For as good as the East champion Missouri Tigers were in 2014, their passing game was lackluster. Mizzou ranked just 10th in the SEC in passing yards, not to mention 13th in total offense. Maty Mauk will have another year of experience and development under his belt for 2015, no doubt a plus for Missouri, but he goes into his junior year losing his top three wide receivers and top four pass catchers from 2014.

Bud Sasser, Mauk’s security blanket and most consistent receiver in 2014, has used up his eligibility. So have big-play threat Jimmie Hunt and Darius White, while running back Marcus Murphy won’t be around the catch passes out of the backfield.

Which receivers will step up for Missouri in 2015? Here are some of the names likely to be on the receiving end of Mauk’s passes in 2015.

Nate Brown — As a freshman, Brown was not much of a factor. He played in nine games, catching passes in only three of them. He’ll be expected to mature quickly into a No. 1-caliber receiver for Missouri — not a problem for a kid who has been praised for his maturity. He already has SEC-ready size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) and athleticism to make it work.

Career stats: 5 catches, 45 yards

J’Mon Moore — For as little of an impact as Brown made as freshman, Moore did less in his redshirt freshman year. With good size (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) and excellent speed, Moore has the tools to be an impact player. His relationship strong relationship with Mauk off the field should help him transition into a bigger role on the field.

Career stats: 2 catches, 33 yards

Wesley Leftwich — Even though he’s the oldest of the receivers on the roster, Leftwich doesn’t really have much experience on his side. Heading into his redshirt senior year, he has fewer catches for his career than Brown did as a freshman.

Career stats: 3 catches, 36 yards

The freshmen — Seeing their receiving corps so senior-heavy in 2014, Missouri’s coaching staff went after receivers with the 2015 class. Despite losing a few players as Signing Day approached, the Tigers still landed two three-star prospects (Emanuel Hall and Richaud Floyd) and a four-star (Justin Smith), as well as three-star athletes Johnathon Johnson and Ronnell Perkins, both of whom are expected to play receiver. If one or two of the incoming freshmen can prove themselves ready for SEC action, it would be a major plus for the Tigers’ hopes.