Missouri appears to be focusing much of its efforts in the recruiting stretch on two positions: running back and defensive tackle. The former is for depth; the latter is more out of pure, immediate need.
Barry Odom’s staff addressed that need somewhat on Saturday, scoring a commitment from Rashad Brandon, a 6’3, 315-pound defensive tackle out of ASA College in Brooklyn. Brandon had an offer from Ole Miss and had recently visited Oklahoma.
Extremely Blessed to commit to the university of Missouri! pic.twitter.com/2T3q6mhofc
— RashadBrandon (@FRATECAR4) December 3, 2016
Highlights from Brandon’s freshman year at ASA can be found above. Two things are certain: a) he occupies a lot of space, and b) he operates well within tight spaces. His combination of girth and quickness helped him to win conference player of the year this season.
Brandon was bestowed the highest honor, as he was named the 2016 Northeast Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year. The Jersey City, New Jersey product is a 6-2, 315-pound sophomore who helped the Avengers post the nation's third-best passing defense (88.5 yards per game). He recorded 34 tackles (24 solos and 10 assists) to go with 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. Brandon's success this past season follows up an impressive freshman campaign where he was named to the 2015 All-NEFC Third Team.
Brandon will be expected to contribute immediately, joining a two-deep that features basically returning starter A.J. Logan, two players coming off of knee injuries (Terry Beckner Jr. and Markell Utsey), and two players who have bounced back and forth between a couple of positions (Josh Moore and Tyrell Jacobs).
Brandon is expected to sign in December and enroll in January. This might not be the only JUCO defensive tackle Mizzou ends up bringing in.