[BJWilliams]

As the Liberty Flames conclude their 2016 spring football practice and everyone begins the countdown to the biggest opener in recent memory up in Blacksburg, We take a look at the different positions and set the stage for what will be a very important training camp this summer

Players Returning
Stephon Masha- R-Junior (2) 2/3 11 Yards passing 8 carries 62 yards rushing
Bo Swanson- R-Junior (2) No 2015 statistics

Masha went into spring practice as the odds on favorite to be the starting QB when the Flames hear Enter Sandman on September 3 in Lane Stadium, and he solidified that place with his spring performance capping the spring game off with a 20 yard TD pass. I think its pretty safe to say that barring a severe injury or mental breakdown between now and the opener, Masha will be the starter

Swanson came as a bit of a surprise because since he came to the Flames as an invited walk-on, he really has spent all of his time working with the scout team. With no other QB on the roster though returning from 2015, he got his chance to show his stuff and earn the backup job. He had a few nice moments in the spring game as well, and certainly didn't hurt his chances, but I would not be surprised if one or both of the freshmen (early enrollee Rudi Yearick and Stephen Calvert) make a strong case to be the #2 on the depth chart

Players Incoming

Rudiger "Rud" Yearick- 6'3" 195 Lbs Metrolina Christian Academy (Matthews, NC)
Stephen Calvert- 6'2" 175 Lbs Miami Carol City HS (Plantation, FL)

Yearick enrolled early as I mentioned before so he will be entering training camp ahead of his counterpart ahead not only on the field but in the classroom as well. He had a couple attempts in the spring game but what is more important is he gets much needed experience which he hopefully can use to his advantage.

Calvert finished an outstanding career at Carol City taking his team to the state playoffs. He was in town for the spring game and Im sure manson or one of the LFN boys has some comment on how that went. Will be interesting hwo quickly he gets up to speed with the Flames playbook when he gets to town this summer.

[olldflame]

Yearick does not go by "Rudi". His nickname is Rud, as in rhymes with mud.

IMHO it is premature to declare Masha the starter. He seperated himself from Yearick and Swanson this Spring, but Calvert will have an opportunity to compete for the job this summer, and while there is more to playing QB than throwing the ball, Buckshot has superior arm talent to any of the other 3.

[Dalegarz1]

I agree that Buckshot has the strongest arm and would not be surprised if he ended up starting at some point in the season. It would be difficult for any Freshman to begin their collegiate career facing the Hokie defense so I don't see that happening.

[ballcoach15]

Masha will be starting QB, barring injury.

[olldflame]

Masha will be starting QB, barring injury.

Well, now we know

Thanks for clearing that up.

[BJWilliams]

Yeah...as if my saying the EXACT SAME THING in the OP wasn't clear enough

[Humble_Opinion]

Playing up the Swanson improvement is a smart move by the coaches. I'm not saying he hasn't likely improved and done well. But, talking about it helps to foster that sense of competition heading into the summer when the waters muddy a bit more with Buckshot joining the team. One of these guys is going to lose out... I don't see Swanson transferring, but I have this inkling that it's highly unlikely that both Buckshot/Rud finish their careers at LU.

[BJWilliams]

Don't forget that Swanson and Masha are both R-juniors so they basically have this year and next year and that's it. Buckshot and Rud will have at least 2 more years of eligibility remaining so the question you have to ask yourself is do I want to pick up stakes and move after this year if you don't make the two deep or not? If you transfer, there is no guarantee that youll win the starting job at your new school.

[olldflame]

Rud Yearick is a kid who very likely would have come to Liberty if he didn't play football. I don't see him transferring out if he doesn't win a starting job. Calvert is another story.

[BJWilliams]

Therein lies the rub for Calvert...if he doesn't win the starting job (or get on the two deep)...does he cut bait and move to another school, where he won't be guaranteed to win the starting job anyway, or does he stick around, pay his dues until Masha graduates and try to nail the job down here in 2018?

[olldflame]

Calvert is on record that one of his main reasons for coming to LU was the opportunity to compete for snaps right away. If he ends up in a situation where he isn't getting them, I have a feeling it won't sit well. On the other hand, unless you go D2 or JUCO, you sit a year, so unless you feel you aren't getting a fair shot, it may be better to stay put and compete for the job.

[BJWilliams]

My guess is HCTG will make sure he gets that fair shot as soon as he checks in with the rest of the football team in August. One thing that I have to think will also help is if he gets together with the receivers who are in town this summer and throwing on the side. Maybe not winging it all over the field but just running a few routes on their own and helping to get connections built so that way when practice starts, they will be more comfortable with each other.

[BJWilliams]

http://www.libertyflamesnation.com/the- ... ng-update/

Outstanding piece by Jon post spring practice...and looks like Masha will be the guy unless somebody is light years ahead of him come training camp

[jlread]

Since he basically took us to our first Playoff in program history im not surprised he's our #1 guy. I hope they properly use all of his talent as a dual threat QB.