The Missouri Tigers have been doing some extensive work in the transfer portal as of late, and Eli Drinkwitz’ program added to the growing tally of imported players on Wednesday.
Per reporting from On3’s HayesFawcett, Oregon junior cornerback Sione Laulea announced his commitment to play for Mizzou on Wednesday, heading to Columbia following two seasons with the Ducks.
The Mountain View, California native was rated among the top junior college prospects in the nation for the Class of 2024, but Laulea sparingly saw the field over the course of the past two seasons. He tallied 10 total tackles, 3 pass breakups and 1 interception (in 2024) as a Duck.
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But at 6-foot-4, 196 lbs., Laulea possesses a rare body type and could become the next great Tigers defensive back. Under Drinkwitz’ guidance–which spans from 2020 to the present day–6 Missouri defensive backs have been selected in the NFL draft, with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. serving as the highest-selected at Round 2, Pick 29 in 2024.
Laulea’s commitment also makes it 19 transfer-portal additions for the Tigers thus far, and he becomes the 4th defensive back in the class. Ironically enough, fellow former Duck Jahlil Florence will be joining Laulea in COMO, as he committed to join the program on Jan. 5.
Parker is currently the sports editor for the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
