It’s a new era at cornerback for Missouri football.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who was MU coach Eli Drinkwitz’s first recruit in Columbia, became a second-round NFL Draft pick this offseason and is now a Detroit Lion. His starting cornerback partner Kris Abrams-Draine, who led the Southeastern Conference in pass breakups last season, followed Rakestraw to the league when the Denver Broncos took him with a fifth-round pick.

Now, Mizzou has the task of finding their replacements.

One of the Tigers’ highlight transfer portal acquisitions came at the position, and the coaches have spoken highly of another key returner. Still, a number of questions linger at the position, mostly pertaining to depth and experience.

Here is how Missouri’s cornerback room looks heading into fall camp. Every scholarship player and any notable walk-on is mentioned:

The options for Missouri football at cornerback

Starters: Drey Norwood, jr.; Toriano Pride, jr.

Reserves: Marcus Clarke, sr.; Ja’Mariyon Wayne, so.; Nicholas DeLoach, r-fr.; Shamar McNeil, r-fr.; Cameron Keys, fr.; Jaren Sensabaugh, fr.

Drey Norwood filled in admirably when Rakestraw spent time on the sideline with an injury and has drawn the plaudits of MU cornerbacks coach Al Pogue for his offseason development and performances in spring camp. As it stands, he is due to start when Missouri begins its season on Aug. 29 against Murray State on Faurot Field.

Early indications suggest Toriano Pride Jr., an East St. Louis High alum and Clemson transfer, will make up the other half of the starters at corner.

Pogue has been high on both Nicholas DeLoach and Ja’Mariyon Wayne over the offseason, but neither has played significant reps in their young Missouri careers. Marcus Clarke has been a role player since transferring to Mizzou in 2022, and figures to keep that role heading into the new season.

Cameron Keys and Jaren Sensabaugh were big-time recruits for the Tigers’ Class of 2024.

The upside

When Norwood was called upon at times last season, he almost always answered the bell.

Stepping in for Rakestraw or Abrams-Draine was no small feat, but more often than not the Tigers’ secondary didn’t suffer too much with the key reserve on the field. Norwood started in the Cotton Bowl as Mizzou held Ohio State to just three points and 106 passing yards.

And among all of Missouri’s players in spring camp, few earned praise at the level that Norwood did.

“He’s been really attentive,” Pogue said in March. “You can tell he’s in his playbook, he’s getting really comfortable with the scheme. And he’s just letting his natural ability come through and make plays. I think the biggest thing for him is, you know, you can see the confidence. He has the confidence that he can compete in this league.”

Pride, similarly, was one of Missouri’s marquee grabs in the transfer portal. He played 26 games over two seasons for Clemson, hauling in an interception, registering a sack and two tackles for loss and being credited for nine passes defended.

One question or concern

When you look at the options listed above for players available to play the position, you’ll notice a lot of underclassmen.

That’s a legitimate concern — Missouri does not have a lot of high-level experience at cornerback. Pride might go down as one of Missouri’s most important portal additions, as it gave the Tigers at least some elite college football experience.

Mizzou is now relying on one or more of its in-house talents to prove that they’re ready for the rigors of an SEC slate. If injuries do occur, Mizzou can turn to Clarke for a senior option, or it can go to an underclassman.

The good news on this front is that Missouri has done a stellar job developing corners under Pogue. Rakestraw was a three-star recruit out of high school and ended up as an early second-round NFL Draft pick. Abrams-Draine was originally recruited to play wide receiver and was one of the leading corners in the league last year.

Breakout candidate

Pogue said he’s waiting to drop the leash on Warne and let the youngster loose, and he might be forced into just that this season.

Wayne has moved around quite a bit in his Missouri career. Now at corner, and seemingly settled, the coaches seem to like the fit.

“He’s ideal, prototypical from a size-wise,” Pogue said. “You know, big, he’s strong, he’s physical. He’s athletic, man, and more importantly, his competitive character is really high.”

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