Rock M Nation - Latest News on Missouri Head Football Coach Eli DrinkwitzA Blog for Ol' Mizzouhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50319/rmn-fav.png2020-01-10T15:39:14-06:00http://www.rockmnation.com/rss/stream/207683902020-01-10T15:39:14-06:002020-01-10T15:39:14-06:00Marcus Johnson added to Missouri football staff
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Izs0tAeC2XFzoVglt-u0-5M_nUA=/73x0:627x369/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66082367/EN8jgfnUEAAGApK.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mizzou Athletics</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Former MSU Bulldog OL coach Marcus Johnson comes to Columbia as an offensive assistant coach, rounding out the last of Mizzou’s new staff.</p> <p id="uRvHXY">Missouri football head coach Eliah Drinkwitz appears to have completed his coaching staff, bringing in Marcus Johnson as an offensive assistant coach, the school announced Friday. Johnson comes to Mizzou after two years in Starkville as an Offensive Line coach<em> </em>under former Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead. </p>
<p id="yuyc63">“I’m absolutely excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Drink and be part of the Mizzou program,” Johnson said in a release from the school. ”I think Coach Drink is one of the top young, innovative coaches out there, and this is an amazing opportunity for me to continue to grow and develop in the profession. My family and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives and I’m excited to get to work learning everything I need to know about Missouri.”</p>
<p id="uLFybj">Prior to taking the job at Mississippi State, Johnson was on staff at Duke, serving various roles from 2011-17 under his former college coach, David Cutcliffe, ranging from assistant strength & conditioning coach to offensive quality control assistant, before being promoted to offensive line coach in 2016. </p>
<p id="o1onqP">“I’m excited to add Marcus and his family to our family at Mizzou,” Drinkwitz said. ”The experience he brings as a player and coach in the SEC, coupled with the success he’s had as a player in the NFL and developing a lot of guys who have made it to that next level, make this a great hire for our program.” </p>
<p id="5rS0qY">Johnson was an All-SEC offensive lineman at Ole Miss, and later played in 53 NFL games (making 18 starts) over five years with Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Taken as a second round draft pick by the Vikings in 2005, he spent four seasons there, helping the Vikings to a division title and playoff berth in 2008. After a year with Buccaneers, Johnson played with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League to close out his playing career. </p>
<p id="B2ugC1">With Johnson’s hire, Drinkwitz’s first staff should be complete. While details regarding his specific job title and contract have yet to be released, one would think he will become the much-awaited offensive line coach, given his experience.</p>
<div id="yYcTul">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEWS | <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDrinkwitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDrinkwitz</a> adds <a href="https://twitter.com/mjohnson7672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mjohnson7672</a> to coaching staff. Details ⤵️<br><br> » <a href="https://t.co/VyyLi0fwSI">https://t.co/VyyLi0fwSI</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewZou</a> <a href="https://t.co/YBRKaU5hM2">pic.twitter.com/YBRKaU5hM2</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1215729924725587968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="6RFjWz">Welcome, Coach!</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2019-mizzou-football/2020/1/10/21060634/missouri-mizzou-tigers-football-marcus-johnson-eliah-drinkwitzKaren Steger2019-12-26T13:00:00-06:002019-12-26T13:00:00-06:00Woodfin added to Missouri football staff
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GLfTI0CT5aDGdZASqQsz-0fQH48=/130x0:1516x924/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65970961/Screen_Shot_2019_12_26_at_12.06.43_PM.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Zac Woodfin will come to Columbia to take over as the Tigers’ strength and conditioning coordinator.</p> <p id="uRvHXY">As had been reported over the weekend, Missouri football head coach Eliah Drinkwitz is bringing in Zac Woodfin to run the strength and conditioning program, the school announced Thursday. Woodfin comes to Columbia after three years in Lawrence, Kansas, in the same role under former Jayhawks coach David Beatty and current coach Les Miles.</p>
<p id="yuyc63">“It’s an unbelievable opportunity to serve Mizzou’s student-athletes, the staff and the program,” Woodfin said in a release from the school. “I’m excited to coach in the best conference in college football and coach for a man like Coach Drinkwitz. Every single aspect of this job fires me up and energizes me. I’m fortunate and blessed and I’m going to go above and beyond to do more than what is expected in order to help the program. I can’t wait to get going.”</p>
<p id="pPRLId">Prior to taking on the role at Kansas, Woodfin spent three seasons as the head strength and conditioning coach at two different schools, spending a season at UAB (2014, when he was named the National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year by FootballScoop) and two at Southern Miss (2015-16).</p>
<p id="QgV8Dl">Woodfin broke into his field as a volunteer at UAB and Alabama, before spending four seasons with Athletes Performance in Los Angeles and three with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.</p>
<p id="EoGuLU">“Zac brings energy, expertise and toughness to Mizzou,” Drinkwtiz said. “He’s played and developed players at the highest level and we can’t wait for him to get started with our program.”</p>
<p id="B2ugC1">With Woodfin’s hire, the staff continues to grow into its new look under Drinkwitz. Only Brick Haley, Ryan Walters and David Gibbs remain from Odom’s 2019 defensive staff, and Charlie Harbison and D.J. Smith moved with Drinkwitz from Appalachian State as defensive assistants.</p>
<p id="0ejCgb">Casey Woods and Curtis Luper were brought in on the offensive side of the ball from UAB and TCU, respectively, with Woods being hired as the tight ends coach and Luper’s specific role not yet announced. Erik Link was also hired to coach the special teams, a position left open by Andy Hill, who started as an assistant with the Tigers in 1996.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2019-mizzou-football/2019/12/26/21038099/missouri-mizzou-tigers-football-zac-woodfin-eliah-drinkwitzRyan Herrera2019-12-21T05:00:00-06:002019-12-21T05:00:00-06:00What grade would you give the Eli Drinkwitz hire?
