Two-time defending Eastern Division champion Mizzou returns four starting offensive linemen next season, but the left tackle position will be left open for a three-player battle following the exit of redshirt senior Mitch Morse.

Three-star JUCO signee Malik Cuellar of City College of San Francisco is capable of filling that spot and should be competing with sophomores Nate Crawford and Clay Rhodes for early playing time.

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Cuellar isn’t exactly a road-grader at 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, but moves well on the outside and won’t have to hold blocks very long considering Maty Mauk’s preference to scramble. He made the switch to offense last season after playing along the defensive line as a freshman.

Cuellar’s rated the 13th-best JUCO offensive tackle prospect in the 2015 cycle by 247Sports and signed with Missouri over offers Arizona State, Mississippi State, Rutgers and Texas Tech. He has three years to play two.