Ezekiel Elliott to Visit Mizzou This Weekend

Mizzou is at least going to get a chance to make an impression on the Rivals' top rated recruit out of the state of Missouri this weekend. Ezekiel Elliott of John Burroughs High School in St. Louis committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes back in April of 2012, but Dave Matter is reporting that he is at least open to seeing what Mizzou is all about:

John Burroughs running back Ezekiel Elliott, widely considered the best high school recruit in the state and committed to Ohio State since the spring, will be on Missouri's campus this weekend for an official recruiting visit, he confirmed Wednesday.

Asked via private message on Facebook if he plans to take a recruiting visit to MU, Elliott told the Tribune, "I am this weekend." He declined to comment further.

While this is an extremely exciting opportunity for Pinkel and co., it's gotta be remembered that there is some stiff competition in recruiting this kid. Ohio State just came off an undefeated 2012 season while suffering a bowl ban, but will be eligible to play in a bowl game in 2013. Although that's tough for Mizzou to compete with, Matter says there are other factors that could help Ezekiel rethink his commitment to the Buckeyes:

Both of Elliott's parents were athletes at Missouri. His father, Stacy, played linebacker on the football team from 1989-92. His mother is former track athlete Dawn (Huff) Elliott, who is still ranked among the all-time top 10 in some events at MU.

Hopefully his parents can talk up Columbia a bit while the coaching staff shows him what kind of home Mizzou would be. Elliott would be a huge get for the Tigers, and one would only hope that if he is putting up ridiculous high school numbers, he can put up some pretty good numbers in college too. Just how ridiculous was he you ask? Well, Matter shares his 2012 accomplishments:

Elliott, listed last fall at 6-foot, 205 pounds, was named the St. Louis Post-Dispatch player of the year for the 2012 season after rushing for 2,155 yards and 40 touchdowns in 14 games as the Bombers reached the Class 3 championship game, where they lost to Maryville.

Yep, you read that right. Forty touchdowns on the season. It's clear that he can play, and contribute to an already strong stable of running backs at Missouri with Josey, Hansbrough, and Murphy all returning in 2013. I think it's safe to say Elliott would be in the mix for some playing time his freshman year, but it would be great to have a guy like Elliott around here in a couple years to take over the starting role. The only other RB in the 2013 class is Chase Abbington, who is actually being recruited as an athlete, so Elliott could see that as a plus for his future as a starter as well. A top tier back like Elliott could do wonders for our offense in the SEC, and now that Josh Henson has taken over the OC position, it might help convince Elliott that he would be in an offense that would feature the run enough to get him the carries he wants. If you wanna see just how good this kid is, take a look at his 2012 highlights:

Here's to hoping Ezekiel decides to stay home and wear the black and gold. Fingers crossed.