Liberty's staff was hot on the recruiting trail in the month of June and July has gotten off to a blazing start as well. We will take a look at what Liberty has added in the last week or so below.  We will start off with the 2 public commitments from the last several days before moving on to a new portal commitment and a new HS commitment for the 23 class.  

Mikey Tepper - Tepper is a RHP that is transferring in from Mississippi State.  Tepper had a 9.49 ERA in 17 appearances while totaling 24 2/3 IP with 29 K's and 25 BB's.  His BA against was just .269 which would lead you to believe if the Flames can help him get better control, he could be a high impact guy.  Tepper could potentially get a shot to compete for a spot in the rotation but will certainly be a factor in the pitching depth either way.  Tepper was a highly sought-after player out of high school that has flashed a lot of potential still has 2 to 3 years of eligibility remaining depending on the COVID year.  Tepper featured a 92-96 mph fastball during the 22 season.  

Reese Mooney - Mooney is a 2023 HS recruit that will be a dual sport player for both Liberty Football and Baseball.  Mooney becomes the third highest ever rated recruit for football and is a highly rated baseball player that is a 3B/SS.  Mooney was committed to Vanderbilt of the SEC before rescinding his pledge in late May.  He had recently visited UAB, Toledo, Arkansas State and Liberty since his decommitment.  Mooney could have some baseball draft interest should he continue to progress at the same rate as well.  Football wise, Liberty also has taken a commitment from fellow 3 * QB Hank Brown from Trent Dilfer's academy in Tennessee.  Mooney will count as a scholarship player for football but will only count as a roster spot in baseball just like Brylan Green.  Love the collaboration between the programs to bring in some additional high level guys that we otherwise might not have a shot at without the collaboration.  

Trey Cooper - Cooper is a LHP that is transferring in from NC State.  Cooper was a RFR this past season and pitched just 2/3 of an inning for State this year.  However, Cooper is pitching on the same summer league team as Cumming & Germanowski and has flat out dominated.  He has appeared in 5 games including 4 starts.  He went 2 and 0 with a save and didn't allow an ER in 20 IP to win the pitcher of the month in June.  He punched out 10 hitters in 5 scoreless innings against Johnson City on June 23rd for a win.  He backed that up with another 5 innings of no-hit ball and 12 K's against Pulaski.  Cooper sits 90 to 93 and could be another huge portal find for the Flames.  Cooper features 3 pitches that include a slurve and changeup in addition to the fastball.  

Josh Swink - Liberty has also received a commitment from 2023 HS LHP Josh Swink who is a 6'2 150 lb rising senior from Newton NC.  According to PBR Swink is up to 87 MPH on his fastball.  Swink is another player that is fairly easy to project to see a big bump in velocity when he's able to get into the Liberty strength training program.  

Liberty's Current 2023 Commitment List

-Ben Blair RHP LCA, Jake Moore OF/IB LHH from Chatham HS, John Simmons, 2B, SS, 3B LCA - 8.5 PG Grade - Mooney & Swink.  


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