Missouri linebacker enters NCAA transfer portal

The Missouri Tigers have the nation’s worst run defense. That’s due in large part to a lack of depth in the linebacking corps.

Well, now depth at the linebacker position is even more of a concern, as a redshirt sophomore linebacker has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Per Mizzou insider Dave Matter, Jamie Pettway has confirmed that he’s exploring his transfer options:

Missouri linebacker Jamie Pettway confirms that he's entered the transfer portal. This is the first year he's been part of the LB rotation.

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 25, 2021

Pettway has played in 5 games so far this season, with more playing time coming the past 2 games, so the timing of the decision is a bit strange:

Pettway is a redshirt sophomore from Georgia, has played 85 snaps on defense in five games this year, per @PFF, and got his most action the last two games.

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 25, 2021

If Pettway was getting reps at linebacker in games, this loss hurts the Tigers. Now, they’ll have even more inexperience behind guys like Blaze Alldredge and Devin Nicholson.

We’ll see if it hurts the Tigers this week at Vanderbilt.