Liberty College Football Preview 2021: Top Players
Best Liberty Offensive Player
QB Malik Willis, Jr.
A terrific recruit for Auburn, Willis got in a little work as a dangerous change-of-pace option rushing for 309 yards and a few touchdowns, but he wasn’t going to get the full-time gig behind Jarrett Stidham and with Bo Nix coming in. He transferred to Liberty to play under Hugh Freeze, and … kaboom.
The 6-1, 215-pounder did everything right, hitting 64% of his passes with 2,250 yards and 20 touchdowns with six picks, and he ran for 944 yards and 14 scores. Now it’s about doing even more with the passing game to rise up in the NFL Draft ranks and be the type of dangerous playmaker who can change around a franchise. First, though, he has to lead the great Flame offense again.
2. RB Joshua Mack, Sr.
3. WR DJ Stubbs, Sr.
4. OT Tristan Schultz, Sr.
5. WR Kevin Shaa, Sr.
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Best Liberty Defensive Player
DE Durrell Johnson, Jr.
Take your pick of several veteran Liberty defenders for the honor of being the Best Defensive Player, but Johnson stands out with his pass rushing and disruptive ability. He and fellow end TreShaun Clark are killers behind the line, with the 6-4, 235-pound Johnson leading the team with 8.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss with 37 tackles and a pick after coming over from the JUCO ranks.
2. S Javon Scruggs, Jr.
3. DE TreShaun Clark, Soph.
4. LB Aaron Pierre, Jr.
5. DT Ralfs Rusins, Sr.
Top Incoming Liberty Transfer
LB Rashaad Harding, Sr.
The Flames are bringing in a slew of interesting transfers who’ll play roles for the depth right away, but the 6-1, 225-pound Harding will likely make the biggest early impact if – as expected – he takes over for Anthony Butler at middle linebacker. He made 126 tackles with 4.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in his three years with the Warhawks – he’s ready right out of the box to step in and produce.
– What You Need To Know: Offense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Liberty Schedule Analysis