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Missouri Football: Tigers TE ‘Albert O’ to forgo NFL Draft, return to Mizzou

By Eric Quackenbush

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 20: Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam #81 of the Missouri Tigers falls into the end zone for a touchdown pass against the Memphis Tigers in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 20: Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam #81 of the Missouri Tigers falls into the end zone for a touchdown pass against the Memphis Tigers in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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The Missouri Tigers received big news Thursday, as tight end Albert Okwuegbunam announced he will forgo this year’s NFL Draft, and return to Mizzou.

Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam’s decision to play his junior year at Missouri was huge news for the team and Tigers fans. While Okwuegbunam hasn’t set the world on fire with receiving statistics, his production over two years is respectable.

In 2017, the tight end finished the season with 415 yards receiving, and 11 touchdowns. In 2018, Okwuegbunam contributed six touchdowns and 466 yards receiving. His production likely could have exceeded 600 yards receiving, but missed the last four games after a shoulder injury.

With Missouri’s quarterback Drew Lock graduating and running back Damarea Crockett declaring for the NFL Draft, Okwuegbunam’s decision to remain in Columbia for at least one more year keeps the Tigers’ core of receiving weapons largely intact.

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In 2017, the oft-used Okwuegbunam led the nation’s tight ends in receptions. Early in the season, he was inexplicably, and seldom targeted, which was surprising, considering his 6-5 frame should be intimidating enough to earn respect from defenders.

Without a doubt, deciding between returning to Missouri to play football for another year, or roll the dice on playing in the NFL is a huge decision. In a post on Twitter, there were many factors that helped Okwuegbunam make his decision.

"These past 3 years at Mizzou have been the best years of my life. I’ve made many connections and met people that have positively changed my life forever. Playing with my brothers on the biggest stages in front of amazing fans has been an experience you truly can’t put a price on. I wouldn’t trade being a Mizzou Tiger for anything and I won’t. Can’t wait to get back to work. We’re coming for it all next season."

I’ve always felt that tight ends and slot receivers are the work horses of a good pass offense. Okwuegbunam has definitely earned his reputation of being a reliable pass-catcher. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m excited to see him and incoming quarterback Kelly Bryant work together.

Next. Mizzou RB declares for NFL Draft. dark

While some, myself included, would think that Okwuegbunam could have been a high-end draft prospect, returning to Missouri for another year should help improve Okwuegbunam’s draft stock.

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