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In their first afternoon practice, the Tigers had to deal with some sweltering Missouri temperatures. You know what they say: If you can't take the heat, please go have a seat and drink some water we need to work on that conditioning a bit, son.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Mizzou practices shift to afternoons this week. Pinkel's been wanting hotter weather. Wish granted.</p>— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dave_Matter/statuses/501461285247414272">August 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
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David Morrison @ The Tribune: Missouri Fall Camp Notes: The "Baby It's Hot Outside" edition
"The first time we're in heat all year, and I think it affected our team a little bit," Pinkel said. "Glad we're getting heat. We just have to get a little more mentally tough and work through it."
That's right, will that heat away with the power of your MIND.
"Flexible" isn't the first word that comes to your mind when you look at an offensive lineman, but Mizzou's wide-bodies are making a case.
The O-line carousel continues, with Taylor Chappell moving back out to backup right tackle behind Connor McGovern, leaving Mitch Hall alone at the top of the right guard depth. Offensive line coach A.J. Ricker said the team is still tinkering: "Hall's been doing it and Chappell hasn't. Hall's a lot more comfortable inside there, where Chappell I think is going to be the third tackle there fighting for one of those tackle spots. I think he's more of an outside guy, to be honest with you. The more you can do, the longer you stick around, somebody once told me. You've got to be able to play them all. He's kind of a utility guy right now."
Missouri played 11 offensive linemen last year and Pinkel said today they'd ideally like to have three each ready to go at guard, tackle and center. So let's play name those linemen. Morse, McGovern and Chappell at tackle? Hall, Anthony Gatti and Jordan Williams at guard? Evan Boehm, Brad McNulty and Alec Abeln at center? And then maybe guys like Stephen Carberry, Crawford and Fairchild fighting for one or two utility spots?
On to the frosh.
pent some quality time with Cornell Ford as well. He thinks Logan Cheadle is definitely in a position to help Missouri during his true freshman year: "He's in the mix. He's a smart kid, learned a lot. The spring was really beneficial for him. And he's a very, very conscientious kid. He wants to learn. He asks questions all the time. He wants to play. He's going to get his opportunities."
Injury News
Dave Matter @ STLToday: Mizzou Camp Monday Report
Jimmie Hunt, MU’s starting slot receiver, suffered a hamstring injury Monday, Pinkel said. Pinkel didn’t elaborate on the extent of the injury. Players weren’t available for interviews after practice.
On a day where Ohio State (potentially) lost its Heisman-candidate quarterback Braxton Miller for the year and Mississippi State (definitely) lost Damien Robinson, a starting offensive lineman, for the year, Mizzou should thank its lucky stars that this was the extent of the injuries.
On the secondary:
Ford is high on Penton, calling him the "top dog" in the cornerback room. He’s also impressed with Dennis, a junior college transfer from Mississippi.
"Wow, he brings size to the room," Ford said. "The majority of the guys are smaller. He’s a 200-pound, rock-hard, solid muscle guy. Now it’s just a matter of getting him in all the situations as well."
Ford said Dennis played mostly zone coverages at Hinds Community College and needs work on his man-to-man techniques but could draw assignments against taller receivers.
PENTON FAMILY, ASSEMBLE!
What else we got?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Pinkel mic'ed up for SEC Network for today's practice. He's usually pretty low-key during practice.</p>— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dave_Matter/statuses/501451687610318848">August 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Who's ready for an hour full of blunt responses and one-word retorts!? Don't clam up, Gary. What's going on up in that noodle?
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