<figure>
<img alt="Appalachian State v North Carolina" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YIz0LRj2iZrHTBzbi_NbKCR0rxA=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65951540/1177328359.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here are (some) links for a Saturday BRAGGING RIGHTS day.</p> <h1 id="0SXDyC">CBS Sports graded Eli Drinkwitz hire at Missouri a B-</h1>
<p id="fFFS4D">I’ll be honest, I hate grading coaching hires before the guy has been on the sideline at all. It’s strange to me that you assess and grade something that has no foundation or evidence at this stage. <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/coaching-carousel-winners-and-losers-grading-every-2019-college-football-hire/">Yet here we go, from CBS Sports</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="YPjwmV"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/teams/MIZZOU/missouri-tigers/"><strong>Missouri</strong></a> did OK for grabbing its fourth choice, or maybe fifth choice, in Drinkwitz. None of that is the coach’s fault. The search became public, and the board of curators got involved shooting down names (Skip Holtz, <span>Blake Anderson</span>, Jeff Monken). Drinkwitz appealed to curator chairman Jon Sundvold, an ex-basketball star at Mizzou who wields a lot of power. Drinkwitz makes quite a leap from <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/teams/NCST/nc-state-wolfpack/"><strong>NC State</strong></a> offensive coordinator (2017) to <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/teams/APLST/appalachian-state-mountaineers/"><strong>Appalachian State</strong></a>coach (2018) to SEC coach. Somehow, the fact that he took Scott Satterfield’s players and won the Sun Belt became a criticism. The opposite of winning with someone else’s players is losing. Missouri football needs to become exciting again. The former assistant under Gus Malzahn (<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/teams/AUBURN/auburn-tigers/"><strong>Auburn</strong></a>) and Bryan Harsin (Boise State) has the personality and offensive chops to do it. </p></blockquote>
<p id="4Xk5A6">Mizzou was at least in the winners column, ahead of Boston College, Appalachian State, UNLV, Memphis, Fresno State, Old Dominion, Arkansas, and UTSA. All of whom were in the “Jury is still out” category. While Colorado State was given a “losers” category to themselves to recycling Steve Addazio. </p>
<p id="v5PSw9">Mizzou was at the bottom of the winners column with Lane Kiffin, Greg Schiano, Mike Norvell, Danny Gonzalez at New Mexico, Jimmy Lake at Washington, <span>Jeff Scott</span> at USF, and Willie Taggart at FAU. </p>
<p id="7YU6Tn">If I were going to give Mizzou a grade for the search, I’d give them a D-. It got ugly and public, and a short list of names got leaked and Missouri fans hated all of them (despite Blake Anderson being a perfectly solid choice). They also spent a lot of money (and guaranteed money at that) on an unproven quantity, in Drinkwitz. The hire itself isn’t something we can grade. Drinkwitz resume is too short, and while I like the choice for it’s riskiness and boldness, it IS still risky. </p>
<p id="wKlIT4">So as much risk as Missouri incurred with Drinkwitz, I’m not sure how they were blow some of these hires. As interesting of a move as Lane Kiffin is, we’re somehow expected to believe he’s not risky as hell?</p>
<div id="ZRdLKV"><div style="float:right; margin:10px;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/page.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frockmnation&tabs&width=340&height=214&small_header=false&adapt_container_width=true&hide_cover=false&show_facepile=true&appId" width="340" height="214" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="jeiuwv">And Greg Schiano was very successful coach at Rutgers before trying and failing in the NFL. But sometimes it’s really hard to go back to your roots, and while Schiano was successful there before, Rutgers is in complete disarray and in a much tougher league, in the Big 10. </p>
<p id="Ieq0C4">UW hired a guy with no head coaching experience, but that’s an A? </p>
<p id="2kX90j">I don't know. Hiring a new college football coach is always risky. Unless you’re signing up Nick Saban or Dabo Swinney, there’s a good chance it doesn’t work out. We should keep that in mind as we watch things unfold with Drinkwitz. He’s going to need some time to build things up the way he wants, and even though <a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2019/12/20/21031031/eli-drinkwitz-doesnt-view-mizzou-as-a-rebuild">it’s not the rebuild some think</a>, it’s still a job with little margin for error. </p>
<p id="1eUHgS">Also, we have a new co-offensive coordinator!</p>
<div id="IQSwp3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEWS | <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDrinkwitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDrinkwitz</a> adds <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachLoop?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachLoop</a> to coaching staff. Details ⤵️<br><br> » <a href="https://t.co/bVdEJgjs0C">https://t.co/bVdEJgjs0C</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe</a> <a href="https://t.co/2V3z8zUYBQ">pic.twitter.com/2V3z8zUYBQ</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1208134234558197761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="D8oe1P">Missouri offered Luper’s son the other day which was probably a sign Drinkwitz was going to add Luper to the staff. Luper’s kid is a 2-star receiver out of Texas and a Boise State commit who did NOT sign a NLI with the Broncos. Probably signaling the Tigers have a shot to land both father and son. Luper (the senior) has an extended coaching history and will probably work with Running Backs as well as handle the Co-Offensive Coordinator duties with the head coach. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8wNBjj">
<h1 id="QvdtMQ">Yesterday at Rock M</h1>
<ul>
<li id="hjLQpq"><a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2019/12/20/21031031/eli-drinkwitz-doesnt-view-mizzou-as-a-rebuild">Eli Drinkwitz doesn’t view Mizzou as a rebuild</a></li>
<li id="mQ52NY"><a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2019/12/20/21029826/mizzou-footbal-roster-defense-building-2020-drinkwitz-ryan-walters">Building 2020: Missouri’s Defensive Roster (for now)</a></li>
<li id="J9jihx"><a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2019-20-mizzou-basketball/2019/12/20/21030541/hoops-preview-missouri-tigers-illinois-fighting-illini-basketball-braggin-rights">Hoops Preview: Illinois is experienced, physical and itching to get back Braggin’ Rights</a></li>
</ul>
<p id="eGq0ic">Quick note here, if you aren’t reading Nate Edwards and Tim Bussen’s post season pieces, you’re missing out. They’re terrific. Tim is breaking down Eli Drinkwitz’s offenses in depth, and Nate has deconstructed everything over the last few weeks. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="j1ViIs">
<h1 id="S4Li8n">More Links:</h1>
<ul><li id="zvl1wA">Ian Kinsler is retiring:</li></ul>
<div id="RAnN8M">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ian Kinsler is retiring, but will remain with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padres?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padres</a> in front-office capacity, sources tell The Athletic. Kinsler is still owed $4.25M on his contract, and will work out a financial settlement with the club. Full story coming shortly.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1208152719715897344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<ul>
<li id="XUsbDC">The next <a href="https://twitter.com/Ourand_SBJ/status/1208187456710987777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1208187456710987777&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmissouri.forums.rivals.com%2Fthreads%2Fnext-sec-contract-wont-be-on-cbs.127958%2F">SEC on CBS contract has fallen through</a> with CBS walking away. This likely paves the road for the SEC to get more Disney money from ESPN/ABC, which means more money for Mizzou... and everyone else in the league. </li>
<li id="28Bqus">If Mizzou is to beat Illinois, <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/benjamin-hochman/hochman-mu-wants-good-things-to-come-in-s-for/article_35536577-30a7-5224-b755-f4643230094e.html">they’ll probably need a few three’s from Mark Smith</a>.</li>
<li id="x8ELzJ">It’s been a struggle for Robin Pingeton’s Tigers, the Mizzou Womens Basketball team dropped another non-conference game, this time at home to Illinois.<a href="https://mutigers.com/news/2019/12/20/mizzou-womens-basketball-drops-nonconference-finale-to-illinois.aspx"> The Final was 58-51</a>, and the loss drops the ladies to just 3-10 on the season. </li>
<li id="cRbVfk">It’s Bragging Rights day, so we’ll have a Notebook up shortly, and a game thread early since the game itself is at Noon central time. The line is around -3.5 towards the Illini. </li>
