Missouri Tigers Snare Commitments From Martin, Jacobs
By Ron Davis
The Missouri Tigers received verbal commitments from wide receiver Brandon Martin, and defensive end Tyrell Jacobs on their visits Saturday.
This makes six commitments in the past week for the Tigers. Jonathan Johnson, Franklin Agbasimere, and Justin Smith gave their verbal last Sunday, and JUCO offensive lineman Tyler Howell pledged earlier in the week.
Martin is a Louisiana native but plays for Prime Prep Academy in Dallas, TX. At 6-foot-3 Martin has the potential to be a big time playmaker with top-end speed.
Martin also played quite well in the Under Armour All-American Game against big time cornerbacks. Gary Pinkel offered him shortly after the game and, eventually, he chose the Tigers over Louisville, Miami, West Virginia and many others.
There are some concern that Martin may not qualify immediately. His school, Prime Prep (founded by Deion Sanders) has been infamous for not having their athletes eligible for NCAA athletics.
However, if he qualifies, Martin is the highest ranked of all Missouri receiver commits at this moment. He would be the most likely to see the field due to the pressing need of playmakers and the inexperience of the receivers returning.
Quarterback commit Drew Lock will have another weapon at his disposal when it’s his turn at the helm. Martin joins the aforementioned Johnson and Smith, along with Richaud Floyd, Ronnell Perkins and Emanuel Hall to form one of the more talented receiving cores in the country.
Oct 19, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel reacts to a call during the second half of the game against the Florida Gators at Faurot Field. Missouri won 36-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jacobs, a Metairie, LA native, has been on Missouri’s radar since he decommitted from Oklahoma. He is 6-foot-4, 260, Jacobs has a good frame to play either defensive end, or move inside to tackle.
Jacobs had offers from Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Tennessee to name a few. He joins JUCO end Marcell Frazier as the only other d-linemen so far.
There’s a good chance that Mizzou is going to add more d-linemen before Signing Day, but Jacobs will be in the mix to avoid a redshirt and compete for early playing time in the summer.
Missouri Tigers
Much like the receiver position, there is a lot of turnover along the d-line. Position coach Craig Kuligowski probably has a good idea of what the line will look like in 2015, but surely will be looking for standouts in summer workouts.
Jacobs could be one of those standouts.
With a week and a half to National Signing Day, Missouri has 21 commitments. It is possible they could take up to 26, but they’re going to be very selective on who’s going to fill those final spots.
The Tigers are set to have their biggest recruiting weekend in some time. East St. Louis’ Terry Beckner Jr. is the top prize and will headline the weekend.
Gary Pinkel will have one more chance to roll out the red carpet and convince a few of the best athletes in the country to come to Missouri.