Liberty football entertains crowd with annual Spring Football Game

After their appearance in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, the Liberty University Flames returned to kick off their annual Spring Football Game earlier than usual, providing fans and Head Coach Jamey Chadwell a glimpse into the upcoming season. Despite morning clouds, the afternoon at Williams Stadium saw clear skies and excited crowds as the Flames introduced their 2024 roster March 2.

The scrimmage showcased both offensive and defensive talents on the home side — the defense shining in white, the offense in red — going head-to-head on a radiant day of camaraderie. Flames Nation joined the action from the fan zone on the other end of the field with food, bouncy houses and enthusiastic cheers from the stands.

The unique scoring system of the scrimmage balanced competitiveness with player safety. The offense scored 7 points per touchdown and 3 points per field goal, while the defense earned 3 points for any 3-and-out, 4 points for a turnover on downs and 7 points for a takeaway. The first-team unit avoided live tackling to ensure health and improvement while the second- and third-team units engaged in full-contact play, adding intensity to the game’s dynamics.

With several transfers and new signees, the Flames focused on strengthening their special teams and nurturing their receivers and quarterbacks to compensate. Chadwell chose to host the Spring Game in March instead of April to “identify their roles, see what they were capable of, see how much they can not only learn, but how much they can retain through 15 practices,” Chadwell said. “It helps our players develop scheme-wise, technique-wise (and) fundamental-wise.”

The game commenced with a traditional first half, featuring 15-minute quarters. It started with a bang as 2023 Conference USA MVP quarterback Kaidon Salter connected with Coastal Carolina transfer wide receiver Tyson Mobley on a spectacular 60-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for the day.

“The first play was a missed assignment,” Mobley said. “Kaidon threw a beautiful ball, and I just took advantage of the opportunity to score.”

Mobley’s familiarity with the offensive RPO scheme, owing to his experience at Coastal Carolina, proved beneficial. 

“I know Coach Chadwell likes to start spring ball early, so I already knew coming in what this was going to be,” Mobley said. “Helping the guys that don’t really know the offense has definitely played a part in the success that I’ve had.”

“Kaidon Salter could have easily been one of the most improved from last spring to the end of the season,” Chadwell said. “I am pleased with how he improved himself, his leadership, but also how he mentored the younger quarterbacks.”

However, it was the defensive unit that dominated the first half, leading 38-10 with multiple 3-and-out stops, sacks and two thwarted field goal attempts. A pass attempt by Appalachian State transfer quarterback Ryan Burger was stopped by FWAA Freshman All-American defensive end TJ Bush, showcasing his versatility as a pass defender, rusher and reliable run-stopper.

“Last year I felt a little underdeveloped when I came in, and I felt this past season, I truly owned my game, whether it was the technical aspects or simply growing as a player on and off the field,” Bush said.

Notably, halftime featured Chadwell’s recognition of the team’s most improved players over the spring, including Bush, Burger, sophomore running back Kyle Hanks, junior outside linebacker CJ Bazile Jr. and freshman cornerback Christian Bodnar.

Burger fought through illness earlier in the spring season; however, Chadwell is proud of his perseverance on the field. 

“He is putting himself in a position where guys view him as a potential leader for the team,” Chadwell said.

The second half comprised two 10-minute periods with a running clock to conclude the scrimmage. Liberty’s offense triumphed in the second half, winning 20-15.

Liberty’s first team offense was poised to score its second touchdown of the game with Salter skillfully guiding the Flames into the red zone. The yellow flag waved in the air, nullifying a 7-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Treon Sibley. The following plays saw two impressive pass breakups in the end zone from both sophomore linebacker Caeden Callahan and Bodnar.

Jayden Bradford, the freshman QB from IMG Academy, threw a 25-yard touchdown pass on the scrimmage’s last play to close out his first spring practice as teammates quickly engulfed him and Liberty fans cheered in a raucous celebration.

“In the two months we’ve been here, I like the direction our older guys are going and the accountability that we’re having,” Chadwell said. “I think we’ve got a good cohesive unit, and we’ve got to continue to build off of it.”

As Liberty’s Spring Football Game concluded, it ignited the team’s and fans’ drive toward the national stage, with players signing autographs and dancing with the kids. Now, their focus shifts to summer workouts, and they are determined to defend their Conference USA title. The Flames will commence their 2024 season at home against Campbell Aug. 31 before facing New Mexico State Sept. 7.

Coleman is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion