Eli Drinkwitz confirms new role for star WR Luther Burden entering 2023 season

Eli Drinkwitz is looking to get Mizzou back to a bowl game and over the hump with a bowl win during the 2023 season. To do that, at least one key player will have a new role on offense.

On Tuesday, Drinkwitz met with the media during the SEC’s spring meetings in Florida. Included in the coach’s comments were the Tigers’ plans for utilizing star wide receiver Luther Burden.

As a 5-star true freshman, Burden finished second on the team with 45 catches and led the Tigers with 6 receiving touchdowns. Ahead of the 2023 season, Drinkwitz announced Tuesday that Burden will move to slot receiver for the offense.

Drinkwitz sees the potential for exciting playmaking ability from Burden on the inside:

Mizzou sophomore wideout Luther Burden, a 5-star recruit who is poised to be a breakout candidate in 2023, will be moved to the slot this fall.

Drinkwitz is excited about Burden’s playmaking potential inside.

— Jesse Simonton (@JesseReSimonton) May 30, 2023

Luther Burden’s 2023 outlook

As a true freshman, Burden posted 375 receiving yards and added 88 rushing yards with 8 offensive touchdowns. He was also used as a punt returner and finished the year with touchdowns as a receiver, rusher and returner.

With Dominic Lovett transferring to Georgia in the offseason, Burden stands as the favorite to do the heavy lifting in Missouri’s passing attack this fall. There’s no denying Burden has the skills to be a go-to target for the Tigers, and he will get the chance to be a difference-maker out of the slot.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.