Major blow to Missouri: Tigers lose two defensive linemen
Breaking news out of Columbia suggests that Missouri defensive linemen Harold Brantley and Walter Brady are both no longer with the program for separate reasons. Gabe DeArmond of PowerMissouri.com was first with the report:
Harold Brantley is academically ineligible for #Mizzou football. Walter Brady is off the team for a violation of team policy. Major blow.
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) August 3, 2016
In 2015, Brady secured 40 tackles (12.5 for loss), 7.0 sacks, an interception, and seven quarterback hurries and was considered a freshman All-American by many. His seven sacks was first among all first-year players by the conclusion of the regular season. He was expected to start at defensive end opposite of second-team All-SEC force Charles Harris this season.
Brantley missed the 2015 after recovering from a car accident, but was extremely productive as a sophomore — two years ago, he had 54 tackles (7.0 for loss), 5.0 sacks and a blocked kick, finishing with All-SEC honorable mention accolades. He wasn’t listed on the Tigers’ projected two-deep depth chart, but one can imagine that he would eventually find his way into the rotation.
So that’s a combined 94 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 12 sacks lost for #Mizzou between Brantley and Brady.
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) August 3, 2016
This is obviously a big blow to Missouri’s defense, especially for a team transitioning with a new coach in the ever demanding SEC.