Missouri Tigers Grab Three Talents In Johnson, Agbasimere, Smith
By Ron Davis
The Missouri Tigers football program added a trio of out-of-state commitments Sunday; Jonathan Johnson a receiver out of Memphis, TN, Franklin Agbasimere, a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end from Montverde, FL, and Justin Smith, a receiver out of Dublin, Georgia.
Johnson, 5-foot-8, will most likely see time in the slot receiver position, and also can return kicks and punts. He chose the Tigers over Louisville, Ole Miss, Tennessee, among others.
Agbasimere is unranked according to Rivals.com and ESPN, but can be a very versatile and valuable piece for Barry Odom’s defense moving forward. He’s 6-2, runs a 4.45 forty yard dash according to Rivals.
Smith stands at 6-foot-7, easily giving the Tigers their biggest receiving target since Dorial Green-Beckham. He was a basketball player that received an offer from Georgia to play basketball, and had an offer from NC State to play football.
It was very important to add receivers in this class with the graduation of Bud Sasser, Jimmie Hunt and Darius White. Johnson and Smith add to a class that includes Richuad Floyd, Ronnel Perkins, and Emanuel Hall.
With the inexperience of receivers returning next year, there maybe a few from this list that wind up playing.
Landing Johnson especially is huge for the perception of this Missouri Tigers program in the recruiting aspect. Though he’s not the highest ranked prospect, he chose them over growing in-state power Tennessee.
Sep 20, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel calls for timeout against the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Faurot Field. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Missouri Tigers 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The recent success on the football field is starting to pay off for Pinkel and his staff. After recruiting mostly Texas when they were in the Big 12, Mizzou is starting to make more and more progress in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
The commits of Johnson, Agbasimere, and Smith bring the commitment total to 17. It is expect they’ll take up to 26, so there are many options are in place before National Signing Day on Feburary 4th.