[BJWilliams]

Our next look at the 2013 Liberty Flames from the spring takes us to the defensive backfield, with a familiar face returning for one more go-round:

Players Lost:

Darec Brooks
DJ Edmond
Dashawn Goodwin
Brent Vinson (2012 All Conference First Team)
Chris Mayo (moved to LB)
Kirby Anderson

Players Returning:

Walt Aikens (2012 All Conference Second Team)
Ryan Ayers
Sorie Bayoh
Aaron Dial
Kevin Fogg (medical redshirt)
Jacob Hagen
Lorenzo Hoff
Miles Hunter
Andrew Jauch
Tyler Rhyne
Kenny Scott
Charles Williams

The DB's return the most players of any unit from the 2012 Flames, with Aikens leading the way. The team gets a MAJOR shot in the arm, though, with the return of Fogg, who sat out most of last season after suffering a foot injury. These two will likely garner the #1 and #2 receiver coverages most of the season. Hagen had a breakout 2012 campaign, finishing fourth in tackles among defensive backs, garnering his first career interception, and capping off the upset win over Stony Brook with his first collegiate touchdown, a 44 yard fumble return. Mayo is in a similar mold to physical defensive back Brent Vinson and will likely be the "enforcer" of the group, laying heavy hits all over the field. Kenny Scott also had a breakout campaign, stepping up following Fogg's injury and finishing third in tackles for DBs.

This group will rise and fall with its senior leadership, and if they take a performance like they had against Stony Brook (4 INTs) and carry it across an entire season, Not just Big South teams will have to think twice about going to the air this season.

[BiggAl57]

Mayo has been moved to LB

[Blessed1]

Mayo has been moved to LB

I didn't see the spring game. Any reason why they moved Mayo to LB? We seem to have good depth at LB, plus I don't see Mayo starting over Sigmon, Hyland, or O'Grady. The only logic as to why they moved him is because he got too big and is a liability in pass coverage or Charles Williams is lighting people up at DB.

[olldflame]

Mayo played LB almost the entire game against Stony Brook and was VERY instrumental in our slowing down their running game. He brings speed to the position, has a knack of shedding blockers and taking the right angle, and is a sure tackler. He is actually gaining some weight to enable him to hold up for an entire season at LB. He will share snaps with Hyland and Dallas Griffin at the outside LB position. I don´t expect O´Grady to play much.

[forbidden]

I wonder if Mayo even tho being listed as a lb, is playing more of a hybrid type of roll, where he has enough db knowledge and technique to run with TE's but physical enough to play down in the box.

[Sly Fox]

That's exactly what it looked like to me vs. SBU, forbidden. He has the ability slide up and make plays at LB and provide some great flexibility in nickel & dime coverages. My guess is they want to find ways to keep him on the field as much as possible.

[BJWilliams]

Sly and forbidden hit it on the head. With a good season he could get some FA looks in 2014 from pro scouts as teams possibly increase use of the TE in their passing game

[Blessed1]

It sounds like Mayo has a bright future at LB. Thank you guys for the feedback.

[BJWilliams]

Mayo has a very good combination of skills that they both mentioned already so I wont repeat them. That said, even as an athletic LB, he still is going to be somebody you dont want to see coming at you if youre a receiver over the middle