Two more Tigers announce re: extra NCAA eligibility

ICYMI from over the weekend, senior defensive lineman Akial Byers announced he’d be returning to Mizzou for another year. He’s the third such player to make an announcement like that in the past few weeks.

Graduate transfer wide receiver Damon Hazelton Jr. also announced his intentions re: the extra NCAA year of eligibility. Unlike the majority of his teammates, however, Hazelton will try his hand in the NFL.

Best of luck, Damon! Thanks for being a part of a season that exceeded expectations.

With the two announcements over the weekend, we now know the following players are coming back for the 2021 season:

• Akial Byers
• Keke Chism
• Grant McKinniss
• Mike Maetti
• Markell Utsey
• Jamal Brooks

Our very own Brandon Kiley will have a column up later this morning about the decisions and how they relate to the culture Eli Drinkwitz is building at Mizzou.

Yesterday at Rock M

• Study Hall: Mizzou 81, Arkansas 68

More Links:

• Here’s your final regular season Mizzou in the NFL recap:

— In his final game of the season, Drew Lock had one of his best performances of the year, hanging 315 yards and 2 touchdowns on the Raiders with no interceptions. However, some poor clock management cost the Broncos a chance at a game-winning field goal, and Denver dropped to a final record of 5-11.

— Yay, Yasir Durant!!!

The former Tiger OL got his first career start, but the Chiefs sat most of their regulars and dropped the season finale 38-21 to the Chargers.

— It was a rough personal day for Sheldon Richardson and Jordan Elliott, but a terrific day for their team. The two failed to log any tackles, but the Cleveland Browns snapped an 18-year playoff drought in a 24-22 win over the Steelers. They’ll get an immediate chance at redemption, though, as the two teams are playing next weekend in the wild card round.

• Robin Pingeton’s Tigers have had a rough start to SEC play and came out swinging against No. 10 Arkansas in Fayetteville. Unfortunately, a last second rally wasn’t enough, and the Tigers lost 91-88 on the road.

The Tigers are showing a lot of growth on the season, they just haven’t taken that next step yet. They’re off until next Sunday, when they’ll take on Auburn due to Vanderbilt’s Covid issues.

• Drew Buggs hit a career milestone in Mizzou’s road win on Saturday.

• Mizzou Wrestling kicked off its 2021 campaign on Sunday, and they did it in impressive fashion.

I can tell you for a fact that I don’t know much about wrestling. But even I could tell you that this is a dominant showing. Usually shutouts are.

• If you’re a PowerMizzou subscriber, you can get access to this Rivals article detailing the recruitment of Xavier Nwankpa. The 2022 4-star safety recently listed Missouri among his Top 12 and said the Tigers are one of just a few schools who keep in constant contact.
• The NFL coaching wheel is a-spinning, and the SEC could be in for a surprise or two...

It’s unlikely Mullen would get the job, but there’s no doubt he be interested... especially with the Jets slated to pick No. 2 in the upcoming draft.

• If you’re looking to sign up for ESPN+, Rock M Nation now has an affiliate link: click Here for ESPN+ Now!
• If you’re looking to sign up for a new streaming service, you can try FuboTV: click HERE for FuboTV access — FuboTV now has ESPN, CBS, FS1 and more sports channels.
  (** RockMNation has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though RockMNation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.**)