CLARKSBURG Hes probably our best wide receiver, Liberty coach A.J. Harman commented on returning player Broderick Lantz.

Thats high praise, except Lantz isnt a receiver at all but for when Liberty lines up in the spread. Instead, he plays the role of fullback in the teams Stick-I offense, and he causes headaches from the position that likely remind some of the old Bridgeport iteration of the run-heavy scheme.

But even though Lantzs position traditionally plays the second fiddle to that of the tailback, at least by way of carries, Liberty has shown an inclination for different plans. Last year, Lantz carried the ball 169 times for 1,054 yards, combining with tailback Dalton Westfall for well over 2,000 rushing yards in one backfield.

The nice thing about Broderick is that hes unselfish about his position, Harman said. Hes not a kid thats counting his carries, hes just willing to do what it takes to win. That being said, we have to find a way to get the ball in his hands the way we have in the past.

That declaration seems to make sense. The senior was responsible for 14 rushing touchdowns and 362 receiving yards (a 16.5 yards per catch average), all while finishing sixth in rushing yards in the area.

Hes got a great combination of size, strength and speed, Harman said. I think hes naturally a wide receiver, but hes got the heart of a lion, so it works at fullback for him. Hes a hitter and a team player, and he has no problem making blocks for Dalton when its his time to carry the football.

I just think his selflessness, when you couple that with his athleticism, hes a coachs dream.

Its worthwhile to consider the touchdowns Lantz not only scored himself, but also those that Westfall scored, most with Lantz as lead blocker. Its not hard to say, then, that Lantz may well have had a hand in about 30 of the Mountaineers scores (Westfall scored 17 rushing touchdowns).

I just have to do whats best for the team, Lantz said. If Im called to carry, I have to run as hard as I can, and if the guy behind me is carrying, I have to make a hole.

Versatility isnt the only weapon Lantz brings to the table, however. Hes a four-year starter who began on the defensive side of the ball, where Harman said he continues to play as a safety in the Mountaineers 4-3 scheme and where he earned second team Class AA all-state honors last season.

His dad is the defensive coordinator, so there isnt a kid on this football team that knows what were doing better than Broderick, Harman said. He plays through the pain over there, with all the blocking he does on offense. Hes a very tough kid, physically and mentally, on both sides of the ball.

Four years of experience have paid off for Lantz, freeing him up to play with relative ease in the secondary.

It comes pretty natural now, he said. I just go out there and do it. Its slower now, I can see everything better. I can go after the ball and make hits without having to think first.

That will pay off in another way, as well. As the season approaches, Harman said his senior gives him a significant mental asset on the field.

Hes like having another coach on the field, and he comes into work every day with a great attitude, Harman said. He sets a great example for the younger guys.

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Selflessness the key for Liberty fullback, safety Lantz - The Exponent Telegram (press release) (registration)