Bush Named FWAA Freshman All-American

Liberty defensive end TJ Bush has been honored for making an immediate impact on the Flames' football program during his rookie season on campus.

Earlier today, Bush was named to the 2023 Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America team presented by Chris Doering Mortgage.

Bush was one of 22 true freshmen to be named to this year's team and one of nine Group of Five players named to the 32-player listing.

Clemson and Georgia led the Freshman All-America Team with three players each among the 24 different schools and 10 FBS conferences represented. The ACC led the way with seven players with the SEC next with six.

Bush is the third player in program history to be named to the FWAA Freshman All-America team. Fellow defensive lineman Austin Lewis was named to the FWAA Freshman All-America team in 2018, while wide receiver/return specialist Demario Douglas was selected to the team as a punter returner in 2020.

Bush started all 14 games at defensive end for the Flames as a true freshman. He finished his first season on the Mountain with 32 tackles (11 solo, 21 assisted) and ranked third on the team with 7.0 tackles for a loss (22 yards).

The native of Woodbridge, Va., also added 2.0 sacks (11 yards), five pass breakups and three quarterback hurries.

Bush helped the Flames have the No. 2 ranked defense in Conference USA by limiting opponents to 372.8 total offensive yards per game.

Liberty's defense ranked No. 1 in the country in interceptions (21), No. 9 in turnovers gained (25) and No. 24 in rushing defensive (116.7 yards allowed per game).

Bush helped the Flames to an unblemished 8-0 regular season record in Conference USA and a 49-35 win over New Mexico State in the CUSA Football Championship game.

Liberty entered bowl season with a perfect 13-0 record and was one of four undefeated teams in the country at the time, joining Florida State, Washington and eventual national champion Michigan.

Liberty's defensive success positioned the Flames to receive their first-ever invitation to play in a New Year's Six bowl game. Liberty squared off against No. 8 Oregon in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on January 1 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

2024 Liberty Football Season Tickets Information
Season tickets for the 2024 Liberty Football season are on sale now! Starting at just $120, members of Flames Nation can secure their spot at Williams Stadium this fall to watch the Flames defend their CUSA conference title and earn their way into the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoffs.

You can purchase your 2024 Liberty Football season tickets now at www.LUFootball.com or call/text (434) 592-5015.

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Bush Named FWAA Freshman All-American

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