Drink It In: Missouri football lands another big recruit

Missouri Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz walks on the field during warm ups before a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg
Missouri Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz walks on the field during warm ups before a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg

Missouri football head coach Eliah Drinkwitz has got his man once again, as top-ranked Class of 2022 recruit Tavorus Jones committed to the Tigers on Friday.

The four-star running back is ranked at 10th in his position nationwide, and is the best running back from Texas, according to Rivals.

Jones, who will be finishing up high school at Burges in El Paso, Texas, also received offers from Texas, Alabama and Penn State.

Jones joins a long and prestigious list of Missouri recruits who have called the Lone Star State home. Recent standouts like Nick Bolton, Demarkus Acy and J’Mon Moore all hailed from Texas.

Sep 26, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Nick Bolton (32) celebrates after a tackle during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Nick Bolton (32) celebrates after a tackle during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri’s Class of 2022 is shaping up to be a strong one, with Jones joining three other 4-star recruits. Of particular note is quarterback Sam Horn, who is ranked as the 7th-best quarterback nationwide according to Rivals.

Drinkwitz has stated repeatedly that getting commitments from top Missouri recruits is a priority, but it’s clear that he is also not afraid to go out of state and win battles with big programs.

Dec 19, 2020; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eliah Drinkwitz walks along the sidelines during the second quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eliah Drinkwitz walks along the sidelines during the second quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

With the addition of Tavorus Jones, Missouri’s Class of 2022 is now ranked 8th in the SEC and 19th nationwide according to 24/7 Sports. Tiger fans can start to get excited about a future filled with stars.

So what does Jones bring to the table?

Speed. A whole lotta speed. He can fly past linebackers and into the second level. He has a sure set of hands, and has a knack for finding holes and making guys miss.

Burges’ Tavorus Jones runs the ball during the game against Jefferson in 2-5A, division II game Friday, Oct. 23, at Burges High School in El Paso. Burges won 42-0 against Jefferson.Burges Vs Jefferson Football 006
Burges’ Tavorus Jones runs the ball during the game against Jefferson in 2-5A, division II game Friday, Oct. 23, at Burges High School in El Paso. Burges won 42-0 against Jefferson.Burges Vs Jefferson Football 006

While Jones may not bring any state championships with him, he brings an extra threat to Missouri’s run game. He also has experience on the defensive side of the ball, where he has showcased big-hit ability and good vision when stopping the run.

Missouri’s recruiting class will only grow stronger as Drinkwitz gains more and more commitments. It seems he has given top recruits a reason to come to Missouri, and Tiger fans can get excited for more of his trademark commitment tweets.