Preseason Preview: Liberty North

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Liberty North Eagles have been one of the top programs over the last few years, making it to the Class 6 State Championship game in 2021, and to the state semi-final game last year, losing to CBC in both instances. The Eagles will again make a run at the state championship with a talented team in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles will replace their starting QB for the first time in a couple years with very talented junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='590658' first='Tillman' last='Martin']</strong> (6'4" 195) taking the reins of the offense. Martin has waited his turn and worked on his skills for this moment. He has impressed me the last couple of years at camps and 7v7 I have seen him at. He has a strong, accurate arm and really understands the position. I don't see them missing a beat from the past couple of years. Look for Tillman to catch the eye of college coaches with a good season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles will have a very talented stable of running backs to carry the rock for them. Senior <strong>MicahJo Barnett</strong> (5'9" 190) returns after rushing for over 800 yards and 8 touchdowns last year. He also added 180 yards receiving the ball. They also add transfer and big-time RB prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='185385' first='Jacorey' last='Love']</strong> ( 5'10" 170) who brings his speed and big play ability to an already potent offense. Love is a 3-time All-State performer and is also a threat catching the ball out of the backfield or in the slot. Junior <strong>River Therrien</strong> (5'9" 165) and couple of talented sophomores will also compete for playing time in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849720' first='Zemar' last='Cheatam']</strong> (5'9" 170) and transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='317450' first='Matthew' last='Barber']</strong> (5'6" 155). All three have good speed and big play ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North also has a couple of big-time D1 prospects at receiver with Nebraska commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='185414' first='Keelan' last='Smith']</strong> (6'3" 210) and heavily recruited <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177069' first='Jayshawn' last='Ross'] </strong>(6'4" 220) back as targets for Martin. Both have great size, speed and hands. They are dangerous for opposing defenses and are potential homerun threats at any time. Senior <strong>Theo Gibson</strong> saw some action and returns to contribute. Junior <strong>Mack Van Dyne </strong>5'11" 170 looks ready for a breakout season following an outstanding summer. He showed great speed and receiving ability at camps this spring and summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two college caliber offensive linemen return to anchor the line in junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285221' first='Motie' last='Williams']</strong> (6'3" 280) and senior OT <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='126272' first='Braden' last='Gifford']</strong> (6'6" 285). Both are experienced and will be a big reason for the Eagles success running the ball and through the air. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UNLV commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='130187' first='Darius' last='Pahmahmie']</strong> (6'2" 300) anchors the defensive line at nose guard. The super fast and athletic <strong>Ross </strong>(6'4" 220) will be a force off the edge at defensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big-time senior LB prospect<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='172304' first='Melvin' last='Laster']</strong> (6'2" 235), who is also verbally committed to UNLV, will hold down the linebacking corps again. Melvin has started since he was a freshman, and is a force in the middle and sideline-to-sideline as a playmaker and big hitter. Another 4-year starter returns in senior OLB <strong>Ryan Hutson</strong> ( 6'0" 210) along with senior <strong>Damien Crawford</strong> (6'0" 220).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior cornerback <strong>Cole Young</strong> ( 5'11" 185) returns to lead the secondary after recording 19 tackles last season. Junior safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275600' first='Trey' last='Snyder']</strong> (6'1" 175) also returns and contributor 79 tackles last year. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1320113' first='Terrieck' last='Gregory']</strong> (5'9" 161) had a great offseason in 7v7 at at camps I attended, and looks ready to contribute.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->