Missouri currently holds 20 commitments in its 2021 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 9 in the SEC, according to 247Sports.

But there’s just over two weeks remaining until the Early Signing Period begins on Dec. 16. Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz was asked how the recruiting cycle is going at his Tuesday press conference, and he agreed that it’s a combination of trying to hold on to the players Mizzou has, and add to the class.

“There’s people trying to come in and spatula the good players that we have,” Drinkwitz said. “We’re trying to hold on. It’s hard when you can’t get in homes and you haven’t built that trust that you have. We’re obviously trying to fill a few more spots on our roster that we have holes coming up and so we’ve got a couple that we’re targeting and we’re really trying to finish strong on. There may be one or two that we’ve had a few side conversations with, maybe the person that talking to the most or think they’re going hasn’t had the season they’ve expected and maybe there’s unexpected doubts. We throw some seeds into those doubts and see what happens. That’s the game within the game and it’s a tiring game, but it is the game.”

Drinkwitz didn’t indicate any teams or coaches specifically, but the coach began his Mizzou tenure with a bit of a beef with the new Arkansas staff when he said, “A school south of us kept seeming to recruit every player we offered.”

New Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom, Mizzou coach before Drinkwitz, was asked about it in February.

“I didn’t hear that. I guess I should have paid attention, but I’ve got to worry about Arkansas,” Odom said, via 247Sports’ Trey Biddy. “I’m not worried about what anyone else is doing. I’m excited about where I’m at. I’m excited about what we’re building, and I learned a long time ago that if you worry about what somebody else is doing, then you’re not taking care of your business the way you’re supposed to.

“I’m sure they’ll be okay.”