<li id="Ps3snJ">If you’re looking to sign up for ESPN+, Rock M Nation now has an affiliate link: <a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/555830/9070?sharedid=RockMNation">click Here for ESPN+ Now!</a> (** <em>RockMNation has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though RockMNation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.**)</em>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2019/12/21/21032593/mizzou-football-news-grade-eli-drinkwitz-hire-bragging-rightsSam Snelling2019-12-19T11:00:00-06:002019-12-19T11:00:00-06:00Building 2020: Missouri’s Offensive Roster (for now)
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Tennessee at Missouri" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c7nQiHXxdOeAtT0p7WRz7TKUIgk=/19x0:5163x3429/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65939641/usa_today_13755599.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let’s manage the leftover roster plus the Early Signing Day additions to figure out what Missouri has to work with offensively.</p> <p id="umZ1MZ">Congratulations! You, me, Coach Drink... all of us just survived the first Early Signing Day of the Drinkwitz regime at Missouri. It wasn’t super exciting or impressive compared to our SEC brethren, but that’s <a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2019-mizzou-football/2019/12/9/21002290/mizzou-football-recruiting-new-coach-eli-drinkwitz-effects">what happens when you make a coaching change</a>! But let’s see how Drink’s first roster is getting built; who’s left, who’s coming in, and opportunities to build depth as he plumbs the JUCO wells and transfer portal candidates.</p>
<p id="jcyVV3">First, after graduation and early-Draft-declarers, here’s what’s left of Missouri’s two-deep:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J6WaJDnUX9vzC19fdF8mp1v2bqw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19541045/Capture1.jpg">
<figcaption>Our first string oh noooooooooo....</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="We9cOA">Here’s a reminder that having success in both offense and defense is heavily reliant on the passing game; offenses with experienced quarterbacks and receivers have a much higher quality than teams with inexperience in either of those positions, and the defense requires an excellent secondary to have an overall excellent defense. Missouri, notably, is going to be absent most of that on offense and half of that on defense. So it might be a rough year! But who’s around to step up? Glad you asked! Today we take a look at the offense, and then I’ll follow up with the defense tomorrow. On to the pointsy-boys!</p>
<p id="BSXVAs">(classes in parentheses are projected 2020 classifications)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Missouri at Georgia" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WCeaCLDS5Ne7ZtACIRaIeaWBl04=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19367183/usa_today_13646903.jpg">
<cite>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Connor Bazelak</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="hlc0AU"><strong>Quarterbacks</strong></h2>
<p id="rXf697"><strong>3 + 1</strong></p>
<p id="M0DakH"><em>Returning Producers</em>: <span>Taylor Powell</span> (R-JR), <span>Connor Bazelak</span> (R-FR)</p>
<p id="n5XDNf"><em>Other Returnees</em>: <span>Shawn Robinson</span> (R-JR)</p>
<p id="FBVzOy"><em>Commits</em>: Brady Cook (FR)</p>
<p id="REJ3f4">This will be the first, truly, open quarterback competition since James Franklin, Tyler Gabbert, and Blaine Dalton duked it on in the spring of 2011. Powell and Bazelak have 2019 playing experience, but you don’t bring in a player like Robinson just to have him backup the guys you already had. You typically want four quarterbacks on the roster at all times in case of emergency and Missouri, for now, has their four locked up. They certainly won’t be chasing anymore given roster/scholarship restrictions unless something drastic happens.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Mississippi at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GshRqZYsjCACDJwbixACkA_8mHw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19541194/usa_today_13507930.jpg">
<cite>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Larry Rountree III</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="7Fogss"><strong>Running Backs</strong></h2>
<p id="mrJyg3"><strong>5 + 1</strong></p>
<p id="wt8Jfs"><em>Returning Producers</em>: <span>Larry Rountree III</span> (SR), <span>Dawson Downing</span> (SR), <span>Tyler Badie</span> (JR)</p>
<p id="VsOPUC"><em>Other Returnees</em>: <span>Simi Bakare</span> (JR), <span>Anthony Watkins</span> (R-FR)</p>
<p id="gy0f2j"><em>Commits</em>: Elijah Young (FR)</p>
<p id="rKeuF6">The stable of running backs is pretty evenly split from a class management standpoint, with two each of seniors, juniors, and freshmen. With Dominique Johnson flipping to Arkansas, you might think that the Tigers would be looking for one more, but, as the rumor mill reported, Missouri wanted Johnson to switch to linebacker so that might be more of an indicator that they’re good with just taking one in this class. I would endorse that decision.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Mississippi at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k2u1T5b0VL2tn_pVkjk2IyTyoyM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19541197/usa_today_13507919.jpg">
<cite>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Jalen Knox</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="0eLTHM"><strong>Wide Receivers</strong></h2>
<p id="K3Bk1e"><strong>9 + 2</strong></p>
<p id="JPxdRO"><em>Returning Producers</em>: <span>Jalen Knox</span> (JR), <span>Dominic Gicinto</span> (JR), <span>Kam Scott</span> (JR), Barrett Bannister (JR)</p>
<p id="qFxfuG"><em>Other Returnees</em>: <span>Micah Wilson</span> (R-SR), <span>Khmari Thompson</span> (R-SO), <span>Tauskie Dove</span> (R-SO), <span>Maurice Massey</span> (R-FR), <span>C.J. Boone</span> (R-FR)</p>
<p id="aduAYv"><em>Commits</em>: Jay Maclin (FR), J.J. Hester (FR)</p>
<p id="pICg2I">It feels like Missouri has been operating at a receiver deficit since 2013. The double dip between ‘13 and ‘14 left no proven pieces in ‘15, and even with <span>Johnathon Johnson</span> and <span>J’Mon Moore</span> sticking around for four years, there hasn’t been a consistent corps of receivers that could be relied on. Barring any defections, the Tigers might actually have that this year, with four guys returning with significant experience. Experience does not translate to quality, however, and Knox/Gicinto/Scott/et al. are going to have to make a significant leap in the offseason to make that experience count for something. Massey and Boone are super intriguing, as is incoming freshman J.J. Hester. And if Maclin the Younger wants to pull off an impression of his cousin, I feel safe in saying we’d all fully endorse it. </p>
<p id="WJnbFL">However, projecting happy things for young players makes us all feel good, but can’t be relied upon. And the amount of times we’ve discussed on this here internet website about the <em>potential</em> of Knox and Scott and this super young receiving corps, it would lead most coaches to stock the cupboard with athletes and hope something good comes out of it. Expect a few more receivers to join the mix as well as a few losses via transfer portal.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Vanderbilt at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZroBZADuos6LIvF9cziz1Rx4U_g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13422301/usa_today_11636942.jpg">
<cite>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Daniel Parker, Jr.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="wk3ty9"><strong>Tight Ends</strong></h2>
<p id="B03vl5"><strong>5 + 0</strong></p>
<p id="pJYpl8"><em>Returning Producers</em>: Daniel Parker, Jr. (JR), <span>Niko Hea</span> (SO)</p>
<p id="GtoDYS"><em>Other Returnees</em>: <span>Brendan Scales</span> (R-SR), <span>Logan Christopherson</span> (JR), <span>Messiah Swinson</span> (R-SO)</p>
<p id="ylTcHO"><em>Commits</em>: none</p>
<p id="rmdipr">One senior, two juniors, two sophomores. Carrying five tight ends on a restricted scholarship budget probably means sticking with the guys you have right now, but none of them have shown the game-breaking quality that Missouri fans expect out of the position. Maybe this is the year Swinson stakes a claim as the next great Tiger tight end, or maybe the whispers of excellence surrounding Scales come to fruition. Parker and Hea are great for blocking, but having a zone-busting matchup nightmare is a luxury that Coach Drink loves to utilize.</p>
<p id="nTfgFX"><em>*offensive line is tricky since guys bounce around all over and freshman weight-gain is unpredictable. My classifications, clearly, are my projections and not a sure-fire lock.</em></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: South Carolina at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bl7dnwHpOWcTry7NpEVou9cWtGQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19232882/usa_today_13394259.jpg">
<cite>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Hyrin White</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="4Ybhdz"><strong>Offensive Tackles</strong></h2>
<p id="xfgwu8"><strong>6 + 1</strong></p>
