The bye week got here on the excellent time for Missouri. Quarterback Brady Cook dinner and huge receiver Luther Burden III left Florida banged up.
“Each of these guys I anticipate will likely be full pace by the point we hit Sunday’s observe in our preparation for Vanderbilt,” coach Eli Drinkwitz mentioned Wednesday on the SEC Coaches Media Teleconference. “However this week, we’re preserving them out of contact and dealing on simply getting them wholesome.”
Missouri hopes to get a number of gamers again to full pace, together with linebacker Chad Bailey, who was in uniform Saturday at Florida however didn’t play, and Kris Abrams-Draine, who was out in opposition to the Gators. Huge receiver Dominic Lovett additionally said Wednesday he felt 95.5% wholesome this previous weekend.
With every week to recharge, the Tigers are anticipated to judge extra of the youthful choices on the roster who’re vying for taking part in time. Of these on the offense, Drinkwitz hopes to see extra from freshman working again Tavorus Jones.
Jones hasn’t logged a carry since Week 3 in opposition to Abilene Christian, however in opposition to Florida, the freshman stepped in to return kicks. Drinkwitz mentioned the approaching days aren’t about Vanderbilt, however somewhat what gamers like Jones can provide.
“We’re permitting a few of the older guys who’ve had plenty of hits and plenty of performs to essentially work on particular person,” Drinkwitz mentioned. “However we’re creating our group, we’re competing. Our youthful guys, our youthful gamers that must proceed to develop. However we additionally wish to get longer seems to be at a few of these younger guys.”
One other a type of youthful gamers Drinkwitz famous was quarterback Sam Horn. The freshman is but to see the sector this season after beginning camp later than some teammates in his class.
Drinkwitz said that Missouri is contemplating alternatives for Horn to play, however a full comprehension of the offensive plan is required for any starter.
“However it’s one thing that must be earned in observe, and it’s not one thing that simply could be given,” Drinkwitz mentioned. … “It’s bought to be if we put someone within the sport, we imagine they’ve the flexibility to maneuver us into the top zone.”
Drinkwitz listed a handful of younger gamers who’ve confirmed they will contribute in a beginning position or as a backup, together with offensive lineman Armand Membou, heart Connor Tollison, proper sort out Mitchell Walters and huge receiver Mekhi Miller from the offense.
From the protection, Drinkwitz famous the Tigers need to see extra from defensive linemen Marquis Gracial, Jalen Marshall, Arden Walker and Ky Montgomery; linebacker Dameon Wilson; and defensive backs Isaac Thompson and Dreyden Norwood in observe this week. Each Wilson and Norwood have stepped into beginning roles in response to accidents.
Norwood, together with switch defensive again Marcus Clarke, flashed a few of Missouri’s depth within the secondary with star nook Abrams-Draine absent Saturday.
Additionally among the many defensive backs, security Jaylon Carlies totaled 5 tackles in opposition to Florida whereas having his proper hand and wrist wrapped in a membership.
Rakestraw named to observe listing
A yr faraway from tearing his ACL, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has placed on a clinic at cornerback, displaying higher play every week. And Wednesday, the sophomore was named to the Mayo Clinic Comeback Participant of the 12 months Award Watch Listing.
Rakestraw has began all six video games this season, totaling a season-high 5 tackles in opposition to Florida.