Assessing Missouri's 2016 recruiting class

Missouri has two glaring weaknesses that must be addressed in its 2016 recruiting class — offensive line and wide receiver.

Both need immediate help, perhaps most at offensive line, though both units were terrible in 2015. And Mizzou coaches have to overcome a 5-7 record last season on the recruiting trail.

So far, new coach Barry Odom, the defensive coordinator last season, has only 15 known commitments, including LB Trey Baldwin is already enrolled. Hired in early December to replace Gary Pinkel, Odom has room for at least five more recruits.

It’s a typical Missouri class made up of 14 three-star recruits and one four-star, RB Natereace Strong, who attended a junior college when he failed to qualify at Mizzou last year. But it’s ranked only 53rd in the nation — last in the SEC — because of its small size.

With former 1,000-yard rusher Russell Hansbrough gone and no proven replacements remaining, Strong could move right into the Mizzou lineup.

The Tigers’ lost five senior offensive linemen — four started, the other was a former starter. They lost only one starting receiver, but the unit lacks consistent performers and a playmaker.

Odom only has one offensive line commit, 6-foot-4, 280-pound Trystan Castillo, a center from Missouri high school powerhouse Webb City. They lost longtime OL commitment Royce Newman, who flipped to Ole Miss earlier in the week.

At receiver, the Tigers added WR Dominick Collins, a 6-2 junior-college transfer. Listed as an athlete, 5-10 Kirkwood, Mo., recruit Jerod Alton is likely to play receiver as well.

There’s still a few days remaining. But the Tigers haven’t found the help they need at critical positions.

ASSESSING MIZZOU’S 2016 CLASS

Current commits or enrollees: 15 (3.07 star average)
Remaining targets: Four-star RB Josh Jacobs, four-star OL Aaron Dowdell, four-star DT Kobe Jones, four-star WR Chris Black, three-star RB Justin Crawford.
National/SEC rank: 53/14

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