Missouri's search for offensive lineman additions in the 2024 recruiting class has been one of the top recruiting storylines throughout the fall. Now, it appears they are trending for in-state Nevada (Mo.) product Talan Chandler, who is currently committed to Colorado.
The 5.6, three-star prospect is no stranger to Missouri, having visited and camped numerous times previously. His communication with Mizzou's staff has always been there, but has recently ramped up in the last couple of weeks as he's continued to talk with both offensive line coach Brandon Jones and head coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Last week, Missouri extended an offer to the 6-foot-3, 295-pound prospect, who the Tigers like as an offensive center.
With an offer on the table, Chandler didn't waste anytime getting back to Missouri as he was on campus Saturday for the Tigers' 36-7 win over Tennessee.
He details his visit and overall recruiting process with PowerMizzou.com below.
- On his gameday experience on Saturday:
"The coaching staff was very welcoming. Things have changed obviously since I've gotten the offer. They were very genuine. Very honest. I really like Coach (Brandon) Jones, the OL coach, he's just really chill and seems like a really good guy. Coach (Eli) Drinkwitz is awesome. The atmosphere was awesome at the game. Going into the locker room after the game, it just felt like home because I know so many of the guys there. Me and Brett Norfleet played youth football together. I've trained with Brady Cook when I was in middle school and he was in high school. Drake Heismeyer. I played against Jakhi Lang. There is a lot of guys in the locker room that I know and have gone against."
- On Missouri ramping up their interest:
"It's kind of always been there. Even though I'm committed to Colorado, they've always kept in contact and it's kind of picked up in the last few weeks with Coach Jones and Coach Drinkwitz reaching out. With it being the hometown school, I said 'let's give them a look' and see what it's all about. Went from there, talked to the coaches, and ultimately they said 'hey, you've gotten a lot better and we want to give you the offer.'"
- On what the coaches like about his film:
"It was mainly Coach Jones just telling me the entire coaching staff watched my film. And they even went back and watched my sophomore and junior year highlight films. They said they just love how much I've improved technique wise, physicality wise. They said they can see how much I've grown as a player and a person too. Getting bigger, stronger. They loved how I'm being dominant against the guys I am playing and that I'm suppose to do that. They said I've gotten better every single year and I still have room to grow. Ultimately, they said I have a really high-ceiling and they see it. Even some of their defensive coaches said 'this kid can play.' They feel I'm one of the most underrated players in the country."
- On his current recruiting process with Missouri involved:
"Missouri definitely gave me a lot of things to think about. I really like it out in Colorado. I have a good connection with the coaches. I also really like it at Mizzou. So, there is a lot to really think about it and weigh on and be smart about making a decision for me and my family."
- Thoughts on Mizzou's win and the program overall:
"They've grown tremendously since last year. Brady Cook is a dude. He is an absolute stud. Cody Schrader is a stud. Their offensive line has even improved so much just from last year. Their defense is unbelievable. They are competing with some of the best programs in the country. You can see where their program is heading."
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