/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62711866/usa_today_11635860.0.jpg)
The early signing period started Wednesday and runs through Friday. We’ve started coverage on Missouri’s 2019 class, what it means for the future and and will have more this week on how it could change in the coming months.
On Tuesday, we asked all of you tweeters what you think is the program’s biggest need in this class. We obviously couldn’t cover every position, but we highlighted a few that have been the focal point of Missouri’s successes over the past few years.
#POLL! The early signing period starts tomorrow, so we’ll have our eyes on ‘crootin the next few days. What do you think is the Tigers’ biggest need?
— TOP 25 FOOTBALL TEAM FAN SITE (@RockMNation) December 18, 2018
It’s not a shock that the defensive line was on a lot of people’s minds. Quite a few of Missouri’s best teams have been built around — or at least featured — a stout defense, led by a strong front. The name #DLineZou didn’t come out of nowhere, after all.
It is a little surprising, however, that offensive line isn’t on more radars. Yes, Missouri had one of the better lines in the country this year and will return more than half of its players on the two-deep in 2019. But a strong offensive line is the anchor of a good offense, and it’s this writer’s opinion that the best teams in the country secure their futures at this position better than anyone. Even the best playmakers and QBs will suffer behind a porous line. There probably isn’t much to worry about over the next year or so, but it is something that will come into play once a lot of these three and four year starters graduate.
On to the responses!
let’s be real, we need some damn Corners. our secondary needs help
— Jake Grooms (@JuicyJake_11) December 18, 2018
Secondary?
— Jake Edwards (@JakeyJake66) December 19, 2018
This is a good call — Missouri’s front seven was a strength all year, but the secondary had to suffer through some brutal performances in the first half. It is worth pointing out that DeMarkus Acy was an All-SEC Coach’s Second Teamer, and guys like Khalil Oliver and Christian Holmes came on strong at the end of the year. Missouri returns a lot of depth at safety and corner next year, but it would be nice to build a stronger foundation. Landing Jalani Williams is a big win for Barry Odom and Ryan Walters.
D end specifically.
— Jason Bourne (@JasonBo27089157) December 18, 2018
The defensive line was strong this year, specifically against the run. But the CIA’s biggest nightmare is right — 2018 was the first time since 2012 that no defensive ends on Missouri’s roster logged at least five sacks. Terez Hall had five this year, and Tre Williams (whose future with the program could be in trouble) had 2.5.
There’s reason to hope sacks could be on the rise with young guns like Trajan Jeffcoat and Chris Turner, but rebuilding the depth is a must if the pass rush is to ever return to its glory days. (Reminder: In 2013, the DE two-deep was Michael Sam, Kony Ealy, Markus Golden and Shane Ray. Good. Lord.)
All of the above?
— Mizzou Gump (@MizzouGump) December 18, 2018
... But, for real, this would be a great thing. We’ve already seen how Barry Odom is able to scout under recruited talent [paging Jalen Knox, Kam Scott, Tyler Badie, Cale Garrett, most of the offensive line] so a class that addresses all of these needs would be excellent. Bringing in Kelly Bryant, Shawn Robinson and Connor Bazelak likely secures the QB spot in the near future. Now we wait to see how he handled the rest.
And guess what?? We’re still looking for more #takes on recruiting! Vote below on which position you think is most important for the 2019 recruiting class.
Poll
What do you think is Mizzou’s biggest need in the 2019 recruiting class?
This poll is closed
-
9%
Linebackers
-
27%
Defensive Line
-
14%
Offensive Line
-
44%
Secondary
-
0%
Future QB
-
2%
Other