[BJWilliams]

I said I would kick this off first week of August but with only 3 1/2 weeks til the biggest day of my life thus far, I thought Id kick it off a week or so early and get some discussion going about something other than which conference we want to be in as fans. With that here is the first of nine parts in my 2012 season preview, and we'll start with the triggermen for the new Liberty offense:

Players Lost:

Mike Brown 196-299 2664 yards 18 TDs 10 INT 130 Rush 437 yards 9 TD (2012 NFL Free Agent- Jacksonville Jaguars)
Tyler Brennan 14-25 164 Yards 1 TD 1 INT (Left program)

Players Returning:

Brian Hudson 14-21 145 Yards 2 TD 0 INT
Josh Woodrum No 2011 stats (redshirt)

Players Incoming:

Javan Shashaty 6-1 165 Lbs Calvary Christian HS (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Liberty lost probably a top 5 all time QB in Mike Brown, who did a little of everything while on the mountain, he ran one of the most prolific offenses in the nation, he caught passes, he returned kicks, heck I am pretty sure he would sneak away and work concessions when Liberty was on defense. With Brown gone, and his heir apparent Tyler Brennan also gone after not impressing new head Coach Turner Gill in spring practice, the reins fall to three players, a true freshman in SHashaty whose father played Liberty in the 1980s, a player in Hudson who attempted three more passes than Mike Brown had TDs last season, and a dual threat QB from the Roanoke area in Woodrum who redshirted last year due to the glut at QB (with Gabe Henderson also in the mix but being redshirted last season...he has switched to WR this year).

Unless Shashaty sets Williams Stadium on fire in training camp (which would be fitting for a team called the Flames), its going to come down to Hudson and Woodrum for the starting job against Wake Forest. Hudson showed well in spring practice and does have one thing Woodrum doesnt...collegiate experience...so that should give him a bit of an edge.

[jcmanson]

Didn't we already do this?

[Sly Fox]

I haven't heard any recent rumors about a surprise transfer in time for training camp. But I wouldn't rule it out. I would assume this would be a 2-horse race with Florida's all-time leading HS passer working as an understudy. I wouldn't even begin to have a clue what the staff might be thinking.

[BJWilliams]

The other series didnt include all the incoming freshmen and transfers and focused more on spring ball (even if it did take into July). Usually I have the spring outlooks done by March but with my new job and with my broadcast duties in Amherst things got stretched out a bit

[SuperJon]

You realize no one sits around waiting for these, right?

[BJWilliams]

I know. It gives me something to do to help with my writing.

[jlread]

LOL I felt like we were leading up to some sort of sunshine that just got SHOT to the ground by lack of talent .... this season doesn't have a good feel for our future after that little blurb up top...

[thepostman]

You realize no one sits around waiting for these, right?

Are you kidding me!!??? These are all I live for! It is how I base all my expectations for the upcoming football season. Same goes with BJ's predictions!

[BJWilliams]

your sarcasm is once again duly noted postie...hope all is well in Texas

[fanningflames]

am I the only one who is nervous about the fact that we are going into august and we don't have a starting QB? i know i know, they are battling, but regardless It needs to be addressed that the two front runners have hardly any experience. Anyone else worried? thoughts?

[jcmanson]

Of course, I'm worried.

[Chippy]

Of course, I'm worried.

Count me in

[BJWilliams]

That is my concern as well. With so much being put on MB, guys like Tyler (before he left) and Brian weren't getting meaningful reps and getting preparation for year 1 AMB (After Mike Brown). This isnt the time to throw a child into the deep end of the pool and expect them to figure out how to swim, especially with a brand new head coach. You have one guy who had fewer completions than MB had passing TDs, and two others who have yet to take a snap at the collegiate level, so you are right to be concerned jc, Chippy et al.

[Chris Lang]

Mike Brown lost as many games as he won. He was extremely talented and extremely error prone. From what I can gather, 80 percent of the offense won't be on the quarterback this year. How that affects things, time will tell.

[jcmanson]

My prediction:

9/1 - Brian Hudson starts the game, but both he and Josh see approximately the same # of reps. This trend continues until Big South Play. Once Big South play begins, we will have our starter based on who has performed best up to that point.

[ludlpstudent]

I agree. I am just excited about us running a more pro style offense. I think it suites the abilities of our two QB's. Both seem to have strong arms and the mobility needed to run when they have to. However I never have been a fan of QB platoon.

[jlread]

I feel like the last Pro style offense with "Sam" didn't go very well.

[olldflame]

I feel like the last Pro style offense with "Sam" didn't go very well.

We had somewhat mixed results under Sam, but the problems were generally NOT offensive.

[Sly Fox]

I agree with olldflame. We moved the well but had serious issues stopping anyone.

[badger74]

A D-1 QB might be looking for a new home after losing in a numbers game at QB. Has potential and highly recruited out of HS in NJ.

http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p= ... id=4138585

[ProudPapa73]

Any body know how late can a player transfer down and still be eligible (not necessarily ready) to play this fall?

A D-1 QB might be looking for a new home after losing in a numbers game at QB. Has potential and highly recruited out of HS in NJ.

http://wisconsin.scout.com/a.z?s=193&p= ... id=4138585

Go Flames!!!

[BJWilliams]

Id email his info to Coach Gill pronto if you think he has a shot (and they havent found out about him already)

[badger74]

Apparently he is closer to leaving right away.
Before classes start.
http://host.madison.com/sports/college/ ... 963f4.html

[BJWilliams]

Sounds like if somebody wants him for this year they better be quick about it. He certainly would add another wrinkle to the QB battle if he came here

[LUconn]

Does he have any ties to LU or the coaching staff other than badger went to Wiscy and is a part time Lynchburg resident? I'm not sure if that will close the deal.