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There were several notable things from Missouri’s first spring practice on Tuesday, and we have to start with some great news from first-year head coach Barry Odom.
Defensive tackle Harold Brantley, who missed all of last season after suffering a broken tibia, knee ligament damage and multiple fractured ribs in the rollover wreck last June 21, took part in some of the practice.
Barry Odom: DT Harold Brantley got some work in practice today, sounded very pleased to see that this soon
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) March 9, 2016
As for the quarterback position, rising sophomore Drew Lock has put on weight. He’s up 20 pounds from the weight he finished at last season, putting some meat on his bones thanks to some meat.
Lock said, in hindsight, he wasn't prepared to be the starter last year. Working on reading defenses, packed on 20 pounds.
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) March 9, 2016
Drew Lock says he weighs 220 after finishing last season at 200. He wearily says he's eating lots of chicken.
— Joe Walljasper (@JoeWalljasper) March 9, 2016
Odom mentioned four players that weren’t in action on Tuesday, including defensive tackle Terry Beckner Jr. A couple other players were limited but not due to serious setbacks.
DT Terry Beckner Jr. (right ACL), S Tavon Ross (left ACL), S Isaiah Pierre (left ACL), OL Jonah Dubinski (left meniscus) didn't practice.
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) March 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/707362389922942976
There’s also a position change to report. Rising sophomore Cam Hilton, who saw time at receiver last fall, is apparently seeing time at free safety.
Hilton recorded 9 catches for 129 yards last season, managing 6 catches for 85 yards combined over the team’s final three games.
Most notable change on #Mizzou football spring roster is sophomore-to-be Cam Hilton listed as free safety. Played some WR in fall.
— Nate Latsch (@NateLatsch) March 8, 2016
Speaking of receivers, backup QB Marvin Zanders had some praise that should be music to the ears of many Mizzou fans. Alabama transfer receiver Chris Black apparently turned some heads. Missouri beat writer David Morrison of the Columbia Daily Tribune noted that Zanders said Black has already made some “woah” plays.
The team also had some former well-known players taking part in the opening practice, which was moved indoors at one point due to an approaching storm.
https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/707329664646131712
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
