The Liberty Flames make their first appearance in a New Year's Six game on Monday afternoon. Head coach Jamey Chadwell is in his first season leading the Flames. Chadwell replaced current Auburn coach Hugh Freeze last offseason.
During their media availability this past week, several Liberty players spoke to the benefits of playing under Chadwell and his staff. Specifically, senior offensive lineman X’Zauvea Gadlin spoke to the staff's ability to keep their emotions in-check
"They're not up-and-down. This is a very much even-keeled coaching staff," Gadlin said. "They're passionate about what they do. It's not apathy, don't get me wrong. I know our OC Coach [Willy] Korn, our O-line, all of our coaches, they don't change...Even with all the success we're having, it was always, we got a new opponent. We got to move on to the next game plan. And they're always prepared which helps us be prepared."
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Running back Quinton Cooley also noted Chadwell's ability to keep them focused on all aspects of being student-athletes. Specifcally, Chadwell's increased focus on academics has been an added benefit for Cooley, #13 in FBS in rushing yards.
"You got people holding each other accountable," Cooley noted of the team's culture under Chadwell's staff. "If you get in trouble, do what you got to do for the discipline-wise. Just being there for each other. And just finding our purpose. He made sure you find a purpose, you want to be there. And Coach Chadwell's leadership is outstanding. He wants to make sure that we're men -- we're not just football players on the field. We're going to be able to do something outside of football in our life."
Monday's VRBO Fiesta Bowl is set to kick off at Noon ET on ESPN. The Flames will face the #8 Oregon Ducks.
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