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Eli Drinkwitz reveals which Mizzou player will wear No. 25 jersey in 2022 to honor Aaron O’Neal
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Missouri sets aside the No. 25 jersey each year in memory of former Tiger Aaron O’Neal. The linebacker from St. Louis suddenly collapsed during a workout in July 2005, later pronounced dead at just 19 years old.
“While the pain of Aaron’s loss will dwell indefinitely, his memory and spirit will live on forever at Mizzou. Aaron’s engaging smile, his selfless nature and his warm friendship will never be forgotten,” his bio reads on the Mizzou athletics website.
On Tuesday, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dave Matter, Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz revealed who would wear the jersey this season. Last year, it was linebacker Blaze Alldredge. This year, the honor belongs to safety Ja’Marion Wayne, who, like O’Neal, is a St. Louis native.
The former 4-star recruit was initially brought in as a wide receiver, but eventually made the switch to defense and will see time in the Tigers’ defensive secondary.
Mizzou kicks off the 2022 season against Louisiana Tech on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
