‘Defensive Competition’: What Missouri Tigers Coach Eliah Drinkwitz is Hoping For From Run Defense

The scorching solar present in Columbia is likely to be considered as an issue for people strolling from their vehicles into supermarkets and workplaces, however Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz sees it as a take a look at for his soccer program. 

“The warmth supplies a complete nother set of adversity,” a sweat-stained Drinkwitz stated Friday. “I have been happy with how most of our guys have dealt with it with hydration and ensuring they’re obtainable.” 

The approaching season for the Tigers comes with their very own challenges, one in every of which is Drinkwitz’s seat reaming cool on the firing index scale. Missouri fired Barry Odom after 4 seasons regardless of ending under .500 simply as soon as. 

Coming into 12 months 3, Drinkwitz has an 11-12 total file and noticed his group regress in all points aside from dashing throughout the 2021 season. Tyler Badie, who completed high 5 amongst all FBS gamers, now’s in Baltimore preventing for reps within the Ravens’ backfield, so there is not any probability of Drinkwitz hiding behind that notion. 

One approach to steer the ship within the correct path might begin with fixing Missouri’s defensive position. Ending within the backside half of the SEC in run protection usually could be forgiven. The identical cannot be stated in regards to the backside 10 within the nation. 

The Tigers allowed 229.3 yards per recreation on the bottom. Solely Arkansas State, Kansas, Akron, Stanford, UMass and Florida Worldwide completed with a better common. That, plus the lack of veterans Kobie Whiteside, Akial Byers and Mekhi Wingo factored into Missouri’s consideration to element through the switch portal.  

“We wished to create competitors,” Drinkwitz stated of the defensive position. “It was a place that was very senior heavy, senior-laden, and we have had some accidents. We knew we wanted to enhance on the line of scrimmage.” 

Defensive strains usually run a two-deep search for sure points. For Missouri, the additions of Josh Landry (Baylor) and Jayden Jernigan (Oklahoma State) present that behind projected starters Darius Robinson and Realus George Jr. 

Drinkwitz stated depth was one of many greatest areas he hoped to enhance on when it comes to gamers within the trenches. One other factor he wished was management. Veterans have adopted his message when it comes to holding the youthful gamers accountable. 

“Guys like Isaiah McGuire, Chad Bailey, Devin Nicholson, (Manuel) Martez, JC (Jaylon Carlies), all of these guys which have had a number of years of expertise have completed a pleasant job.” 

Drinkwitz possible will be taught on these 5 — plus others — in setting the tone defensively. The Tigers are on their third defensive coordinator in the identical variety of seasons following the departure of Steve Wilks. 

New coordinator Blake Baker can be tasked with slowing down offenses akin to Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky in convention play this fall. The Tigers even have one of many extra under-the-radar matchups in opposition to Kansas State in Week 3. 

Not a lot will change when it comes to formation. Baker plans on operating the identical 4-2-5 system that Wilks put in final season. One optimistic for Baker within the new function is expertise calling a protection. Earlier than becoming a member of the Tigers, Baker served as defensive coordinator for 2 seasons at Miami. 

After all, that wasn’t a consider Drinkwitz’s choice to rent him this offseason.

“We wanted to enhance,” Drinkwitz joked in regards to the fixed turnover of coordinators. “It places the strain on him there.” 

Missouri opens the season at house in opposition to Louisiana Tech on Sept. 3.

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