Missouri Tigers: Football camp begins and transfer news
Missouri kicked off football camp today, as the Tigers are now 32 days away from kickoff against Missouri State. On Monday, KJ Santos transferred from UIC.
At this point, we’re all ready for the start of the 2017 football season, as Missouri looks to improve upon its 4-8 record in 2016 and become bowl eligible, at a minimum.
There are plenty of questions we want answered, especially those concerning the defensive secondary, special teams, replacing production on the defensive line, stability on the offensive line, and overall production on offense.
After the 2016 season, the Tigers lost John Gibson and Aarion Penton, two cornerstones for Mizzou over the last three years. Currently, sophomores Christian Holmes and DeMarkus Acy sit atop the depth chart to start at the position.
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According to Tod Palmer of The Kansas City Star, seniors Logan Cheadle and Anthony Hines are projected backups to Acy and Holmes. Right now, the job is up for grabs. Add in this year’s incoming freshman, and it should make for a spirited competition.
In 2016, the offensive line seemed to gel, and give decent protection for quarterback Drew Lock and opened lanes for the duo of running backs Ish Witter and Damarea Crockett to create plenty of damage to opposing defenses.
The question surrounding the offensive line, is whether that progress and momentum is here to stay in 2017, or if it was a fluke. Considering that the bulk of the offensive line returns for this season, one can only hope that what we saw in ’16 is a sure sign of better things to come.
At the beginning of the 2016 season, we were asking the same question that we’re asking now, just different personnel. This year, we’re wondering who will replace Chris Harris’ production?
Selected in the first-round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, Harris led the Tigers with nine sacks in 2016. There is plenty of buzz that defensive lineman Marcell Frazier will step into Harris’ role and continue Missouri’s legacy as “D-Line Zou.”
Last year, Missouri’s offense was on fire at times, but then sputtered in situations where the game was on the line. There wasn’t a single reason to point out, other than a collection of breakdowns at inopportune times.
Misreads, errant passes, dropped passes and fumbles all contributed to the Tigers’ demise at some time in 2016. During SEC Media Days, Lock stated that he’s worked on his reads and progressions. Hopefully receiver J’Mon Moore is better prepared to catch a few more passes than last year.
Last, and certainly not least, is Missouri’s woes on special teams. In 2016, kicker Tucker McCann struggled at times, making 6-of-12 field goal attempts and 39-of-43 extra point tries.
While punter Corey Fatony was probably the Tigers’ best weapon on special teams, McCann should be able to affect positive outcomes for Missouri.
Basketball
A quick aside, as basketball recruiting seems to be winding down, for now. On Monday, Missouri received a verbal commitment from University of Illinois-Chicago forward, KJ Santos.
Santos, who played 30 games for UIC in 2016-17, departed UIC for Tallahassee Community College, and will join the Tigers in 2018.
Next: Missouri football hits recruiting jackpot
Depending on what happens with the roster this season, and whether Michael Porter, Jr. indeed declares for the NBA Draft, there will be at least one scholarship opening for Santos.