NFL-bound? Missouri offers first glimpse that Nick Bolton's CoMo days are numbered
Nick Bolton has become one of the best defenders in the SEC this season, and the junior linebacker for Missouri has been described by his coach as a “unicorn” for how many tackles he makes in an average game playing on special teams and defense.
But Saturday’s game with Arkansas may be one of his last in Columbia, if not the last if the Georgia game is not made up. The first glimpse came when the program tweeted a list of players to be honored on Saturday during Senior Day activities, and Bolton was on the list. Bolton has not publicly shared his plans for next season, but leaving for the NFL would not be a surprise.
The Frisco, Texas native who is listed at 6-feet and 232 pounds is mentioned by some NFL mock drafts as being taken near the end of the first round. Bolton is seventh in the SEC in tackles with 76 tackles, including 17 tackles against Tennessee and 14 tackles against South Carolina. Bolton also has 2 sacks, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 4 passes broken up.
Bolton has built on a great 2019 season when he earned a season-grade of 91.1 from Pro Football Focus, which made him the SEC’s top-graded linebacker. He also earned All-SEC First Team honors from both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press after posting a team-best 107 tackles.
It’s safe to say Bolton has exceeded expectations from when he was a consensus 3-star prospect coming out of high school.
Be in your seats early to honor these guys who gave their all to #Mizzou 💛🖤#MIZ x #NewZou 🐯🏈 pic.twitter.com/lcX0Ky54S7
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) December 2, 2020
Guy’s got a nose for the football and is a great leader. Go get paid man, thanks for being a true son!
He’s ready.
Nick Bolton started out as one of the best SEC defenders this season, he didn’t just suddenly “Become” one. You may sit or stand corrected now.
I think NB will enter the draft, but I give him credit for staying with the team and playing the season out instead of opting out like so many players in other programs have.
Totally agree. I’m grateful he’s decided to play the entire season.
Hopefully, Nick Bolton will finish this season but there’s no reason why he should return to Mizzou for his senior year.
He’s a thumper just the type NFL likes
Remember that Gator fan who kept saying he didn’t understand why anyone had Bolton in a list of top 10 SEC defenders?
Fan comments are worthless. Even less than the writers of these articles.
The goal line stand against LSU was a joy to behold. LSU’s Terrace Marshall, Jr had ripped up Mizzou’s defense all day, but Mizzou held when it mattered most. A pass to Marshall had put the ball on the one yard line, first and goal. If he had only turned slightly to his right he would have scored. First and second down were running plays straight into the line. Then on third down Bolton batted a pass to Marshall away. Fourth down Bledsoe beat Marshall to the ball, turnover on downs. This will stand as one of the great moments in Mizzou history.
Like Stryker Sulak and Lorenzo Williams tackling KU Quarterback Todd Reesing in the end zone in 2007.
Both are examples of last minute heroics never to be forgotten
I don’t see why this guy’s not getting the Heisman hype.
Even though they don’t come right out and (afaik) say it’s an offensive award, it pretty much defacto is for offense. I believe Neon Deon was the last D side player to even be given any really serious consideration.
Butkus and other awards should pile up for him by the bushels.