During its Junior Day event Jan. 18, Missouri hosted multiple rising targets from states across the region. The Tigers haven't officially offered these prospects scholarships, but a few broke onto the radar of staffers this past season.
Not even 30 minutes of new linebackers coach Derek Nicholson being at Missouri, he came over introduced himself to Mason Marden and his family, made them feel welcome and a priority.
"When he spoke more in depth later about the recruiting process and things to look out for, it really pulled me in, especially with the fact that he is very religious," Marden said. "An offer to Mizzou would mean a lot to me because it is my home state and I have gotten to know the staff pretty well."
East St. Louis (Ill.) High has continued to produce eye-catching talent, and Class of 2026 wide receiver Kortez Rupert saw an uptick in interest to start 2025. Having attended multiple Missouri games before, Rupert got back to campus to speak with the wide receivers staff.
"I really enjoyed the facilities and the bond they try to make with the recruits," Rupert said. "I talked with the assistant wide receivers coach, (Keyan Williams), and the wide receivers coach, (Jacob Peeler)."
Rupert wasn't alone in representing East St. Louis, joining Armaad Sharp at the Junior Day.
"It's exciting because me and Armaad worked hard all offseason," Rupert said. "It shows that it's paying off. I also talk to CJ (Charles) Bass all the time about playing there. He tells me to keep working and it will happen."
More from the players in attendance:
missouri.rivals.com
Not even 30 minutes of new linebackers coach Derek Nicholson being at Missouri, he came over introduced himself to Mason Marden and his family, made them feel welcome and a priority.
"When he spoke more in depth later about the recruiting process and things to look out for, it really pulled me in, especially with the fact that he is very religious," Marden said. "An offer to Mizzou would mean a lot to me because it is my home state and I have gotten to know the staff pretty well."
East St. Louis (Ill.) High has continued to produce eye-catching talent, and Class of 2026 wide receiver Kortez Rupert saw an uptick in interest to start 2025. Having attended multiple Missouri games before, Rupert got back to campus to speak with the wide receivers staff.
"I really enjoyed the facilities and the bond they try to make with the recruits," Rupert said. "I talked with the assistant wide receivers coach, (Keyan Williams), and the wide receivers coach, (Jacob Peeler)."
Rupert wasn't alone in representing East St. Louis, joining Armaad Sharp at the Junior Day.
"It's exciting because me and Armaad worked hard all offseason," Rupert said. "It shows that it's paying off. I also talk to CJ (Charles) Bass all the time about playing there. He tells me to keep working and it will happen."
More from the players in attendance:
Junior Day Roundup: Regional recruits recap visits to Mizzou
Missouri hosted double-digit recruits from across the country for its Junior Day event Jan. 18.
