While the defensive line has become synonymous with Missouri football, the linebacking core is making a name for itself, also. This year, the Tigers’ linebackers are a stronger unit.
Last year, Missouri returned a solid group of linebackers after the departure of Kentrell Brothers. This year’s linebackers already seem to be hitting their stride, and the season hasn’t even officially started.
Late in 2016, middle linebacker Eric Beisel effectively cemented himself as a leader on defense, which included his pregame overtures toward the Arkansas Razorbacks.
This year’s starters include two experienced linebackers in Terez Hall and Beisel, while Kaleb Prewett transitions from safety to linebacker.
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Beisel, who reports as a senior for the Tigers, had his best production so far in 2016, with 33 solo tackles and 9 assists, six for loss. This year, Beisel will again return as the defensive signal caller.
Hall reports as a junior for the Tigers this fall. In 2016, he played in 10 games, and contributed 12 solo tackles and 8 assists, with two for loss.
Not surprisingly, MUTigers.com lists Hall as the favorite to win the starting weakside position, due to his experience and athleticism.
For the first time, the Tigers will get to see what newcomer Kaleb Prewett brings to the team. After transferring from Kansas State, Prewett sat out the 2016 season due to NCAA transfer regulations.
Prewett is competing for the spot as strong side starter, and was recruited early in his high school career by Missouri, but we’ll see what happens, since Joey Burkett is a returning senior and Prewett has two years of eligibility remaining.
Missouri’s projected backups include Joey Burkett, Cale Garrett and Brandon Lee.
Garrett made a big impact as a freshman, and will likely fill in as needed at middle linebacker. In 2016, he recorded 47 tackles, 6 for loss, and an interception.
Lee will also be included in the rotation, following a productive 2016 campaign, as well. In 2016, he totaled 37 tackles, 4 for loss.
Predicting the team’s official game day starters is no easy task, but my instinct says, based on experience and production, that Lee, Beisel, and Burkett will be named the starters, while Garrett, Prewett, and Hall will rotate in, nicely.
Next: Missouri football preview: Running backs
We’ll see how it all shapes up, as Missouri prepare for kickoff this Saturday against Missouri State.