After making the “top 5” list of 4 star defensive tackle Michael Thompson, Jr., Missouri football may save a little face in its recruiting efforts.
On Thursday evening, the 4 star defensive tackle from Saint Louis , MO announced, via Twitter, that he had narrowed his choices down to five. Among them are Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio State.
Thompson turned down offers from Arkansas, Penn State, Oklahoma, Florida, and Kentucky – among others.
We have to wonder, if Thompson decides that Missouri is for him, will recruiting see a small windfall the same way basketball has? If a top recruit commits to Mizzou, might the Tigers also land Trevor Trout, who last listed Missouri in his ”top 9?”
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The Tigers’ defense, which finished strong in 2016, lost some key players. If Mizzou lands Thompson, it would go a long way in reloading the team for the fall, and what many figure will be a return to bowl eligibility, amid winning the division.
Missouri, which finished 2016 near the bottom of the SEC with a 4-8 record,wants to add talented depth its defensive line.
If the Tigers can get more speed and size up front, then it will enable Mizzou to put more pressure on quarterbacks and create mismatches for opposing offensive lines.
As of now, the defensive unit is Missouri’s biggest question mark. There are five returning starters on defense, while the offense returns 10. Mizzou must recruit well to keep the defensive momentum going.
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Head coach Barry Odom stated that his goal is to bring guys to Columbia who want to be here, and guys who fit into what the coaching staff is trying to do. With the Tigers making Thompson’s top five, it looks like he wants to be there…Considering his size and talent, I think he also fits the system.