With the advent of the 2024 college football season upon us, College Football Network has released its preseason All-American list, with three Liberty Flames being recognized. Which athletes were highlighted for their abilities as the 2024 season embarks?
Which Liberty Flames Earned CFN All-American Honors?
The Flames enter the 2024 CFB season on the heels of a Conference USA championship in 2023. They will be looking to add another banner as the preseason favorite to win the CUSA championship with three preseason All-American members.
Head coach Jamey Chadwell is joined by two players from the offensive side of the football in quarterback Kaidon Salter, a third-team All-American selection, and running back Quinton Cooley, who was an All-American honorable mention. The Flames return 14 starters total from the squad that ran the table for an undefeated season in Conference USA.
Salter joined the Flames as a transfer from Tennessee but shot to stardom during the 2023 season with an impressive display of dual-threat abilities. Amassing 44 touchdowns total on the season, he averaged 7.6 yards per carry and managed to score 12 of his touchdowns on the ground.
Salter will look to continue developing his passing skills in 2024. Last year, he averaged 9.9 yards per attempt and a 61% completion rate, along with 32 passing touchdowns.
While his passing yards came in a shade under 3,000 (2,876) on the season, it was Salters’ 176.6 passer rating that showed the improvement in his efficiency and led to him being named as preseason Quarterback of the Year and first-team All-Conference USA.
Cooley was a workhorse running back, averaging 6.4 yards per carry and scoring 16 touchdowns on 221 carries. His 1,401 yards led the CUSA and earned him his recognition. Cooley was also named preseason Running Back of the Year and first-team All-Conference for CUSA.
Liberty is unique in the sense that not only did it have multiple players on the list, but Chadwell was also named preseason Head Coach of the Year. Chadwell came to Liberty from Coastal Carolina and was superb in his first season, leading the Flames to a 13-1 record, with the lone loss coming in the Fiesta Bowl against the Oregon Ducks.
Here’s what CFN Executive Director Cam Mellor had to say about Chadwell being named preseason Coach of the Year.
Jamey Chadwell, Head Coach (Coach of the Year)
No coach did more with less than Chadwell did a season ago. He’s bringing Liberty to the national stage once again and presents a tough out for any opponent on their schedule. In fact, he likely presents a surefire loss for every team they go against in 2024.
Chadwell’s scheme, roster construction, and overall philosophy have taken Liberty to new heights, and 2024 should be more of the same.
Full List of Flames Earning CFN All-American Honors
- Jamey Chadwell, HC (Coach of the Year)
- Kaidon Salter, QB (Third-Team All-American)
- Quinton Cooley, RB (Honorable Mention All-American)
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