Pinkel talks with a few reporters today, describes himself frequently as "driven," after Missouri's first losing season since 2004.

— Joe Walljasper (@JoeWalljasper) March 11, 2013

Pinkel: "I don't need anybody to tell me the importance of going to bowl games. I'm driven, man."

— Joe Walljasper (@JoeWalljasper) March 11, 2013

Among other notable MU football news, Pinkel said Henry Josey recently ran 4.44 in the 40, did well in agility drills, is ready to practice.

— Joe Walljasper (@JoeWalljasper) March 11, 2013

A few highlights from a three-man sit down with #Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel: 1) Said RBs Hansbrough and Steward both ran laser-timed 4.3 40s..

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2013

Pinkel was very complimentary of redshirt freshman DT Harold Brantley. Said he wouldn't have redshirted at #Mizzou in most years.

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2013

3) TE Sean Culkin is up to 245 pounds and runs a 4.5. Pinkel also confirmed Josey's 4.4 40 and said he should be full go in spring camp.

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2013

Pinkel didn't get specific on offensive changes but hopes to involve tight end more with Waters and Culkin and use fewer empty backfields.

— Joe Walljasper (@JoeWalljasper) March 11, 2013

4) Pinkel made it clear that he's a competitor and he's excited about the upcoming season. Says he's given zero thought to retirement.

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2013

5) Pinkel also said it would be fair and accurate to say you'll see less empty sets this year, though #Mizzou will still be a spread team.

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2013

6) Pinkel on Maty Mauk, who seems to be very much in the QB race: "He's got a very strong arm. He can throw the ball 75 yards." #Mizzou

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2013

I think it's revealing that Pinkel - when talking about Mauk - again referred to Brad Smith, who beat out a three-year starter as a freshman

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2013

7) Pinkel said DGB rolled his ankle in mat drills and had his foot in a boot, but recently ran a 4.4 40 and he's "probably" faster than that

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2013