<p id="6XqfMG"><em>Returning Producers</em>: <span>Larry Borom</span> (R-JR), <span>Hyrin White</span> (R-JR)</p>
<p id="xtoyVq"><em>Other Returnees</em>: <span>Angel Matute</span> (SR), <span>Bobby Lawrence</span> (R-SO), <span>Javon Foster</span> (R-SO), <span>Luke Griffin</span> (R-FR) </p>
<p id="aKTFgm"><em>Commits</em>: Mitchell Walters (FR)</p>
<p id="HW2muM">Most offensive line coaches want to be able to trust 8-10 guys to fill in at any spot at any time on the five-man offensive line. Missouri currently has 13 guys, seven of which I would classify at tackles. An 8-10 man rotation typically requires 15-17 scholarship linemen, so I fully expect Drink & Co. to take on a few JUCOs/grad transfers/transfer portal dudes to fill out the depth chart. I also expect (require?) Drinkwitz to ace his offensive line coach hire and strength coach hire: Odom’s crew were able to nab giant dudes to man the offensive line, but the quality of play dropped significantly once Glen Elarbee left, and being giant only gets you so far against the equally giant, noticeably faster defensive linemen of the SEC. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: SE Missouri State at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VZBSKjLLGSmBjMOgemyisYddaHk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19541199/usa_today_13382579.jpg">
<cite>Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Case Cook</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="enGwCw"><strong>Interior Linemen</strong></h2>
<p id="UGAcJt"><strong>5 + 1</strong></p>
<p id="iBR5pO"><em>Returning Producers</em>: <span>Case Cook</span> (R-JR)</p>
<p id="wEyg6L"><em>Other Returnees</em>: <span>Mike Ruth</span> (R-SO), <span>Thalen Robinson</span> (SO), <span>Xavier Delgado</span> (R-SO), <span>Jack Buford</span> (R-FR)</p>
<p id="25oTva"><em>Commits</em>: Drake Heismeyer (FR)</p>
<p id="ss6wkQ">With the surprise loss of <span>Trystan Colon-Castillo</span> to the NFL Draft, the interior of the Missouri offensive line is going to be....untested. Cook was the only one to get significant experience with Ruth and Delgado getting spot duty in clean-up situations. Unless you’re <span>Elvis Fisher</span> or <span>Evan Boehm,</span> you’re not starting on the line as a freshman, so it’s hard to count on Heismeyer or Walters to fill in immediately. Jack Buford was highly rated coming out of Lutheran North and has had a year in the “gun club” packing on weight, but is still a freshman with no game experience. My guess would be a JUCO linemen (or two) signs in February and is starting in the spring. </p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/missouri-tigers-football/2019/12/19/21029250/building-2020-missouri-offensive-roster-for-nowNate Edwards2019-12-18T12:06:48-06:002019-12-18T12:06:48-06:00Missouri Football recruiting: News and updates from early signing day 2020
<figure>
<img alt="football recruiting 2019" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nIjWzMg3kZfBkYMaN1ywlIZOohE=/141x0:1659x1012/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65929294/Football_Recruiting_2019_Draft_1.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Coach Eli Drinkwitz works to salvage a recruiting class and it starts today with the early signing day. </p> <div id="oFbZRy">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wednesday...<br><br>Meet the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> signing class ️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe</a> <a href="https://t.co/nwGEGIPCfD">pic.twitter.com/nwGEGIPCfD</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1206736264679944192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="0Fznt0">It’s signing day! </p>
<p id="VHPtEK">It’s had to have been a giant whirlwind for new Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz as he was just hired nine days ago, and spent every last waking moment trying to preserve what remained of the recruiting class Barry Odom put together. </p>
<p id="mCBKN8">There were decommitments from 4-star St. Louis offensive lineman Jalen St. John, 3-star Texas defensive end Robert Wooten, 3-star Columbia defensive lineman Jalen Logan-Redding, and 3-star Florida defensive end Cooper Davis. Davis has since committed to Illinois, Logan-Redding flipped to Minnesota, and Wooten hopped on at Virginia Tech. </p>
<p id="1aGYUh">Word is still up in the air on 3-star Memphis offensive lineman Ray Curry and 4-star Oklahoma wide receiver J.J. Hester. Signs are positive for Hester (UPDATE: he <a href="https://twitter.com/JJHester_8/status/1207300137070055425">tweeted out a picture of him looking out over Faurot Field</a>, so that’s probably a good indicator of where he’s at), not so much for Curry. </p>
<p id="1lN4kR">Missouri currently has 13 commitments in its 2020 class. Most are expected to sign today, with decisions becoming known from Hester and Curry. Follow along below for live updates and for a primer on what to expect for Missouri’s 2019 recruiting class</p>
<h2 id="4zCXV6">Missouri recruiting: Live updates, analysis from the early signing period</h2>
<p id="vUCnH5"><strong>2:20 p.m. — Mitchell Walters makes it double digits for Missouri as he becomes the Tigers’ 10th signee</strong></p>
<div id="VmVhJl">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLou</a> ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome OL Mitchell Walters (<a href="https://twitter.com/Mitch_Walters76?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mitch_Walters76</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/HWCfRHcq2C">pic.twitter.com/HWCfRHcq2C</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207395106342539265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="kcbcIL"><strong>1:50 p.m. — Ray Curry joins Dominique Johnson, flips from Missouri to Arkansas</strong></p>
<div id="5dwOEp">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big man in the trenches! Welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/Raybo75?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Raybo75</a> to the Hill! <a href="https://t.co/mGkeGosGk7">pic.twitter.com/mGkeGosGk7</a></p>— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackFB/status/1207387716117073920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="mNVOa5"><strong>12:56 p.m. — Another Maclin is heading to Columbia. Jay Maclin signed his LOI and hopes to follow in his older cousin Jeremy Maclin’s footsteps</strong></p>
<div id="KXpFHl">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLou</a> ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome WR Jay Maclin (<a href="https://twitter.com/jaymaclin2x?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jaymaclin2x</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/eXWMsbCRM4">pic.twitter.com/eXWMsbCRM4</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207374005499387904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="AhWXMK"><strong>12:35 p.m. — Arguably Drinkwitz’s most impressive early development as head coach is bringing Elijah Young back into the fold</strong></p>
<div id="z4VbDx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Knoxville ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome RB Elijah Young (<a href="https://twitter.com/elijahyoung52?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elijahyoung52</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/BMfvsyYRUX">pic.twitter.com/BMfvsyYRUX</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207368718239420416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="dwlBec"><strong>12 p.m. — In-state quarterback Brady Cook signs his LOI</strong></p>
<div id="OtjDau">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLou</a> ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome QB Brady Cook (<a href="https://twitter.com/qbcook4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@qbcook4</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/V6ng3MYTVd">pic.twitter.com/V6ng3MYTVd</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207359878295162882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ZSuEMb"><strong>11:45 a.m. — J.J. Hester makes it official with ink to paper</strong></p>
<div id="Rbd8ec">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tulsa ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome WR Javian ‘J.J.’ Hester (<a href="https://twitter.com/JJHester_8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JJHester_8</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> <a href="https://t.co/NbQ5TprcwO">pic.twitter.com/NbQ5TprcwO</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207356099239665664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="1B5v7k"><strong>10:27 a.m. — Another post-Odom defection. Cooper Davis signs with Illinois</strong></p>
