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Rookie watch: These Missouri football freshmen could get playing time in 2024

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Rookie watch: These Missouri football freshmen could get playing time in 2024


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In a preseason headlined by veteran experience and seasoned newcomers, some youngsters are making some noise.

Missouri football is fast approaching its 2024 season-opener, which comes Thursday, Aug. 29 against Murray State on Faurot Field in Columbia. Behind the scenes, some true freshmen are drawing the plaudits of their peers and mentors.

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“I mean, there’s freshmen in every aspect of the game, offense, defense, special teams,” Missouri tight end Tyler Stephens said Thursday. “And I think that these guys need to understand that they are needed. Like, every single player is needed. Doesn’t matter if you’re a first year, if you’re a fifth year, there’s going to be an opportunity to play.”

Mizzou signed 21 players in its Class of 2024 — a recruiting cycle that brought one five-star prospect, seven four-stars and 13 three-stars to Columbia. The recruiting service 247Sports rated that as the No. 20 signing class in the country.

But, when the Tigers draw back the curtains on the new campaign, how many of those rookies will Missouri fans realistically see in Year 1?

Due to limited portions of practice being made available to reporters, and the periods that are available mostly containing individual and positional drills, it’s an imperfect system to attempt to adjudicate how much playing time each player is likely to earn from practice alone.

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So, based on best judgment, positional needs and comments from players and coaches throughout fall camp, here are the Missouri freshmen who look the most likely to burn redshirts in the 2024 season:

More: Projecting Missouri football’s first offensive depth chart of 2024

Has Cameron Keys made case as rotational corner for Missouri football?

When you lose both of your starters at one position in the same NFL Draft, there’s naturally going to be some shake up.

With Kris Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. no longer manning the cornerback spots for Mizzou, true freshman Cameron Keys — a three-star pledge out of Panama City, Florida — seemingly is making a strong case to get some reps early in his Mizzou career.

“Cam Keys has done a nice job. He’s very physical,” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said on Aug. 3. … “When we put the pads on, he already knew what it was going to take and the physicality he had to play with.”

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The Tigers’ depth appears to have Dreyden Norwood and Clemson transfer Toriano Pride Jr. as the starters. Experienced backup Marcus Clarke likely will retain his role as a rotation piece and redshirt freshman Nicholas DeLoach has been seen working with the Tigers’ first-team unit in camp.

Keys, who is listed at 6 foot, 166 pounds, might be one of the next men up, as he’s packing more of a punch than his listed weight suggests.

“He’s physical, he ain’t scared to put his head in there,” wide receiver Mookie Cooper said. … “He’s just not afraid to put his head in there and go make contact with a receiver. That’s just something you don’t see too much out of freshmen, especially at his size.”

Need for Williams Nwaneri may increase after injury

Five-star defensive end Williams Nwaneri would be most people’s first guess for the freshman most likely to get playing time as a rookie.

More: Here’s where Missouri football could turn after EDGE Darris Smith’s season-ending injury

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Mizzou’s staff isn’t planning on rushing the Lee’s Summit North alum onto the field, and have attempted to temper any undue expectations for the top-10 recruit. But a season-ending injury to Darris Smith in camp could hurry his journey to the field.

“The key for us is to not put too many expectations on him,” Drinkwitz said at the start of fall camp. “Just let him learn the standards of how we operate on a day to day basis and when it’s his opportunity he’ll take advantage of it.”

Despite the injury to Smith, the Tigers can still ease Nwaneri into the lineup. Johnny Walker Jr., Zion Young, Joe Moore III, Eddie Kelly and Jakhai Lang all look capable of contributing.

But it would be a surprise not to see Nwaneri at some point to help shoulder the load.

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Trajan Greco, Jeremiah Beasley special teams candidates

There’s a tough road to defensive reps for Missouri football’s young safeties, with more returning production there than any other spot on the defense. At linebacker, between returning their Cotton Bowl starters and finding experience in the portal, MU seems to have its two-deep sorted.

But, safety Trajan Greco and linebacker Jeremiah Beasley may still play important roles this season, coming in the form of coverage unit reps.

“Trajan Greco is a guy that’s really stood out,” Drinkwitz said Saturday. “Jeremiah Beasley has really stood out as guys who can find a role, whether that’s on special teams, so it’s been good.”

More: Projecting Mizzou football’s first defensive depth chart of 2024

Will Mizzou’s blue-chip WRs play?

Four-star wide receivers James Madison II and Courtney Crutchfield both have flashed in camp. Crutchfield hauled in a one-handed grab during 1-on-1 drills during Tuesday’s workout on Faurot Field for one of the more impressive plays of the day. Madison’s 6-3 frame, in particular, makes him an intriguing option.

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But the depth of players ahead of them will make offensive snaps sparse.

The Tigers don’t have a set-in-stone punt-returner at this point in camp, although Drinkwitz said Saturday that the team has a “pretty clear idea” who the top two players will be on that front this season. The coach added that six wide receivers have been taking reps at the position: Luther Burden III, Theo Wease Jr., Marquis Johnson, Daniel Blood and the two true freshmen, Crutchfield and Madison.



