Flames gain 14

Gill announces new signing class

It has been nearly three months since Head Coach Turner Gill and the Liberty Flames football team reclaimed the Big South title and defeated James Madison in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Since then, Gill has procured the signatures of 14 young men who Gill believes will help the Flames repeat 2014’s historic run.

The Flames lost quite a few seniors last season, but the biggest blows arguably come on the defensive side. Big names such as Domonique Davis and Jacob Hagan, both captains, along with Nick Sigmon and Toby Onyechi will not be suiting up for the red, white and navy this upcoming fall.

Offensively, Gabe Henderson, who finished sixth in total yards and receiving touchdowns, is also graduating, along with tight end Dexter Herman.

Recognizing the losses on defense, Gill was determined to restock that side of the field. Out of the 14 commits, just more than half play defense. However, the Flames coaching staff put together a group that at one point or another can be a force on both sides of the field.

Will Brown (Texarkana, Texas, 6-feet-2-inches, 275 pounds) is one of three Texans in this year’s class. He is also one of three defensive linemen. Gill described the incoming freshman as “a very long athlete” and “powerful.” Gill also praised the recruit for his athleticism in the weight room and his size, comparing it to Onyechi. In Brown’s senior year, he finished with 63 tackles and three sacks, both career highs.

Javon Frazier (Stafford Virginia, 6-feet-2-inches, 235 pounds) is the second defensive lineman in this class. The lineman from Stafford, Virginia, just two and a half hours north of Liberty, is someone that Gill and Defensive Line Coach Vantz Singletary are both excited about. Much like Brown, the Flames coaching staff was thoroughly impressed with Frazier’s athleticism on the field and in the weight room, according to Singletary. The Virginian led the Colonial Forge Eagles in tackles for a loss and sacks for his junior and senior seasons.

Juwan Wells (Dublin, Georgia, 6-feet-2-inches, 215 pounds), the final defensive lineman, is easily the smallest of the three at this position. But his weight makes him perfect for the linebacker position, which he partially played in high school. In fact, Wells became a first-team all-region linebacker in his senior season. In his junior year, he played the defensive end position and finished with 75 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles. However, during his senior season, he finished with 140 tackles and four sacks at the linebacker position. Which position he will play is yet to be determined. But he has the experience and résumé that indicates he can be effective at either.

Jaylyn McKinney (Lake Wales, Florida, 6-feet, 215 pounds) is the sole linebacker in this year’s class. The Florida native selected the Flames over Southeastern Conference team Mississippi State, per 247sports.com. McKinney also played running back in high school. But according to Linebacker Coach Josh Bookbinder, McKinney will be used strictly on the defensive side at the linebacker position. Gill described him as “an explosive athlete who delivers a punch.”

Jeremy Peters (Green Cove Springs, Florida, 5-feet-10-inches, 180 pounds) is one of four defensive backs. The Floridian is one of three out of the Sunshine State. From his sophomore season to his senior season, he accounted for seven interceptions and more than 100 tackles. Gill called Peters a playmaker and stated that his body type is similar to former Flames cornerback and current cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Malik Matthews (Jacksonville, Florida, 5-feet-11-inches, 185 pounds), the second cornerback out of Florida, was also a two-way player in high school at Potter’s House Christian Academy. As a running back, he ran for 859 yards in 109 carries with eight touchdowns. Just as he was effective on the offensive side, his efficiency on the defensive side was evident as well, as Gill compared Matthews to former Flame Walt Aikens. However, similar to McKinney, Gill and his coaching staff will keep Matthews on defense. He too is a return specialist, according to Gill.

Cameron Jones (Lynchburg, Virginia, 5-feet-11-inches, 185 pounds) is a safety from Liberty Christian Academy, which has direct ties to Liberty. Jones had a knack for forcing turnovers. In his junior season, he amassed 10 interceptions, forced three fumbles and managed to pick up two of them. Another thing that made him so attractive to the Flames was his speed. Liberty hosted a workout where Gill said they clocked the safety at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He played wide receiver for the Bulldogs, but Gill and his coaching staff believe that Jones’ best fit will be in the secondary.

Rion Davis (Hopkins, South Carolina, 6-feet, 185 pounds) is the fourth defensive back in this class. The safety out of Hopkins, South Carolina, had more than 200 tackles in his sophomore and junior seasons combined. Each of those two seasons, he reached triple-digit tackle totals. Gill said Davis is a physical back with quality mechanics.

Zac Foutz (Roanoke, Virginia, 6-feet-4-inches, 220 pounds) is the only tight end brought in this year. The Flames lost Herman, who was their leading tight end. With him graduated, the position is arguably up for grabs. Gill said Foutz is a very athletic tight end with excellent ball skills. In his last two seasons in high school he finished with more than 40 receptions and five touchdowns.

Dontae Duff (Mesquite, Texas, 6-feet-1-inch, 322 pounds) “Big, nasty, intelligent.” Gill praised the lineman out of Texas for his massive frame and his football I.Q. Duff had the luxury of getting some playing time as a freshman, something that every high school athlete does not get. Gill also said Duff comes from a great high school program in Ralph H. Poteet High School, and believes that this school has adequately prepared him for college.

Damian King (Largo, Florida, 5-feet-11-inches, 185 pounds) is a player that Gill is especially excited about. Gill admitted that kick and punt returns were not the Flames strong suit in 2014. Gill firmly believes that King is capable of ending the Flames special team woes in 2015. The third Floridian in this class is elusive, fast and electrifying, according to Gill. He also said King will be their return specialist. As a junior, he finished with 24 touchdowns and more than 2000 all-purpose yards.

Denvre Daniels (Cedar Hill, Texas, 5-foot-10-inches, 175 pounds) is another receiver in this class who Gill believes can give special teams the spark it needs. Daniels finished his career at Cedar Hill High School with 2,088 total yards and 25 touchdowns. Gill emphasized that he can also return punts and kickoffs.

Frankie Hickson (Lynchburg, Virginia 5-feet-8-inches, 195 pounds) is a running back who is also a local. Gill said Hickson is a tough runner who is also a slasher. Gill stressed the importance of getting players in the area. Hickson made two quality athletes from Lynchburg on this team. Hickson graduated from Heritage High School, which is 2 miles away from Liberty. Gill said the all-state back is very intelligent on the field. In four seasons, he finished with 4,233 rushing yards and 65 touchdowns. The 2013 Lynchburg News & Advance Player of the Year has been one of the top backs statistically out of the state of Virginia.
This group joins offensive lineman from Norway, Ernst Andersen (Lillesand, Norway 6-feet-7-inches, 310 pounds), a mid-season enrollee and the only recruit from outside of the United States.

The Flames are bringing back a group of starters that played a huge role in their success in 2014. But Gill believes that this incoming class will help the defending champions do just that — defend their championship.

HAYWOOD is the asst. sports editor.