<div id="b3xMFY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SIGNED ✍️<br><br>Welcome to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Illini</a> family, <a href="https://twitter.com/CooperrDavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CooperrDavis</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILLGang20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILLGang20</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSD20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSD20</a> <a href="https://t.co/t0RRfJm9yR">pic.twitter.com/t0RRfJm9yR</a></p>— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniFootball/status/1207336567905411074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="7KINgJ"><strong>8:21 a.m. — From out of nowhere, Dominique Johnson flips from Missouri to Arkansas</strong></p>
<div id="vP5hxd">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boom <br><br>Our first NLI of the early signing period is running back <a href="https://twitter.com/Thedominiquej7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Thedominiquej7</a>! <a href="https://t.co/DvJCviZYg6">pic.twitter.com/DvJCviZYg6</a></p>— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackFB/status/1207304880374726656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="SVbKso"><strong>8:15 a.m. — Robert Wooten becomes the second former Missouri commit to sign elsewhere. He’s now a Virginia Tech signee</strong></p>
<div id="xt6lEL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello, Lone Star State ⭐<br><br>Texas Blacksburg<a href="https://twitter.com/Robjayy15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Robjayy15</a> is signed to The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LPD?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LPD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hokies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hokies</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HardSmartTough?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HardSmartTough</a> <a href="https://t.co/kXYCU7nXaS">pic.twitter.com/kXYCU7nXaS</a></p>— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HokiesFB/status/1207303250787151877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="dcSn2O"><strong>8:02 a.m. — J.J. Hester ends any doubt with this early morning announcement, he’ll be a Mizzou Tiger</strong></p>
<div id="4QDWC1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good morning Tiger Nation‼️‼️They say home is where the heart is and I know where mines is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mizzou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mizzou</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GodsPlan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GodsPlan</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ub9ljwyU7M">pic.twitter.com/Ub9ljwyU7M</a></p>— JJ⁸Hester ⏳ (@JJHester_8) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJHester_8/status/1207300137070055425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="tT4B8I"><strong>7:57 a.m. — Tyler Jones joins teammate Jaylon Carlies as a Missouri signee</strong></p>
<div id="Qc8AZS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Florida ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome DB Tyler Jones (<a href="https://twitter.com/Tyler21_Jones?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tyler21_Jones</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> <a href="https://t.co/t3rIx3bNPW">pic.twitter.com/t3rIx3bNPW</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207298749443129345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="J7OHKP"><strong>7:36 a.m. — Don’t look now; a former Missouri commit signs with Minnesota</strong></p>
<div id="uwhQWH">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A dynamic addition on the defensive side of the ball in <a href="https://twitter.com/Jalen_Redd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jalen_Redd</a>! He was a 2019 All-State honoree and recorded 140 tackles and 18 sacks in his final two seasons. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeXXton20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeXXton20</a> <a href="https://t.co/vfYpxpe4mI">pic.twitter.com/vfYpxpe4mI</a></p>— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/GopherFootball/status/1207293455619297280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="Vw3JX3"><strong>7:13 a.m. — Columbia-product Will Norris makes it official</strong></p>
<div id="DFJjfO">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CoMo ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome LB Will Norris (<a href="https://twitter.com/Will_Norris25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Will_Norris25</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/xQt0i7pMij">pic.twitter.com/xQt0i7pMij</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207287728603164672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="7hJgyo"><strong>7:05 a.m. — Drake Heismeyer is staying in-state</strong></p>
<div id="1HGVqu">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLou</a> ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome OL Drake Heismeyer (<a href="https://twitter.com/DHeismeyer77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHeismeyer77</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/I9smtM6R6O">pic.twitter.com/I9smtM6R6O</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207285683095662593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="n6XHJE"><strong>6:37 a.m. — Potential kicker of the future Harrison Mevis signs his LOI</strong></p>
<div id="Tk6SOH">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Indiana ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome K Harrison Mevis (<a href="https://twitter.com/kickerhmevis6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kickerhmevis6</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> ️ <a href="https://t.co/iJYfl3GQvK">pic.twitter.com/iJYfl3GQvK</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207278673381879808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="Y1uCKW"><strong>6:27 a.m. — Jaylon Carlies becomes Missouri’s first signee</strong></p>
<div id="29fKLA">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Florida ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheZou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheZou</a> <br><br>Welcome DB Jaylon ‘J.C.’ Carlies (<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBoy_JC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheBoy_JC</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShowMe20?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShowMe20</a> <a href="https://t.co/WPimh7w8R8">pic.twitter.com/WPimh7w8R8</a></p>— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1207276079087403008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="a5BnmE">We’ll keep this section updated as the signings roll in. But here are the known expected signings and times:</p>
<ul>
<li id="6y4Rw1">Drake Heismeyer, OL, Missouri — 7:00 am CST</li>
<li id="lpP9UO">Elijah Young, RB, Tennessee — 11:00 am CST</li>
<li id="6EO72J">J.J. Hester, WR, Oklahoma — 11:30 CST</li>
<li id="xrjDom">Brady Cook, QB, Missouri — 12:00 pm CST</li>
<li id="NtJ6DG">Tyler Jones, DB, Florida — 12:45 pm CST</li>
<li id="WWu4Uq">Mitchell Walters, OL, Missouri — 2:20 pm CST</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="LiCBef">Missouri recruiting: 2020 commitments, rankings</h2>
<div id="FmdACi"><div data-anthem-component="table:6011860"></div></div>
<h2 id="rhJDet">Missouri recruiting: Storylines for the early signing period</h2>
<ul><li id="Ew5SbY">How much of the original signing class will Coach Drinkwitz be able to preserve? With <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1207163349282238464">Ryan Walters</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball/status/1206359805838925824">Brick Haley returning</a>, there’s continuity on the defensive side of the ball. Whether that’s good or not it should at least help with the relationships in recruiting. </li></ul>
<p id="fXxq1p">With needs on the defensive line, both the Defensive Coordinator Walters and Defensive Line coach Haley should help the program build upon a position of need, even without much there in the class as it stands. </p>
<ul><li id="gXHRf4">In addition, which recruits don’t sign on Wednesday?</li></ul>
<p id="Lrpvmq">The questions around Curry and Hester are obvious. But there have been some rumors about Kevon Billingsley, a solid commitment at this point, and his academic situation. Billingsley attended multiple high schools which could leave him still working on that side of it. </p>
<ul><li id="vGp1TH">Who are the top targets for the stretch run?</li></ul>
<p id="X77FGC">Some of this will come into focus after the dust settles from early signing period, but if Missouri gets the signees they expect on Wednesday, it will be able to focus on some of the needs still out there. Will they be able to get back in the game with Jalen St. John? Are there other targets still out there who can build out the rest of the class?</p>
<ul><li id="emmb3n">How will the coaching change and recruiting restrictions impact the rest of the class?</li></ul>
