Missouri Tigers look improved as football season nears
The Missouri Tigers’ offense and defense seem improved this year. Quarterback Drew Lock and defensive back DeMarkus Acy are ready to show their skills.
In Lock’s first full season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback, he put up over 3,000 yards passing as a sophomore, ranked first in the SEC. Lock took over the starting job almost midway through the 2015 season, and finished with 1,332 yards passing and four touchdowns.
Lock’s performance in 2016 more than doubled his totals in 2015, and this year he should at least meet, if no exceed his stats from last year.
In a recent interview with Fox Sports, Lock said he’s settled into his position, and feels more confident in his ability to get out on the field and have some fun. The most telling sign that Lock has adjusted to the game at this level, was when he said, “The game is slowing down.”
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"It’s starting to feel like high school again. I’m just going out and having fun. I’m not worried about remembering this or remembering that or adjusting to defenses. It’s just kind of flowing. The game is slowing down."
Sophomore cornerback DeMarkus Acy should return to the field for Missouri in time for the Tigers’ first game against Missouri State on Sept. 2. He’s currently listed atop the depth chart after playing 11 games primarily on special teams, and making six tackles in 2016.
Acy, who has a casted wrist from surgery to repair a fractured scaphoid bone, told the Missourian he isn’t worried about the pressure to perform that’s been placed on him, following in the footsteps of Aarion Penton and John Gibson.
The defense should benefit from Acy’s experience, and will also have senior Logan Cheadle and sophomore Christian Holmes giving the Tigers a solid trio of defensive back experience.
Last but not least, some of the new guys are putting forth solid effort in camps to impress coaches and land a spot on the roster. This year, Kaleb Prewett is hoping Missouri will use his versatile athletic abilities.
Next: Expectations for Tigers in 2017 are on point
Prewett was a transfer-in at Missouri in 2016, but due to NCAA transfer restrictions, was forced to sit out the entire season.