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Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for May 23, 2025

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The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at May 23, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 23 drawing

07-18-40-55-68, Mega Ball: 18

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 23 drawing

Midday: 2-9-6

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Midday Wild: 8

Evening: 4-3-0

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 23 drawing

Midday: 3-5-7-8

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Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 2-5-5-6

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from May 23 drawing

12-31-37-53-59, Cash Ball: 01

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Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 23 drawing

Early Bird: 07

Morning: 06

Matinee: 04

Prime Time: 08

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Night Owl: 06

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from May 23 drawing

06-15-20-27-30

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

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Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
  • Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
  • Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
  • Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
  • Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
  • Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Humane Society of Missouri hands out 4,000+ pounds of pet food, water after STL tornado

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Humane Society of Missouri hands out 4,000+ pounds of pet food, water after STL tornado


ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – In the aftermath of the deadly tornado that swept through parts of the St. Louis region, one organization is taking a unique approach to recovery, helping both people and their pets.

The Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) has deployed a fleet of supply-packed vehicles, delivering pet food, water and offering temporary boarding for animals impacted by the severe weather.

For Damian Webb, a North City resident, the storm was a first for both him and his seven-month-old puppy, Juju.

“She was under the bed shaking,” Webb said. “It was her first storm.”

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Webb lives in the Greater Ville neighborhood, one of the areas hardest hit by the storms. His home remains standing, but the storm left busted windows, a leaking ceiling and a roof in need of repair.

“You can never prepare for it until you’re actually going through it,” he said.

With money tight and repairs looming, Webb is doing what he can to keep things together, including feeding Juju. That’s where HSMO comes in.

“This is our home, this is where we’re at, so we’re ready to go above and beyond,” said Ella Frank, HSMO Director of the Animal Cruelty Task Force.

Inside HSMO’s downtown shelter, shelves that were once packed with pet food now sit nearly empty. More than 4,000 pounds of food have already been distributed since the storm seven days ago, all donated by Purina.

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“In a disaster, in a crisis, being able to keep your pet near you can be such a comfort,” Frank said.

That comfort is exactly what Juju has been for Webb.

“She did good for her first storm,” he said.

And while the damage is overwhelming, Webb says the community response has been just as powerful.

“Neighborhoods and community came out and started helping, that was a wonderful thing to witness.”

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The Humane Society of Missouri is currently at capacity and is strongly encouraging fostering to make room for incoming animals. To learn more, click here.



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Highway Patrol reports 7 arrests in north Missouri May 20–22, 2025

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Highway Patrol reports 7 arrests in north Missouri May 20–22, 2025


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The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a total of seven arrests in north Missouri between May 20 and May 22, 2025. Charges ranged from traffic-related offenses to violent felonies.

It is important to note that, while all the individuals listed below have been reported as arrested, they may not have been physically transported to a detention center. Depending on the circumstances, an individual may be issued a summons, which includes a court date. When the Missouri State Highway Patrol issues a summons with a court date, it is considered an arrest, even if the individual is not physically transported to a detention center.

Jon P. Worrell, a 57-year-old man from Maryville, Missouri, was arrested at 10:15 a.m. on May 20 in Nodaway County. Worrell was taken into custody on multiple felony warrants issued by Coffee County, Georgia. The charges include felony murder, malice murder, aggravated battery involving a firearm, and conspiracy to commit a crime. He was held at the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department with no bond. These charges are accusations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the case.

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Preston J. Cornelius, age 34, of Country Club, Missouri, was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on May 20 in Daviess County. Cornelius was taken into custody on a misdemeanor warrant related to a traffic violation in Andrew County. He was booked into the Daviess DeKalb Regional Jail and is bondable.

Dewayne M. Taylor, a 55-year-old man from Liberty, Missouri, was arrested at 9:14 p.m. on May 20 in Livingston County. Taylor faced two charges: operating a motor vehicle without a valid operator’s license and failure to register the motor vehicle. He was later released from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department.

Brandin L. Robinson, 42, of Columbia, Missouri, was arrested at 10:09 a.m. on May 21 in Randolph County. Robinson was charged with felony driving while revoked and also had an active Boone County misdemeanor warrant for the same offense. He was held at the Randolph County Jail and is bondable.

Ezekiel M. Bowen, an 18-year-old man from Monroe City, Missouri, was arrested at 11:32 a.m. on May 21 in Monroe County. Bowen was taken into custody on a felony warrant for failure to register as a sex offender. He was held at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and is eligible for bond.

Brent M. Wilson, 33, of Brashear, Missouri, was arrested at 9:28 p.m. on May 21 in Adair County. Wilson faced multiple charges: driving while intoxicated with alcohol, driving while intoxicated with a person under the age of 17 in the vehicle, and possession of a controlled substance. He was held at the Adair County Jail and was later released.

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Mark K. Luntsford, a 53-year-old man from Moberly, Missouri, was arrested at 2:49 p.m. on May 22 in Randolph County. Luntsford was charged with felony DWI involving alcohol and physical injury, as well as driving in the wrong direction on a highway. He was held at the Randolph County Jail and has since been released.

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