<p id="QVDHx9">This is probably the biggest question mark. Drinkwitz has done a good job so far keeping much of the class together, but he still has a big task ahead of him. There are scholarship limits coming in place next season and restrictions on time that can be spent recruiting. And the Tigers are probably looking for another 5-8 players. When and how they get them... well that’s the question. </p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/missouri-tigers-football/2019/12/18/21027408/missouri-football-recruiting-news-updates-early-signing-day-drinkwitzSam SnellingRyan HerreraNate Edwards2019-12-16T11:00:00-06:002019-12-16T11:00:00-06:00Getting the Appalachian State perspective on Eliah Drinkwitz
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: UL Monroe at Appalachian State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XV8avQf56BU3YCwzQo9xU5PfGBs=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65914608/usa_today_13539885.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We sat down with Moss Brennan and Silas Albright from The Appalachian to talk Eliah Drinkwitz</p> <p id="NfMZoe">Eliah Drinkwitz is Missouri’s new head football coach. To find out more about him while he was at Appalachian State, I reached out to Moss Brennan and Silas Albright of The Appalachian for their insight on what Missouri could potentially be getting in the future. The following is a Q & A on Appalachian State’s perspective on Drinkwitz: </p>
<p id="7h7KN7"></p>
<p id="qxBBPg"><strong>Sammy Stava: The Eliah Drinkwitz rumors to Missouri began swirling last Sunday, and it developed really quickly. What were your first reactions to this hire? Were you surprised or did you have a good thought that this might be coming?</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="L401lr"><strong>Moss Brennan (Editor In Chief)</strong>: We were pretty surprised when the first reports started to come out that he was going to leave. With how much he talked about building the program and what the App State family meant, it was surprising. If you go back to his introductory press conference for App State last year, he talked about how App State wasn’t a stepping stone job, so to then take a Power Five job after only one season was interesting for us to see. I think we all knew he would leave eventually, as the program has great success and that is only natural for a coach, but we were not expecting it after one year.</p>
<p id="0bhzQB"><strong>Silas Albright (Sports Editor)</strong>: We had heard that a plane from Arkansas landed at a nearby airport by Saturday. When a reporter asked Drinkwitz about the rumors in the post Sun Belt Championship presser, he seemed pretty uncomfortable. He compared the rumors to fake news in his answer, so naturally when I heard he took the job I was surprised. It was less than 24 hours later. I will say that, in my gut, I thought him leaving was definitely a real option, but it was definitely still surprising when it happened and the way it happened.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="ih1kvR"></p>
<p id="O9yQKl"><strong>SS: Appalachian State had an incredible season, going 12-1 with a No. 20 College Football Playoff Ranking and a Sun Belt Championship. Of course, a lot of this Mountaineers’ team was built with Scott Satterfield’s players. How much credit does Drinkwitz deserve for this year, and how much of it was it mostly taking over Satterfield’s team?</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="NuTTii"><strong>MB</strong>: I think App State has a great team with great players no matter who is coaching. It remains to be seen if Drinkwitz can recruit as a lot of the players he coached this year were very experienced and good players from the Satterfield era as you said. Drinkwitz was a good coach for App State, but when you have a top running back in <span>Darrynton Evans</span>, a very strong receiving core in <span>Corey Sutton</span> and <span>Thomas Hennigan</span> (among others), and <span>Zac Thomas</span> at QB, it’s hard to not be a good team. So it’ll be interesting to see how he is able to recruit at Missouri as the team he coached this year was loaded with talent from the Satterfield era. </p>
<p id="luC3Yx"><strong>SA</strong>: After Satterfield took the job last year and App State was in a coaching search, I don’t think anyone around Boone was worried. We knew how good the team was last year, and with so many returners we knew we’d be in for a fun season regardless of the coach. I don’t think it’s fair to say Drinkwitz doesn’t deserve any credit, though, but his recruiting and building a team on his own hasn’t been seen yet. My feeling is that Missouri took a risk and it will be interesting to see how Drink’s decision plays out. </p>
</blockquote>
<p id="jmD7MQ"></p>
<p id="5Z7kG8"><strong>SS: This the second year in a row an Appalachian State coach has landed a Power Five job. Scott Satterfield took a 2-10 Louisville team to 7-5 and won ACC Coach of the Year this season. Do you think Drinkwitz can have that same type of success in his first year with Missouri next season?</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="CNEJ8Q"><strong>MB</strong>: I’m not very sure how good Missouri is as a whole as I have not really followed them this year, but I think it will be hard for him. He inherited a really good team as a first time head coach at App and I know Missouri is in some trouble with the NCAA right now so that will also be a difficulty for him. It will definitely be a test for him, but I don’t think it will be the same as Satterfield taking over Louisville. </p>
<p id="f7MTk7"><strong>SA</strong>: I would say it’s possible but I wouldn’t expect it. Scott Satterfield had much more experience when he left than Drinkwitz did. The SEC is also a much different conference than the ACC. I just haven’t seen enough of Drinkwitz to really be able to speak to what I think he’s capable of. He’s only been a college head coach for one season, so we’ll see.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Z8WFfp"></p>
<p id="rqD5V8"><strong>SS: Eliah Drinkwitz will become the second-youngest Power Five conference in the country behind Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley. It was a small sample size, but Drinkwitz did go 2-0 against Power Five teams with road wins over North Carolina and South Carolina. With what you have seen in his only season at Appalachian State, do you think Drinkwitz has what it takes right now to make that jump to the Power Five?</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="ipbSK8"><strong>MB</strong>: If you go back to the season before Drinkwitz came, App State took Penn State to overtime at Penn State, and the year before that lost to Wake Forest at home by a late missed field goal. While yes, he did go 2-0 against Power Five schools this season, only one of those schools was bowl eligible and they went 6-6. He inherited a team that was pretty experienced playing in big games against big schools. Those wins were huge for the program, but I am not sure that will transition over to Missouri. </p>
<p id="SnbxQ1"><strong>SA</strong>: In my personal opinion, no I don’t. We got those two big wins, but like I said earlier, no one was worried about the upcoming season after Satt left. I’d say most of us in Boone had been expecting to win those games. We’re a top 25 team and neither UNC or South Carolina was anywhere close to that this year. We also could’ve closed both of those games out a lot better than we did. That was something that happened more than just those two games. We opened up a lead and barely were able to hang on in the end several times. I’m not sure if that directly reflects on Drinkwitz’s coaching or not, but it should definitely be noted. I’m not sure playing like that would be as successful against top-tier SEC opponents.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="fF132v"></p>
<p id="AFbDZX"><strong>SS: According to 247Sports, Eliah Drinkwitz’s first recruiting class in 2019 ranked 101</strong><sup><strong>st</strong></sup><strong> in the country and fifth in the Sun Belt. His 2020 recruiting class has made a big jump, now 76th in the country and third in the Sun Belt. What makes Drinkwitz a good recruiter and do you think his recruiting style can work at Missouri?</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="MAeFTh"><strong>MB</strong>: I can’t say much about Drinkwitz’s recruiting style. I know he would talk about visiting “rock stars” when on the recruiting trail. I also know a lot of the other coaches played a big role in recruiting, including Shawn Clark, who will be named the new head coach on Friday. The players love Clark and that was very evident when players started tweeting out #clark2020 when the Drinkwitz news was starting to come out. The NCAA sanctions will also make it a bit harder for him on that front. He will have access to more money and resources that a school like App State just doesn’t have which will likely help on the trail. </p>
<p id="gK8IH1"><strong>SA</strong>: He’s a charismatic guy and if he’s anything like how he is with the media when he’s recruiting, he’ll say anything to get them on his side. He’s had success in every job he’s had so it would make sense for players to want to play for him. I really can’t speak to his recruiting all that much. I’m not sure it’s treated as important here as it at other schools. The fan base here is pretty much used to not landing the big name recruits. App State’s four straight Sun Belt Championships and bowl wins speak to the fact that recruiting rankings aren’t the most important factor to success. </p>
