Mizzou punctuates end of spring practice by awarding scholarship to walk-on

As Missouri moves into the second half of the offseason, the Tigers will have another player on scholarship, and Coach Eli Drinkwitz made the announcement in a special way.

During a team meeting to recap a recent paintball game, Drinkwitz talked with WR Keke Chism about what the winning team should do following the event.

“I think we should put Jake Hoffman on scholarship,” Chism said.

Replied Drinkwitz, “Sounds good, Jake Hoffman, you’re on scholarship. Jake’s been our team snapper for two years here, done a hell of a job. I didn’t know you’re as a good an athlete as you were until yesterday. That finally put you over the top. No, in all seriousness, hell of a job, you deserve it, man.”

According to his bio, Hoffman took over the duties during the 2019 season after the program struggled at that position the year before.

Long snapper is often referred to as one of those positions that fans and media may overlook until there’s a mistake made. But obviously Hoffman has performed his duties in such a consistent way to earn a scholarship. The 6-foot-4 and 230-pounder is from Kearney, Missouri.

When the scholly hits … 👌#MIZ x #NewZou 🐯🏈 pic.twitter.com/ne9UuvG7WF

— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) March 25, 2021

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.