Training Camp Position Preview: Quarterbacks
8/10/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Throughout the month of August, LibertyFlames.com will run a series of interviews with each of Liberty's position coaches, getting further insight in each position leading into the 2015 season.
LibertyFlames.com starts its position previews today with one of the most solidified positions on the roster heading into the 2015 season, Liberty's quarterback position.
The Flames' offense will once again be under the leadership of senior quarterback Josh Woodrum, returning for his fourth season as Liberty's starting quarterback.
The last time the Flames had a four-year starting quarterback was 1992, when now Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame member Robby Justino entered his senior season.
Woodrum has a chance to erase nearly all of Justino's records during the upcoming season. He enters the year ranked second in program history with 7,494 career passing yards and tied for third with 49 career passing touchdowns. Justino is the program's career record holder in both categories (9,548 career passing yards and 64 career passing touchdowns).
Woodrum was an All-Big South second-team selection for the second year in a row in 2014, after accounting for 52.8 percent of Liberty's total offensive touchdowns (19 passing touchdowns and nine rushing touchdowns).
Woodrum racked up four 300-yard passing games and ranked second in the Big South in total offense (266.8 yards per game). He led the conference in passing efficiency (147.57) and is on pace to finish in the top five in the school's career passing efficiency list.
Woodrum missed two games during the 2014 season due to a knee injury, during which then redshirt freshman quarterback Stephen Masha stepped in to take over control of the offense. Masha got his first career start against Charleston Southern on Nov. 15.
The following week, Masha led Liberty's offense to the most significant win in program history, when the Flames knocked off No. 1 Coastal Carolina, 15-14, to capture the Big South's automatic bid to the NCAA FCS Playoffs. Masha completed 20-of-33 passing attempts in the game, throwing for 285 yards and completing a 72-yard touchdown pass to All-America wide receiver Darrin Peterson.
Masha finished his first playing season by completing 42-of-66 passing attempts for 526 yards and five touchdowns. Used in various roles throughout the season, he also carried the ball 33 times for 225 yards and three receptions for 24 yards.
Liberty's quarterbacking roles are unlikely to change in 2015, apart from unforeseen injuries, leaving Masha and fellow sophomore quarterback Bo Swanson one more year to learn under the leadership of Woodrum.
Quarterback Position at a Glance:
(Depth Chart leading into August Training Camp)
Starter
Josh Woodrum (Sr., 6-3, 225)
Back-Up
Stephon Masha (So., 6-1, 195)
Reserve
Bo Swanson (So., 6-6, 210)
Practice Update:
The Flames held their first practice of the season in full pads on Monday, working out during the afternoon in an off-campus practice. Liberty will have one additional off campus practice on Saturday, which helps the coaching staff replicate road game conditions during training camp.
LibertyFlames.com's coverage of the Flames' August training camp continues tomorrow as the website features an interview with junior defensive lineman JaRon Greene. Additionally, the website will run the first of six features that takes a team-by-team look at the Big South Conference.
