Missouri Tigers: Defensive Depth Chart and Breakout Performers For 2014

College Football season is right around the corner and back in March, the Missouri Tigers released a depth chart for the coming year. As we draw closer to kicking off the 2014 season, it’s time to start breaking it down.

Gary Pinkel has a defense in place that will help the Tigers contend for the SEC east again. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

After the major loss via graduation of Defensive End Michael Sam, in addition to Kony Ealy and secondary specialist E.J. Gaines, the Depth chart has definitely changed and the term, “next man up” will show new meaning.

Here’s a quick look at the players at each position on Defense followed by an analysis of potential breakout players to watch in 2014:

Defense

RE:

Markus Golden (Sr.), Marcus Loud (RSFr.), Adam Franklin (Jr.), Eddie Serrano (RSFr.)

DT:

Matt Hoch (Sr.), Josh Augusta (So.), Nate Crawford (RSFr.)

NT:

Lucas Vincent (Sr.), Harold Brantley (So.), Rickey Hatley (So.), Evan Winston (So.), AJ Logan (RSFr.)

LE:

Shane Ray (Jr.), Charles Harris (RSFr.), Justin Grava (So.)

WLB:

Darvin Ruise (Sr.), Donavin Newsom (So.), Joey Burkett (RSFr.)

Kentrell Brothers will have to fill the shoes of the departed Andrew Wilson. But he may just lead the Tigers in tackles in 2014. Missouri defeated Georgia 41-26. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

MLB:

Kentrell Brothers (Jr.), Eric Beisel (RSFr.), Denzel Martin (Sr.), Christian Williams (So.)

SLB:

Michael Scherer (So.), Clerence Green (Jr.), Tanner Hull (RSFr.), Brandon Lee (Fr.)

CB:

John Gibson (So.), David Johnson (Jr.), DeAndre McKenzie (RSFr.), Logan Cheadle (Fr.)

CB:

Aarion Penton (So.), Anthony Sherrils (RSFr.), Kenya Dennis (Jr.), Mubarak Nasiruddin (So.)

FS:

Ian Simon (Jr.), Cortland Browning (Jr.), Shaun Rupert (RSFr.), Brock Bondurant (So.)

SS:

Braylon Webb (Sr.), Duron Singleton (Sr.), Chaston Ward (So.), Michael Godas (So.)

Defensive Breakout Performers:

Kentrell Brothers:

In 2013, Brothers translated his special teams work into a very solid season as a first time starter. The Oklahoma native seems poised for a breakout season now after a move to Middle Linebacker. Replacing team captain Andrew Wilson won’t be easy but Brothers seems up to the challenge, even after offseason shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. I expect Brothers will thrive in his new role with more responsibility.

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Aarion Penton:

Penton, a new starter, is hoping to fill the role of the number one corner on Mizzou’s defense. As a true freshman in 2013, Penton gained a bunch of experience as a back up to E.J. Gaines. He’s very talented and showed promise to coaches when he twice filled in as a starter for Gaines when he was out with a leg injury. I think Penton will embrace and flourish in his newfound role covering opposing number one receivers.

Markus Golden:

Golden may be Mizzou’s golden boy this season. The 5th year senior is expected to do great things, even being named to the pre-season Chuck Bednarik Award watch list. In 2013, Golden showed flashes of brilliance ending the season with 6.5 sacks as well as a interception returned for a touchdown. He will be expected to lead a Missouri defense that is hoping to keep its dominant status it has gained because of their stellar 2013.