Eli Drinkwitz discusses plan for Ahmad Hardy after return against Arkansas
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The Missouri Tigers reintegrated star running back Ahmad Hardy back into their offense last week against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Hardy, who missed the Tigers’ first eight games while recovering from an offseason gunshot wound, handled two carries and ran for five yards in Mizzou’s 34-10 victory.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has maintained a slow, steady progression for Hardy’s return to the field. On Tuesday, he spoke about the next stage of Hardy’s process and how he can’t prioritize the running back’s re-acclimation over team success.
“For us, it’s continuing to clearly define what his role can be for us,” Drinkwitz said. “Where can we utilize him, without throwing off the rhythm of what we’ve already established offensively with Jamal [Roberts].”
Drinkwitz did say fans may see “more of a rotation” between Roberts — who ran for 138 yards and a touchdown vs. the Razorbacks — and Hardy vs. Texas.
The Tigers’ matchup with the Longhorns is their first of three games against top 10 teams. After Texas comes to town, Mizzou (6-2, 3-2 SEC) plays at Georgia before hosting Kentucky.
Wins in two of those three contests will give the Tigers a real chance at snagging a College Football Playoff spot. Missouri and Texas kick off at noon ET on Saturday (ESPN).
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