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Mizzou Football: Depth of offense makes Tigers lethal

By Rilee Stapleton

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 15: Jalen Knox #9 of the Missouri Tigers runs the ball as Jacob Thieneman #41 of the Purdue Boilermakers makes the tackle from behind during the first half of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 15, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 15: Jalen Knox #9 of the Missouri Tigers runs the ball as Jacob Thieneman #41 of the Purdue Boilermakers makes the tackle from behind during the first half of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 15, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Mizzou’s offense is filled with talent at every position, making them a nightmare matchup for any defense.

While the college football season recently began with a thrilling matchup between Miami and Florida, the Missouri Tigers also are preparing for their opener. They recently released the week one depth chart, which should remind the people of the college football world that the Tigers may have a special squad this year.

The depth of the Missouri offense should make it a team to watch this year. There is talent at every position and, on paper at least, the Tigers should be able to compete with nearly any team in the country.

Offensively, it is the skill positions that exemplify the depth of the roster. At quarterback, the Tigers are led by transfer Kelly Bryant, who quarterbacked the Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl two years ago. However, his backup Taylor Powell has run reps with the starters and earned praise from the coaches and his teammates.

Behind the men under center, senior Larry Rountree III and sophomore Tyler Badie return to lead the rushing attack at Mizzou. Rountree, coming off of a 1,000-yard season, remains a top running back in the SEC, and Badie will look to improve upon an impressive freshman year.

Bryant will add another dimension to the offense however, with his mobility. This trio will keep defenses guessing, thus opening up the entire offense.

Once the offense opens up, it unlocks a plethora of pass-catchers for Bryant. At tight end is preseason AP All-American Albert Okwuegbunam, who remains one of the top receiving talents in the country, but his backup, Daniel Parker Jr., may be ready for a breakout season.

Parker Jr. has lost over 20lbs this offseason and now has fully made the transition to tight end after previously playing on the defensive line.

The duo at tight end will provide added blocking for the backfield and two big red zone targets for Bryant.

But it is the wide receiver position where depth could give opposing defenses fits. The starters of Jonathan Nance, Johnathon Johnson and Jalen Knox could be an elite trio on their own. However, their backups include Kam Scott, Maurice Massey and Dominic Gicinto.

light. Related Story. Mizzou Football: Key transfers add to talented roster

Gicinto will provide speed in the slot behind Johnson, while Scott (6’2”) and Massey (6’3”) add size on the outside.

Bryant will always have threats on the field and defenses will never get a break from this loaded Tiger offense.

The depth is lacking most at offensive line, but Missouri will still roll out an experienced line led by Yasir Durant at left tackle, Trystan Colon-Castillo at center and Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms at right guard.

There is concern in the left guard and right tackle spots as both Larry Borom and Hyrin White are sophomores, but they should improve with experience.

For Missouri, their offense should expose the opponents on their relatively easy schedule, priming them many wins this season.

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