Both of Missouri’s five-star recruits in the past five seasons were in-state prospects. Missouri fans hope they have slightly different careers in the program.

The first, WR Dorial Green-Beckham, had some moments, but off-the-field issues ruined his career at Missouri.

The Tigers are hoping for something different from their latest five-star recruit, DT Terry Beckner, Jr., from the 2015 class.  Beckner made some nice contributions this year as a true freshman, and stardom is predicted in years to come.

Missouri recruiting is a little different than the rest of the SEC because the Tigers still face more recruiting competition on their home turf from Big Ten and Big 12 schools, as well. But the fact that the Tigers can go into places like Illinois and Kansas allows them to find gems like three-star prospect Shane Ray, who would have been much more coveted had he lived someplace else like Atlanta instead of Shawnee, Kansas.

Still, Missouri’s early success in the SEC came from guys in the 2011 and 2012 classes playing above their ranking. As those guys have departed, Missouri will now look at the 2014 and 2015 classes to remain competitive in an SEC East that could see a resurgence in the next couple of years.

Here’s what Missouri has done with five-stars in recruiting the past five years:

2011

None. The two highest recruits were Sheldon Richardson and Shane Ray … and they turned out pretty well, right? Richardson was actually a five-star prospect in the Class of 2009 but he was dropped to a four-star during his time in junior college.

2012

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR: DGB was the top player in the nation in his recruiting class and when he was on the field, the Randy Moss comparisons came quickly. The problems with Green-Beckham, however, were off the field. Two arrests for drug possession and a potential domestic violence incident were all head coach Gary Pinkel could take and he dismissed the talented receiver. Green-Beckham transferred to Oklahoma but the university denied giving him a waiver to play immediately and rather than sit out the 2015 season, DGB declared for the NFL draft and was selected 40th overall by the Tennessee Titans. Green-Beckham had 87 receptions, 1,278 yards and 17 touchdowns in two seasons at Missouri.

2013

None. The highest-rated recruit was Josh Augusta.

2014

None. The highest-rated recruit was Andy Bauer.

2015

Terry Beckner Jr., DT: I can tell you first-hand that the staff at one top 10 program was absolutely livid they missed out on Beckner. As a rotational defensive lineman, Beckner showed plenty as a freshman with 27 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks before he suffered a season-ending knee injury in November. He will be ready to roll in 2016 and looks like a future star on the defensive line. If Beckner Jr. and four-star quarterback Drew Lock can have strong seasons in 2016, Missouri could be a surprise team.