Converted CB Raymond Wingo intrigues on struggling Mizzou offense
Even at full strength, it’s a challenge for Missouri’s offense to move the football right now.
At Saturday’s scrimmage, the second of three allowed by the NCAA during spring practice, the group was at an even greater disadvantage.
Among those absent were starting tight end Sean Culkin, projected No. 1 receiver Nate Brown, one of the team’s best starting offensive linemen in Connor McGovern and the three best running backs behind Russell Hansbrough (Morgan Steward, Ish Witter and Trevon Walters).
RB Ish Witter is attending a funeral back home and will not participate in today's scrimmage.
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) April 11, 2015
Also out today: TE Culkin, OL McGovern,TE Ray, RB Walters, RB Steward, OL Tanner Owen, S Ross, S Sherrils, LB Beisel, WR Brown
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) April 11, 2015
Redshirt freshman Raymond Wingo, who came to Mizzou as a cornerback, remained with the offense after shifting to receiver in practice recently. He caught two passes for 20 yards in his first scrimmage, high-pointing one Corbin Berkstresser pass downfield for an 18-yard gain.
Quarterback Maty Mauk, who has pumped up any and every receiver, walk-on or not, whenever given the opportunity, gave an unsurprising quote after practice, according to PowerMizzou.com.
“He’s kind of like a (Marcus) Murphy type guy, except a lot faster,” Mauk said.
Wingo played offense in high school and described the position switch as “going back to my love.” He also revealed the coaches first kicked around the idea with him after the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1.
Coach Gary Pinkel said Wingo will stay at receiver the rest of the spring, which coincidentally just equates to the next week, and then the staff will evaluate the plan for him beyond that. But Wingo probably wasn’t in line to get much playing time at cornerback barring injuries, and the team needs all the help it can get at receiver.
The team has worked hard to develop a healthier, thinner Mauk this spring, getting him to step up in the pocket and trust his protection. Tigers are desperate for receivers to step up, but much like the first scrimmage, the first offense did next to nothing with the football.
Fortunately for Mizzou, there were moments last spring and fall where the offense really struggled in practice as well. But Mauk and the receivers need to spend as much time as possible throwing with each other throughout the summer leading up to fall practice.
Saturday’s “scrimmage” was truncated, mostly drills due to the team missing so many bodies, but it was still ugly.
Unofficial passing stats: Mauk- 2-9, 9 yards; Printz- 8-14, 36 yards; Zanders 4-6, 72 yards; Berkstresser- 4-6, 33 yards; Eierman- 3-5, 17.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) April 11, 2015
Unofficial total for 1 offense vs 1 defense in three series plus a play: 10 plays, 11 yards and a five yard penalty.
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) April 11, 2015
#Mizzou C Evan Boehm was clearly upset after the scrimmage. Said the OL needs to step up its motivation.
— Pete Scantlebury (@PeteScantlebury) April 11, 2015
#Mizzou's Boehm: "Some people need to find it within themselves, including myself, to really grit down and finish this spring ball."
— Pete Scantlebury (@PeteScantlebury) April 11, 2015
Defense: Sacks- Clarence Green, Charles Harris; TFL- Kentrell Brothers, AJ Logan, Michael Scherer/Harris; Newsom, Hanneke, Brady, Rupert.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) April 11, 2015
Guys that got work w/ the 1's today: WRs Keyon Dilosa, Thomas Richard, DeSean Blair… DE Walter Brady… DTs Evan Winston & Rickey Hatley
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) April 11, 2015