</blockquote>
<p id="7FqJ5x"></p>
<p id="ztbAcO"><strong>SS:</strong> <strong>Finally, what are the biggest strengths and weaknesses that you have seen with Eliah Drinkwitz as a head coach? </strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="szKJrN"><strong>MB</strong>: His mentality of going “1-0” each week I think really resonated with players as they would always bring that up in interviews.</p>
<p id="w8vkjo"><strong>SA</strong>: Well, obviously Drinkwitz has shown to be great at winning. 12 wins and likely 13 if he’d stuck around for the bowl game are not an easy thing to achieve in any conference. He’s also a great talker. He’s an intelligent guy and knows when to say what. He’s a bit cocky which I think helps fans to like him, as long as he backs it up. I don’t want to give him too much credit for calling plays that set up players for big seasons because nearly all of these guys are returners that have proven they can perform highly at this level. I think all these traits could turn into weaknesses if Drinkwitz doesn’t win. I mean, the main strength of a coach is if they can win or not. He was winning basically the whole time at App State, so naturally everyone loved him. I haven’t really seen how he handles adversity.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="mlav3e"></p>
<p id="zbQMfm">Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/silasalbright">Silas Albright </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/mosbren">Moss Brennan</a> of The Appalachian for their time on this. </p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2019/12/16/21022843/missouri-tigers-football-q-and-a-head-coach-eliah-drinkwitzSammy Stava2019-12-15T20:17:34-06:002019-12-15T20:17:34-06:00Mizzou Football Recruiting: Where does the 2020 recruiting class stand? [updated]
<figure>
<img alt="football recruiting 2019" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YSLg1c4cCh6xHa6oltvtMttUISo=/141x0:1659x1012/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65805314/Football_Recruiting_2019_Draft_1.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Missouri’s class was shaping up to be a good one, but has taken some hits already.</p> <p id="rcyKH4"><strong>UPDATED 12/15/2019 8:00 pm: </strong>Jalen Logan-Redding, a defensive end from Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, committed to Minnesota after a visit this weekend. Logan-Redding was previously committed to Missouri. </p>
<p id="Q85tdn">Meanwhile:</p>
<div id="uMoc3N">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="pt" dir="ltr">mizzou <a href="https://t.co/520DNFtk4d">pic.twitter.com/520DNFtk4d</a></p>— Jay Maclin ² (@jaymaclin2x) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaymaclin2x/status/1206252594777210885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="gFcFZ4">It looks like you can count Jay Maclin still in. Drake Heismeyer also tweeted he’s “All in” after the visit. Brady Cook looks to be as well. Harrison Mevis, the top kicking prospect, said he’s “Once a Tiger, always a Tiger” which would also appear to be a good sign. Ray Curry announced he’s signing early, the contenders appear to be sticking with his pledge to Mizzou or signing with Missouri. </p>
<p id="74fzUL">While we still don’t completely know what to expect from Javian Hester, things did appear to go well on his visit. </p>
<div id="dF3hQl">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great OV in Columbia <a href="https://t.co/VFhCtdOKo3">pic.twitter.com/VFhCtdOKo3</a></p>— JJ⁸Hester ⏳ (@JJHester_8) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJHester_8/status/1206325194899505155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="9K0G8S"><strong>UPDATED 12/11/2019 3:15 pm: </strong>Missouri lost their first commitment since hiring Coach Eli Drinkwitz, when Cooper Davis decommitted a few minutes ago. </p>
<p id="rPbly9">Davis was a from Melbourne, Florida but was originally from the Kansas City, Missouri area. </p>
<div id="sSzFUU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/littyville?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#littyville</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illinois?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Illinois</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fightingIllini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fightingIllini</a> <a href="https://t.co/uSrt4WWXdL">pic.twitter.com/uSrt4WWXdL</a></p>— Cooper Davis (@CooperrDavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/CooperrDavis/status/1204870190296641536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="uXj2uB">You can read his<a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/missouri-football-recruiting/2019/6/23/18714655/mizzou-football-commitment-florida-defensive-end-cooper-davis"> original commitment post from back in June</a>. The flip to Illinois hurts, mainly because Davis is now the second Defensive End to walk, and Defensive End is a position of need for the Tigers. Davis was rated as a 5.6 3-star on Rivals, and was rated 0.8567 on 247sports. </p>
<p id="CbO1m7">This weekend the coaching staff is working on getting the rest of the 2020 class on campus to hopefully get everyone to re-affirm their commitments. The list might include Jalen St. John who is weighing his options. </p>
<p id="pnjFMM"><strong>UPDATED 12/10/2019 9:45 am</strong>: Missouri has hired a coach! And they’ve already gotten an affirmation of commitment from their top Defensive Lineman, in Kevon Billingsley, out of East St. Louis.</p>
<div id="5gUZ5N">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I will remain committed to mizzou <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/miz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#miz</a></p>— Kevon Billingsley (@nolimitkevooo) <a href="https://twitter.com/nolimitkevooo/status/1204059442922295296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="uQO3qs">Billingsley was is a highly rated line prospect out of East St. Louis and the first recruit since the announced news yesterday to say he’s sticking with the Tigers. This could also signal new coach Eli Drinkwitz may be keeping Defensive Line coach and interim Head Coach Brick Haley on staff. </p>
<h1 id="q6e0EB">Previous Updates:</h1>
<p id="6WYlRg">Whenever there is a coaching change, you’re inevitably going to see a fair amount of the already assembled recruiting class start to dissipate. Mizzou Football recruiting can already be tenuous as it is, often ranking towards the back of the SEC, and while this class wasn’t shooting up the charts in the league, Barry Odom and staff were on track to assemble their best rated class since his hiring four years ago. </p>
<h1 id="UGr0Gs">So just who was already committed and where do they all stand? </h1>
<p id="T03cnX">Missouri’s class of 17 commitments has only suffered a few official decommitments so far. There have been several who’ve asked for time, and others who remain committed but are delaying signing. </p>
<h2 id="WRJelI">Decommitments</h2>
<div id="WJU12a">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">My Recruitment Is Now Back Open... <a href="https://t.co/X4m5KI3S5h">pic.twitter.com/X4m5KI3S5h</a></p>— Jalen St John ll (@_JalenSt75) <a href="https://twitter.com/_JalenSt75/status/1201221273495445509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="rIWDPO">The biggest loss so far was Jalen St. John, a highly rated 3-star interior offensive lineman from Trinity Catholic in St. Louis, and the second highest rated member of the class. The commitment from St. John was a big one for Odom and his staff, and the suitors should line back up with his recommitment. I would expect Missouri to still be a factor depending on the new coach, but Illinois should be a problem as well. </p>
<div id="6wKbGS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Due to coaching changes I’ll be decommitting from mizzou. I loved coach odom and everything he was about. With that being said my recruitment is re opened !</p>— RobertWooten ¹⁵ (@Robjayy15) <a href="https://twitter.com/Robjayy15/status/1200843218826477568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="wuFvo0">Missouri needs help at Defensive End, and Robert Wooten was a primary target for the staff. His decommitment will hurt, and what hurts more is he also announced he still plans on signing early. That most likely means Missouri isn’t going to land the 3-star lineman from Stafford, Texas. Wooten was the 4th highest rated player in the class prior to his decommitment.</p>
<p id="jYx0yO">UPDATE 12/5/2019</p>
