Aaron Fenimore: Doing It For My Brothers

Note: Below is the main feature story for this home football game's edition of Flames Illustrated, Liberty's home football game day program.

In today's world of sports, individual accolades and recognition often take center stage.

But for me, while starting the season on several watch lists was special – like the Outland Trophy, Rimington Trophy, and Lombardi Award - the spotlight isn't what drives me.

It's about winning football games and playing together as a brotherhood.

I've always been a humble person, and that's something that's been instilled in me since I was a kid.

So, while I appreciate being on watch lists and it bringing attention to the past success of our program, the most important thing for me is to do my job to the best of my ability and help us win football games.

As an offensive lineman, it takes a certain personality to do what we do. We're disciplined and hard-nosed.

The offensive line is a special unit, and we take a lot of pride in working together and being the heartbeat of the team. I'm very blessed to work with the guys in the trenches, and I look forward to every practice and game with them.

More than anything, I just want Liberty to be the best we can be as a program, and I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to help us get there.

As the center, I'm also honored to be a leader of this team, and I look forward to doing my part to push this program to greater heights.

Although the start of the season has not gone as planned, there is still a lot to play for in 2025, and I can't wait to do it alongside my brothers.

Brotherhood

Football is a game that's won with discipline, and you have to love and care for your teammates to find success on the field.

If you don't have that connection, it's not going to work.

And although the win-loss column may not reflect our hard work, I know this year's locker room is different. We are built to have success despite our backs being against the wall.

I value that camaraderie and brotherhood, and it's a big reason why I love this sport so much.

More Than Just a Game

Beyond the football field, I appreciate the unique opportunities that come with being a college student-athlete.

I had the privilege of starting the 2025 season as a representative of our football program, along with my brother Brylan Green, at Conference USA Football Media Days in Texas. It was truly an experience I will cherish.

It was awesome to represent the university and interact with other players from around the league. We talked about life off the field, had former collegiate players pour their experiences into us, saw how Conference USA is fighting for us behind the scenes, and we learned how this wonderful game can prepare us for the rest of our lives.

This unique opportunity was just another way that football has allowed me to do so much more than I would have been able to do otherwise, and for that, I am very thankful.

A Humble Beginning

I started playing football when I was seven.

I was a baseball player, but I didn't really want to play fall ball. So, I asked my dad if I could try football, and the rest is history.

I've been in love with the game ever since.

I didn't get my first scholarship offer until my sophomore year of high school. I was a little undersized, so I honestly wasn't sure how far football would take me.

But once I got that first offer, I knew I had a shot. I've always been a firm believer that it only takes one opportunity to get to the next level, and I was fortunate enough to find mine.

I committed to Coach Chadwell when he was at Coastal Carolina, so when he got the job at Liberty, I knew it was the right fit for me.

It was a no-brainer. I trusted him and the program he was building here, and I wanted to be a part of it. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Working Together As A Unit

This season, we have a few new faces on the offensive line.

We have D.J. Geth and Harrison Hayes at the guard spots, and with them being new starters, it's slightly different from last year.

And with some new players, like Trey Bedosky from UAB and Christian Williams from Florida, there are naturally going to be some adjustments as we gel into one unit.

I've played with all of them before, so there's a lot of familiarity. But football is a game of inches, so it's all about attention to detail and making sure we fine-tune everything to get the best results.

The offensive line is a critical position group, and we must be on the same page to maximize our potential.

With Coach Bill Durkin and Coach Adam Hollyfield, we have two incredible coaches who push us every day to be the hardest-working and best-functioning unit on the team.

We know that Coach Chadwell takes great pride in running the football. Liberty was a top-five rushing team in the nation the past two seasons. We understand that in order for that same level of consistency to continue in 2025, it has to start with our unit.

It's a challenge we gladly accept and take great pride in.

Life Beyond Football

Although I know I am just a redshirt sophomore and I hopefully still have a few more years to play this wonderful sport, I am aware the game will end as it does for everyone.

When the day comes for me to hang up my cleats, I look forward to doing something in the outdoors.

My undergrad is in business administration, and I'm going to start taking some project management classes soon.

I can't be inside all day, so I need to do something active and move around.

I love hunting, fishing, and being outdoors, so if I can find something that allows me to do that, it'd be perfect.

I know that whatever happens, I'll be all right.

And I'm grateful to Liberty for allowing me to be myself and giving me the opportunity to play the sport I love and do it with my brothers.

Schedule

Aaron Fenimore: Doing It For My Brothers

Players Mentioned

Trey Bedosky

D.J. Geth

Brylan Green

Harrison Hayes

Christian Williams