There’s a lot that we still don’t know, but that’s not going to stop us from trying to put together a depth chart, though.

Here’s a stab at what the Liberty defensive and special teams depth chart might look like, making a projection for the fall and not just what came out of spring:

Defensive End: Aaron Hester
Backup: Michael Floyde OR Lorenzo Payne

Defensive Tackle: Mike Jarvis
Backup: Nate Pirolli OR Kam Cullins OR Henry Hicks

Defensive Tackle: Markus Clark
Backup: Joe Strickland OR Sam Cohen

Joker: Brenton Williams
Backup: Ethan Crisp

After being raided in the spring transfer portal on the defensive line the past couple of seasons, Liberty returns a decent amount of production up front led by Mike Jarvis, Markus Clark, and Brenton Williams. Those three should all slide into starting spots once we get to the fall. Aaron Hester is being pushed at defensive end as the Flames look to have a more aggressive defensive attack this season. Kam Cullins and Sam Cohen were talented true freshman a year ago that were too good to keep off the field. Can they take a sizeable step and be key pieces on the interior of the line?

LB: Aidan Vaughan
Backup: Deuce Spurlock OR Dillano Glaud

LB: Derrell Farrar
Backup: Micah Pollard OR Kyle Ferm

Led by Derrell Farrar and Aidan Vaughan, this group has the potential to be the leaders of the defense. Deuce Spurlock, Dillano Glaud, Micah Pollard, and Kyle Ferm all provide good depth. Also, keep an eye on true freshman Ellis Alloway who shined during the spring.

Cornerback: Elijah Hopkins
Backup: Jamal Miles OR Ashton McShane

Cornerback: Quavo Marshall OR Prince Cottonham
Backup: Myke Gunn 

There is a lot of question marks for the Flames in the secondary entering the upcoming season, beginning at corner. If Elijah Hopkins can remain healthy, which has been a big problem for him throughout his career, he should be penciled in as a starter at one corner spot. The rest is currently a battle for a spot on the two-deep that will likely last into training camp.

Safety: D-Icey Hopkins
Backup: Ronald Moore, Jr.

Safety: Jayden Davis
Backup: Ashton Whitner

Star: Elijah McKenzie OR Izaiah Guy
Backup: Jayden Whaley

Maybe the only known thing about the safety room is that D-Icey Hopkins will be on the field. He has proven that he can make plays at this level and played for new Liberty safeties coach Corey Peoples previously. That connection could also pay dividends for Jayden Davis and Izaiah Guy as Coach Peoples is also familiar with them.

Kicker: Tyler Black OR Chase Reeves OR Brayden Beck

Punter: Sam Crossan

Long Snapper: Greg Rivera

Holder: Sam Crossan

Kick Returner: Jon Monteiro

Punt Returner: Jaylon Coleman

Liberty will once again have a new kicker next season. Tyler Black transferred in from Wake Forest last year and should have a decent shot to win the job. Sam Crossan is the likely favorite to take over for Max Morgan at punter. Chase Reeves has joined the group as a Division II transfer and has played both punter and kicker. Brayden Beck got an extra year of eligibility so he will also be added to the mix at kicker this spring.