Spring Into Action: Defensive Line Steals The Show At Liberty’s Football’s 2022 Spring Game
The Liberty Flames football team completed its 15th and final spring practice April 9 as the annual spring game took place inside Williams Stadium. Flames fans rushed in to get their first glimpse of the 2022 roster’s promising talent, loaded with fresh faces and some good old healthy competition.
While all eyes were anticipated to be on the quarterback situation going into Saturday, the Flames’ defense stepped in and stole the spotlight. Of the 17 offensive drives completed throughout the morning, the defense stifled the offense and allowed just three scoring drives.
While the defense put on a show, the defensive line was undoubtedly the showstopper. Defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett’s group managed to get to the quarterback seven times, indicating that the unit’s set up to be a deep, dominant force for yet another season. Junior defensive end Durrell Johnson made his presence known in the backfield as he picked up three sacks of his own.
“We’ve been very consistent,” Johnson said about the group’s success. “Everybody wants to chase the standards. We’ve been a top-25 defense these past two years, so we’re trying to come in with the same energy we did last year and build off of it.”
While the defensive line is looking to advance its game more than ever, the refinement of this unit as a whole can’t go unnoticed.
A large portion of the defense’s spring success can be attributed to the work of the Flames’ new pair of defensive coordinators — Josh Aldridge and Jack Curtis.
In their short time together, Aldridge and Curtis have taken a fresh approach to minimizing the number of explosive plays allowed by the defense. Curtis mentioned that the main goal of their defensive strategy is to “spread the stress,” adjusting coverages to ensure that the cornerbacks are receiving help when they need it.
“I love what Josh (Aldridge) and Jack (Curtis) are doing together,” Head Coach Hugh Freeze said. “Some of the new stuff they’re doing is going to benefit us on the back end. I think we got better at corner this spring — we’re more competitive on balls there. We’re doing a few other things to give them a little more help and relieve a little pressure off of them at times. I think you win with defense and good quarterback play.”
Regarding quarterbacks, Liberty still remains undecided as to who will be taking the reins from former Flames’ quarterback Malik Willis. The spring game did not do much to separate the top contenders, with Freeze saying the decision will likely “go into game week.”
Charlie Brewer was the first to take snaps on Saturday, followed by Kaidon Salter, Jonathan Bennett and Nate Hampton. Salter received the most snaps of the four, captaining six of the game’s 17 drives.
The first points of the day did not come, however, until Jonathan Bennett delivered a 20-yard pass to wide receiver Caleb Snead, who beat corner back Chris Megginson for the touchdown. The only other receiving touchdown for the Flames was a 1-yard connection from Nate Hampton to wide receiver Jaivon Lofton.
With all four quarterbacks seemingly in contention for the starting role, Freeze remained hesitant to narrow the race down, having faith that possibly any of them could get the job done come game time.
“I kind of have on my mind three,” Freeze said. “But I’m not sure if four of them couldn’t do it, too. I think kids are different when the lights come on. I have a sneaking suspicion that for a couple of guys, when it gets real, it may change a little bit. I’ve had that in the past.”
With the conclusion of spring practices, it’s all eyes on the Golden Eagles as Liberty prepares to open the 2022 season against Southern Mississippi Sept. 3.
The Flames’ first home game is Sept. 10 when the UAB Blazers come to Williams Stadium.
cory is a sports reporter. Follow her on Twitter