After being named a finalist to the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, former Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel joined Frank Cusumano on 590 The Fan’s Hollywood Casino Press Box to discuss his head coaching career, his relationships with former players, his thoughts on Eli Drinkwitz, and much more.

Even though he is one of three head coaches (Bear Bryant and Steve Spurrier) in college football to become the winningest coach at two different programs, Pinkel said he was shocked when he heard the honor of this news.

“I had no idea it was coming...none. It was kind of emotional...it’s hard to get nominated for that. I have never had goals to be in the Hall of Fame, there was never set goals like that. I’m certainly honored, without question, it’s something that kind of blew me away a little bit.”

When asked about Brad Smith, here’s what Pinkel had to say:

“He’s such a great kid and such a great leader that he developed into. It’s no question about it, he did an incredible job here and he would certainly list a bunch of his teammates, which he should. He was the difference maker in us turning the program.”

And here’s Pinkel’s thoughts on Drinkwitz:

“He’s impressive. He’s got a great plan…..he has a really good interaction with his players, that’s real important…I recognized that. I’m really excited about it......... I told him he’s got great facilities, we should build a new indoor facility and then we’ll have as good as anybody in the nation. With our stadium and our south end zone, it’s as good as anywhere in the nation.....He’s doing a real emphasis on keeping kids in-state here, and obviously that’s hugely important for our success at this university. He’s worked really, really hard at that.

This was a fun listen....so go ahead and check out the full interview at 590 The Fan.

That’s it for now....onto the links!

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Yesterday at Rock M

• Sam Snelling writes that Missouri has flexibility over the summer with Axel Okongo’s transfer
• PODCAST: Can Mizzou become Clemson? AND Opponent Previews, with Nate Edwards and Brandon Kiley!

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More Links:

(PowerMizzou)

• ($$) Mitchell Forde writes that four-star wing Malaki Branham is still hearing from Mizzou, but not rushing a decision.
• ($$) Read up on the latest edition of Gabe DeArmond’s Macadoodle’s Mailbag

(STLToday)

• Derrick Goold reports here that the Cardinals have an agreement in place for Mizzou pitcher Ian Bedell

(KC Star)

• Mizzou Football’s Eli Drinkwitz discusses return...and choosing which shirt to wear, writes Souichi Terada

(The Athletic)

• ($$) This was cool.....CJ Moore digs into the the top 10 best (and 5 worst) recruits of Mizzou basketball
• ($$) Missouri takeaways: On coaching with new awareness and Daniel Parker’s recovery, writes Peter Baugh

(Columbia Missourian)

• From Adam Cole and Andy Kimball: Notebook: Rountree, Drinkwitz talks COVID protocols, T-shirts, and more
• Andy Kimball writes about what Missouri’s offense will look like after a pandemic-shortened offseason
• From Andy Kimball, Missouri athletes asked to sign COVID-19 pledge

(Columbia Daily Tribune)

• Drinkwitz planning to start season on time, writes Eric Blum

(Miscellaneous/Recruiting/Tweets)

• Mizzou is asking their student-athletes to take a COVID-19 precaution pledge

• The NCAA D1 Council announced that it has officially approved college football’s preseason model, meaning preseason practices can begin on August 7th! We’re one step closer to the college football season!

• Jordan Elliott comes in as the highest-graded rookie defensive tackle on PFF College

• Mizzou OT commit Connor Tollision (previously unranked) is now ranked No. 133 in 247Sports’ 2021 updated rankings
• Arlen Harris, a four-star running back in the 2022 class from St. Peters, MO had a virtual visit with the Mizzou coaching staff:

• Trinity Catholic WR Demetrius Cannon, who has Missouri in his final 10 schools, will be making his college decision in the next two weeks

• Along with Kentucky, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and South Carolina, Mizzou comes in at 80/1 odds to win the SEC this season

• As expected, the Mets have officially signed (now former) Mizzou baseball recruit Isaiah Greene

• Mizzou pitcher Lukas Veinbergs will carry some impressive momentum heading into next season

• Wallpaper Wednesday pictures with Mizzou Football!

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