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FOOTBALL RECRUITING
Last week's Chamber was a forecast of things to come. And there were a lot of things to come. This week's is more of a big picture reset on where things stand after what is likely to be the busiest recruiting week of the year.
Missouri's commitment streak hit a bit of a snag on Thursday as three-star DE Cole McConathy pledged to Louisville. Regardless, Mizzou still has plenty of momentum on their side coming off the month of June, adding seven commitments in a span of five days (June 30th - July 4th) from the following:
June 30th:
Jude James, ATH
Jackson Hancock, S
July 1st:
Cam Dooley, S
July 2nd:
Justin Bodford, DT
July 3rd:
Nicholas Rodriguez, LB
July 4th:
Cameron Keys, CB
James Madison, WR
Combine that wave with previous additions of tight end Whit Hafer, offensive tackle Ryan Jostes, and quarterback Aidan Glover and Missouri's class currently has 10 commitments and a class rank of 60th nationally, according to Rivals.com.
Some targets to watch over the next few days include...
Johann Cardenas, RB - Is down to Vanderbilt and Missouri after taking officials to both in June and will announce his decision later today. For now, we're not feeling confident that Missouri will win this battle.
Brian Huff, LB - The four-star is set to announce his decision on July 12th with a final four that includes Missouri, Arkansas, UCF, and UNLV. Currently, we are feeling quite confident in Missouri's chances to land Huff.
Dre Kirkpatrick, Jr., CB - The three-star's only June official was to Missouri during the weekend of June 9th. As far as we know, he currently has no commitment date planned, but is definitely a candidate to end up in Missouri's class eventually.
Kavion Broussard, OL - Missouri struck out on Ziron Brown (Stanford) and William Echoles (Ole Miss), who both made official trips during June. Broussard was scheduled to be in for the "Gold Rush" weekend on June 23rd, but had to cancel because of a personal reason. However, we still believe he is in play for the Tigers. The three-star visited Missouri unofficially during Memorial Day, so he's already familiar with the program but told us he plans to return to campus either late in July.
Darrion Dupree, RB - The Rivals250 prospect is set to announce his commitment later today after June officials with Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri. All indications are he is Wisconsin bound.
Ryan Wingo, WR - Has taken June officials to Georgia, Michigan, Texas, and Missouri. For now, a decision for the five-star doesn't appear to be in the immediate future.
Williams Nwaneri, DE - Missouri got to make their official visit impression, albeit, it was an altered visit as the five-star left Columbia on Saturday, June 24th to head to Georgia and take an unofficial with the Bulldogs. He took an official with Georgia to kickoff his June, so momentum would seem to be on their side but we think Oklahoma has a really good shot here as well. A decision may come soon or it may not as Nwaneri has an official scheduled with Oregon in September for now.
Those are the specific individuals. Let's take a look at what Missouri needs in this class from a more general perspective. So far, among the ten commitments there are at least three or four that could fit multiple positions. James can play on either side of the ball, Dooley is probably going to play defense but could fit in at a number of spots depending on where his build goes, Hafer could probably grow into an offensive lineman and even Hancock might be able to move around a little bit. So that gives you a little positional flexibility depending on where those guys ultimately project.
Quarterback: No real need to take another one. However, depending on what happens after the season, you could see Mizzou hit the portal for a QB. This is really going to be the case every year. Quarterbacks don't stick around if they're not to play. The market is always in flux.
Running Back: Mizzou needs at least one, probably two. Tavorus Jones and Jamal Roberts will be the only two scholarship backs on the roster after this season. One of these could certainly come through the portal.
Wide Receiver: Obviously Wingo is the guy here. Missouri will 100% take him up to the final day. Other than that, they don't have to add one. There are five guys (Houston, Cooper, Luper, Wease, Jackson) who could use a fifth year after this season if they want to. Mizzou has 11 scholarship receivers and all are eligible to return. Some transfers are likely, but this position is more of a take a guy if he's too good to turn down, but you don't have to take one situation.
Tight End: Numbers wise, all five will be eligible to return (if Jordon Harris plays tight end) and they have Hafer already. But the talent needs an upgrade. If James slides in at tight end, they're probably done unless they find an older transfer they really like. If not, they could take another high school tight end. But keep an eye on the portal regardless.
Offensive Line: You're losing Delgado, Foster and Marcellus Johnson after this season for sure. They have one committed in Jostes. You'd think ideally they take at least two more to keep the numbers stable. Like QB, this will almost always be a position you're portal shopping for at least one guy.
Defensive Tackle: You're losing Robinson, Jernigan, Landry and George for sure. Kristian Williams could leave as well. You have Jalen Marshall and Marquis Gracial waiting in the wings, but you're going to need to add one or two guys for the future and probably hit the portal here. Maybe the most important position in the class. Justin Bodford is the only commitment at this time.
Defensive End: Missouri went heavy on young transfers and high school guys last year. You may only be looking at one in this class and you could get away without one if you have other gaps you're looking to fill. Seven players will have at least one more year after this one. Obviously you take Williams Nwaneri regardless.
Linebacker: Chad Bailey and Chuck Hicks are done after this year. Ty'Ron Hopper has another year, but you probably can't count on him staying. There are plenty of young guys here to where you don't have to load up in this class. They already have Nick Rodriguez and we think they'll probably look for one more, likely Brian Huff.
Safety: Mizzou currently has nine safeties (including the STAR position) on the roster. Only Joseph Charleston is definitely done after this season. They've already got Jackson Hancock and Cam Dooley committed. Don't really see a need for more here.
Cornerback: All six are eligible to return, but you have to think Kris Abrams-Draine is gone after this year and Ennis Rakestraw might play his way into the NFL too. Cameron Keys is committed, but you're probably looking for one more at least. Portal is likely here in the spring.
All told we're thinking two running backs, a wide receiver, two offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, a linebacker and a corner. That gives you 20 commitments in this class. Then you hit the portal for whatever you still need in the spring.
