Signing Class Report Card: Missouri Tigers

David Green — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:02:43 +0000

Biggest Needs: Like many of you, when I found out that Missouri was joining the SEC, I tried to learn more about them. However, it will take time for SEC fans to become as familiar with the Tigers as they are with other SEC teams. Offensively the Tigers return James Franklin at QB; he passed for over 2,800 yards and 21 TDs. Unfortunately for Franklin, he loses three WRs to graduation with the biggest losses being Jerrell Jackson and Wes Kemp. Both guys were solid players for the Tigers last year, but their production can be replaced. Missouri also loses two tight ends. They will miss Michael Egnew’s 523 yards receiving. Up front, the Tigers lose four guys on the two-deep depth chart, but three of those offensive linemen are starters. I think replacing these starters could be the biggest issue for next year’s move into the SEC.

Defensively the biggest needs also come in the trenches. The Tigers lose three starters on the defensive line. DE Jacquies Smith, NT Dominique Hamilton, DT Terrell Resonno, and DE Kenji Jackson all combined for a total of 11 sacks and they will have to be replaced. I know those numbers are not great, but that is still a lot of production. Linebacker Luke Lambert also graduates, and he was second on the team in tackles with 82 total tackles. Defensive backs Trey Hobson (CB) and Kenji Jackson (S) both leave significant holes in the Tigers’ pass defense.

Dorial Green-Beckham is an offensive gamechanger / Icon SMI

Needs Met: The Tigers managed to sign the #1 player in the nation when they signed WR Dorial Green-Beckham, but after DGB’s signature the talent level drops off significantly. However, I can’t overstate how important it is for the Tigers to keep Green-Beckham in-state; he has the potential to impact this offense like Julio Jones did at Alabama or A.J. Green at Georgia. The Tigers also signed two RBs in Morgan Steward and Russell Hansbrough indicating that Missouri is looking ahead for the stable of RBs it takes to get through a grueling SEC season. Up front, they signed only two O-Linemen, and OG Evan Bohem looks ready to come in and compete for playing time. Sean Culkin is a quality TE that could help out if needed next year. With this offensive class, I think Missouri will be looking down the depth chart to fill most of their offensive needs.

It’s easy to see the extra importance on defense with this recruiting class, because of the 18 guys Missouri signed, 11 are on the defensive side of the ball. They signed three LB’s, and Donavin Newsome looks ready to contribute in some way next year. Missouri also signed three defensive linemen, and I expect DE Rickey Hatley and DE Evan Winston to break into the two-deep depth chart. The Tigers signed five defensive backs, and CB John Gibson brings 4.4 speed that the Tigers need. Much like the offense, the defense will be filling holes with guys already on campus.

Biggest Get: Dorial Green-Beckham. Enough said.

Biggest Miss: Ondre Pipkins. Defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins was the only other 5 star in Missouri, but the Tigers lost him to Michigan early on. At a position where they needed help, Pipkins would have filled a big void.

Final Evaluation: I know in the SEC we talk about defense, but I think games in this league are won and lost in the trenches. To come in and compete year in and year out, Missouri has to add great talent on both fronts in every recruiting class. I don’t think the Tigers added enough depth or quality talent with this class. Outside of Dorial Green-Beckham, this class really isn’t better than the classes for Kentucky or Ole Miss.

Final Grade: C+

Saturday Down South» Evan Bohem

Signing Class Report Card: Missouri Tigers

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