Mizzou Links, 6-29-09

It was once again time for the Demetrius Johnson Charitable Foundation National High School All-Star Game this weekend.  The DJ Game is an annual opportunity for incoming Mizzou freshmen to get their first opportunities to play together, albeit in the informal setting of an all-star game.  A few years ago, Keon Lawrence and JT Tiller raised hopes for the future with their play--especially Keon.  This year, it was all about Mike Dixon, Tyler Stone, and John Underwood.  Dixon won MVP honors with 24 points, but one number grabbed my attention: ten.  That's how many unofficial blocks The Trib counted for Underwood.  He ahd between eight and ten, along with 11 points and six rebounds (Stone contributed another 11 points and 6 boards).  But holy moly, could Underwood make a quick impression on the defensive end.

Once again, an all-time Mizzou great made noise at the US Track & Field championships this weekend--that's right, Christian Cantwell is a US champion once again.  Here's an official release from USATF.org.  Mizzou senior Chris Rohr barely missed qualifying for the final in the Hammer Throw.

Speaking of former Tigers, check out trrip's latest MU in the Minors update.

Alright, you get some football links too.  Dave Matter has a lovely story of two future Mizzou signal callers--2010's James Franklin and 2011's Corbin Berkstresser.

With four underclassmen quarterbacks on the current roster — Gabbert, a sophomore, the projected starter, plus sophomore Jimmy Costello and true freshmen Blaine Dalton and Ashton Glaser — Missouri collected Franklin’s commitment during the spring then picked up Berkstresser’s early word this month. Both could eventually be considered among the country’s best high school quarterbacks in their respective recruiting classes.

"He’s a good leader and has great character, about as good as you can get," Lake Dallas Coach Michael Young said of Franklin. "For a quarterback, that’s what you need. He’s the whole package."

Meanwhile, The Trib checks in on Wesley Leftwich, a junior-to-be at Hickman whose summer camp performances (particularly the 40 times) have moved him straight from sleeper to stud.  Mizzou is on him, as are some other local teams.

Finally, Heisman Pundit has been dropping position-by-position rankings lately.  Yesterday, it was linebackers.  From the OLB list...

2. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri–Had a staggering 155 tackles last year (which led the nation), including 18.5 for losses, 7 pass breakup and 3 interceptions.