The Missouri Tigers football team has something that should be the envy of all other schools, especially those in the SEC: depth. As spring football has continued, we’re starting to notice that a lot of big time needs that have been filled compared to a year ago.
Oct 25, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Nate Brown (2) warms up before the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mizzou has the pieces in place at several positions, and is even full-out stacked in a few. Considering their status at quarterback, running back and even offensive line, it’s safe to say Mizzou has everything set to be a contender once again for the SEC Championship.
Consider that the team is solid at the defensive secondary and has the right minds on the sideline, you can be sure the Tigers are prepared for another epic run on the football field.
That being said, there always spots here and there that can be found on teams that are kind of question marks. No team can be completely perfect. While there are very few glaring weaknesses on this team, there are some places that might cause skepticism—however little it may.
Here are three holes on the Missouri Tigers football team that may impact 2015.
- Wide Receiver
We know that Nate Brown will be taking the reigns this season as the go-to wide receiver. Some even predict that he will be a star. But outside of him, Mizzou doesn’t have much to lean on. Two other players, Wesley Leftwitch and J’mon Moore, who combined for fewer than 10 catches a season ago.
Mizzou will have to put extra focus on developing young players, as it has done in the recent past, to get their younger receivers ready. To see who could end up filling these spots, check our wide receiver preview here.
- Defensive Tackle
While the Missouri Tigers have some potentially spectacular players at the defensive end position, the middle of the line of scrimmage has a little more grey area. There is, no doubt, no shortage of defensive lineman that can play on this roster. But who will emerge as the primary players is still up in the air.
Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back John Gibson (1) during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
One can expect Harold Brantley to be an immediate starter, the same goes for Josh Augusta, both of whom were impact players a season ago. The rest of the line up is formidable. But it’s unclear who will be getting the most playtime, mostly because all of them are sophomores or freshman. We’ll keep our eyes on Rickey Hatley, Evan Winston, and Charles Harris, all of whom could break out in 2015-16.
- Special Teams
Special teams was a bright sport for Missouri Tigers football in 2014-15, especially on the receiving side. The Tigers were third in the SEC in total return yards, and the departed Marcus Murphy was recognized as SEC special teams player of the year. Now, there are questions on who is going to replace his productivity.
Currently, Mizzou has cornerback John Gibson listed as the kick returner backed up by Anthony Sherrils, who is the current punt returner. Wide Receiver J’mon Moore will also serve in kick returning duty behind them. While these players are already known to be talented at their natural roles, they haven’t been featured as much in the special teams roles.
It remains to be seen if these guys will give the Tigers similar production as we’ve seen in the past from this program, or if other names will emerge as we move along into the regular season next fall.
More from Truman's Tales
- Believe it or not, Missouri football has never played these FBS teams
- Missouri Tigers all-time round-by-round NCAA tournament record
- March Madness schedule: When do the Missouri Tigers play next? (Updated Round of 64)
- The Missouri Tigers Kansas Jayhawks Border War Renews
- Marching Mizzou Marches into the Big Apple