Liberty's defense flashes potential and other takeaways from Saturday's fan appreciation scrimmage

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BRYSON GORDON The News & Advance

Coach Jamey Chadwell set the first week of classes -- this upcoming week -- as the deadline for when he'd ideally name Liberty's starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2025 season.

His first cut in the competition came on time, meaning soon he'll decide on whether it's Coastal Carolina transfer Ethan Vasko or the returning Ryan Burger who earns the job.

The first choice to get snaps Saturday at the annual fan appreciation day scrimmage in Williams Stadium was Burger, the former Appalachian State player who started in the Bahamas Bowl loss to Buffalo in January for Liberty. There was hardly a delineation between the two, however, as Vasko worked more than his fair share of time with some of the other starters.

Both players showed why they'd be good fits in Chadwell's run-heavy scheme. Burger flashed his speed in the bowl game with a 57-yard run, and ran his fair share Saturday, too. In Vasko's time in the scrimmage, it was evident how he was capable of running for nearly 500 yards at Coastal last season. Each players made good throws in phases, including a 32-yard touchdown pass from Burger to Elijah Canion.

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But both players struggled at times and each threw interceptions. Vasko had a pass tipped at the line and caught by defensive lineman Eli Hall. Cornerback Dexter Ricks cut off a pass by Burger a couple of drives into the scrimmage, too.

All five of the rostered quarterbacks saw action. Michael Merdinger, who was named as a third option at quarterback but was ruled out of the starting battle this week, connected with true freshman Bryce Randolph for a 35-yard touchdown for one of the better throws of the day.

With little time to go until Week 1 preparations, Saturday offered little clarity on the quarterback competition.

Defense lives up to hype

Nearly every defensive coach who came through the Liberty Football Center to speak about their position group this fall camp raved about depth and experience.

The early hype check was passed Saturday, with defenders flying around the field to collect three interceptions. Safety Devin Henderson came up with the third on true freshman Ethan Houck later in the scrimmage.

Several new faces made their presences known. Florida State defensive line transfer Aaron Hester was in the backfield a lot, while Oklahoma transfer Damond Harmon earned the start opposite of Amarian Williams at cornerback, and has been praised by fellow players for his early showing.

Appalachian State transfer Derrell Farrar and Florida transfer Deuce Spurlock made up the second team linebackers, while Joseph Carter and Aidan Vaughn got the first reps.

The defensive line remains a true rotation as nose guard Bryce Dixon works back from an injury. Liberty worked in several faces along the defensive front, including Mike Jarvis, Markus Clark (App State) and Hall, who came up with the tip-pick.

Penalties, penalties, penalties

Liberty ranked 116th in FBS in penalty yards last season, and the problem reared its ugly head Saturday many times.

Flags of all types -- false start, holding, illegal hands to the face, and more -- fell on the turf at Williams Stadium. Chadwell grew frustrated at points and twice he stopped the scrimmage to force players and coaches to do up-downs.

The Flames are adjusting to life with new faces in positions all across the offense, including on the line. The offense will need to stay ahead of the chains this year to be more consistent than 2024.

Bryson Gordon, (434) 385-5529

bgordon@newsadvance.com

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MAINE AT LIBERTY

Football season opener

Aug. 30: 4 p.m.

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