Central Valley Program Preview: Liberty High School

Photo: Liberty HS Football Page

Paul Gregorian August 3, 2021 @ 11:47 AM

One of the most dominant teams in the talent rich Central valley, Liberty in Bakersfield has had a steady presence over the last few years and has found itself graduating many FBS caliber players recently and still having a ton of college ready athletes. Although missing a key piece this Fall in losing linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="25200" first="Brady" last="Anderson"] who is now as SDSU, there are plenty of star studded defensive starters returning and some explosive playmakers on offense. Here, we will go in depth on the 2021 Liberty Patriots and breakdown the film of some of their top players that will make a big impact this Fall. <hr />   DB/WR, [player_tooltip player_id="25314" first="Jason" last="Oliver"] 2022 Oliver is one of the best defensive backs in the entire state and holds big time offers from the likes of Cal, Nevada, Boise State and the hometown Fresno state. Going into his senior year he should collect more Pac12 offers and has outstanding ball skills and movement skills. He is fluid in space with a smooth back pedal and return ability while very explosive with the ball in his hands and shows natural instincts while reading routes well and jumping them when needed. His length and range allows him to be effective in press and recover when in a trail technique.   LB, Riley Hernandez 2022 One of the most versatile defenders in the valley, Hernandez is a top tier inside linebacker in the region and is currently committed to Sacramento State. He is a very physical and well put together player that has natural instincts and triggers quickly while a terrific open field tackler and exploding through contact. A sure fire Division 1 caliber player, he could see some late offers come his way in the next few months.   OL/DE [player_tooltip player_id="25363" first="Grant" last="Buckey"], 2023 The 2023 prospect has had a terrific young career thus far. Holding offers from UNLV and San Jose State, he has great length and a big frame with the opportunity to pack on more weight and offers plus upside at the next level. Very athletic for his size, he has good feet and movement skills while very physical at the point of attack and playing with active and heavy hands. He no doubt will be one of the best lineman in the valley this Fall.   DB, Luke Wattenbarger 20222 The 2022 prospect is a very active third level defender that has good open field and closing speed while very well put together. A very high IQ player, he takes good angles to ball carriers and closes quickly while not afraid to drop into the box in run support and take on bigger blockers when needed. Seemingly comfortable in man and zone coverage, he is fluid in transition and projects as a strong safety or outside linebacker at the next level.   OL, Cade Gretlein 2023 Gretlein is one of the best offensive line prospects in all of Northern California and plays tough and physical. Projected as a interior OL in college, he is very flexible in his stance and a natural bender while athletic for his size and finishes blocks while able to sustain them through the second level. Able to pull and reach block in space while taking good angles to defenders and anchoring in pass protection, he should see FBS and FCS interest come his way in the coming months leading into his Junior season.     Other Top Players To Watch... LB Will Kanavalov OL/DL Xavier Campos WR/DB Austin Pratt K Grant Meadors DL/OL Max Juarez DB/WR Kizzy Kresean K,P,CB Lucas Clanton CB Christian Edwards TE/DE Kendall Martin K Hayden Hughes