<div id="WN73gs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Until things clear up and a new Head Coach is hired at Mizzou I’ve decided to open my recruitment back up. <br>Mizzou will remains at the top of my list and I couldn’t be more thankful for Coach Ford and his support! RESPECT MY DECISION‼️ AG2G‼️ <a href="https://t.co/7KnYMlEsOq">pic.twitter.com/7KnYMlEsOq</a></p>— Elijah Young ² (@elijahyoung52) <a href="https://twitter.com/elijahyoung52/status/1202633763559268352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="lIhnF6">Elijah Young is one of the most exciting playmakers in Missouri’s class. He’s an electric all-purpose back from Knoxville, Tennessee who had been committed to the Tigers since June. It would appear with the right coaching hire Missouri could remain in the hunt for Young, but this is a loss if he goes elsewhere. There’s enough ambiguity in his statement to leave some hope Missouri could get the playmaker back in the fold. </p>
<p id="GgAhV8">UPDATE: Young could be back in the fold, Drinkwitz made the trip to Knoxville to talk to the playmaker and Young is planning on making a visit with the rest of the current 2020 class this weekend. </p>
<div id="K92OR5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Home visit‼️Too dripped to be ✈️‼️ <a href="https://t.co/yRXxl69GBn">pic.twitter.com/yRXxl69GBn</a></p>— Elijah Young ² (@elijahyoung52) <a href="https://twitter.com/elijahyoung52/status/1204811042800443397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="a2WZN7">In a holding pattern</h2>
<div id="cGpqss">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With all that’s going on I’ve decided to wait on signing in December and open my recruitment back up.<br><br>FYI: I’ll remain committed until further notice</p>— JJ⁸Hester ⏳ (@JJHester_8) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJHester_8/status/1201225236974358528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="hqCyWr">Javian Hester is another really important recruit, being the highest rated on the board. Missouri’s lack of playmakers on the outside at receiver has notable all season long, and Hester is a long, athletic 4-star receiver. Perfect fit, right? Hester is likely to stay interested in Missouri as long as Garrick McGee is on staff there. McGee is from the same High School as Hester, which played a key role in the recruitment. I’d imagine whoever the next coach is will try to make Hester a priority, but will likely have to fight off several other programs to do so. </p>
<p id="KAttrG">UPDATED: Hester has visited UCLA this past weekend, and has had coaches in to recruit him, but he still plans on being in Columbia this weekend with the rest of the 2020 class, which has to be a good sign. </p>
<h3 id="cs4Hni">Other notes:</h3>
<ul>
<li id="HFkOgi">Ray Curry Jr has retweeted a few things disagreeing with the decision to move on from Odom, but hasn’t decommitted.</li>
<li id="gact9t">Jay Maclin, cousin of <span>Jeremy Maclin</span>, tweeted out that he wouldn’t be answering any questions but Maclin looks to be leaning towards sticking with his commitment. He’ll be on campus this weekend and has updated his twitter profile with a new pic in a Mizzou uniform.</li>
<li id="dwinxt">Brady Cook publicly thanks Barry Odom via twitter, but is still committed to Mizzou.</li>
</ul>
<p id="dPMn7m">Most of the other players have not made public statements. Sean Williams of PowerMizzou did some <a href="https://missouri.rivals.com/news/commitment-strength-3">guesswork/research on most of the remaining recruits and where they stand</a>. We will try to stay on top of the latest news and keep this updated. </p>
<div id="7XvykX"><div data-anthem-component="table:6011860"></div></div>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2019/12/1/20990679/mizzou-football-recruiting-where-does-the-2020-recruiting-class-standSam Snelling2019-12-15T05:00:00-06:002019-12-15T05:00:00-06:00We await recruiting news after a big Official Visit weekend
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UKvVNwtYTL0-9KumgRX9b_UABAc=/0x0:969x646/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65908374/ELxokZ6XsAE9W2H.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Twitter.com</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Your Sunday Mizzou Links.</p> <p id="0SXDyC">If you ever wondered what an incredibly slow news day looks like, try the Saturday before signing day after hiring a new coach and the Football team is hosting like ALL of its commitments in hopes of holding on to as much of the class as possible!</p>
<p id="Gf1Ozi">I’m pretty sure nothing Mizzou-related came out yesterday. But here we are, going to talk about it anyway. </p>
<h1 id="IVN7ib">CROOTIN</h1>
<p id="fFFS4D">I expect we’ll hear more in the next day or two, but at least Jay Maclin looks like he’s a solid bet to stick with his pledge after this tweet. </p>
<div id="DmVGIh">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDrinkwitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDrinkwitz</a> <a href="https://t.co/1KnbKFYc0V">pic.twitter.com/1KnbKFYc0V</a></p>— Jay Maclin ² (@jaymaclin2x) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaymaclin2x/status/1206058868738007040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="6c1ekl">From the header image, it looks like Brady Cook, Drake Heismeyer and Mitch Walters let Coach Drinkwitz in on the action during the photo shoot. Here’s the tweet from which it came:</p>
<div id="LF7x67">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">St Louis own <a href="https://twitter.com/qbcook4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@qbcook4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DHeismeyer77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHeismeyer77</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Mitch_Walters76?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mitch_Walters76</a> on their official visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MizzouFootball</a> love how <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDrinkwitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDrinkwitz</a> got in this pic. He is serious about recruiting home grown kids <a href="https://t.co/SsmzLKX7rf">pic.twitter.com/SsmzLKX7rf</a></p>— Coach Mike (@coachmikechs) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachmikechs/status/1205953778442231809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="k98HwE">Though if reading the tea leaves on the 247sports Crystal Ball is your thing, the <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Jalen-Logan-Redding-46056509/">trend isn’t positive for Columbia Rock Bridge Defensive Line standout Jalen Logan-Redding</a>, who is a current Mizzou commit. Logan Redding took a visit to Minnesota this weekend, and maybe it’s all smoke... but taking a visit elsewhere, when everyone else is on campus at Missouri isn’t exactly a good sign. </p>
<div id="4Xk5A6"><div style="float:right; margin:10px;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/page.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frockmnation&tabs&width=340&height=214&small_header=false&adapt_container_width=true&hide_cover=false&show_facepile=true&appId" width="340" height="214" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8wNBjj">
<h1 id="S4Li8n">More:</h1>
<ul><li id="zvl1wA">Ben Hochman talked to former Drink protege, and current Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, <a href="https://twitter.com/coachmikechs/status/1205953778442231809">Ryan Finley about his experiences with Coach Drinkwit</a>z. Some good quotes including this one: </li></ul>
<blockquote><p id="bMWaPt">“He’s got a really good football mind,” Finley said of Drinkwitz, who became Appalachian State’s head coach for 2019. “He does a really good job at playing with tempo, but not necessarily sprinting to the ball every play. It’s knowing when to go slow and when to go fast, and the full progression of reads. There will be a lot of RPO stuff (run-pass option), with runs and little five-yard outs that keep moving the chains. I wouldn’t expect there to be many drives — or opening drives — without some sort of trickery that the team can execute. That’s kind of been in his DNA for a long time — get into that rhythm and then finding that perfect opportunity to pull out the fun trick play.”</p></blockquote>
<ul>
<li id="GeAH6d">The Missourian took to <a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/mizzou_mens_basketball/tigers-look-to-maintain-momentum-against-southern-illinois/article_094020fc-1ead-11ea-bab8-eb2484a10fc9.html">previewing the Southern Illinois game today</a>. Josh will have a preview up shortly. But here’s my quick prediction, it will be a sparsely attended affair and Missouri will win but not by enough to make anyone think they played particularly well. I’m really going out on a limb. </li>
<li id="EZo0Re">KCStar: <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article238364323.html#storylink=mainstage_lead">Martin is looking for wins and improvement in final non-con stretch</a>
</li>
<li id="Ps3snJ">If you’re looking to sign up for ESPN+, Rock M Nation now has an affiliate link: <a href="http://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/482924/555830/9070?sharedid=RockMNation">click Here for ESPN+ Now!</a> (** <em>RockMNation has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though RockMNation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.**)</em>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2019/12/15/21022431/mizzou-football-news-recruiting-links-updates-drinkwitzSam Snelling