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Missouri holds its first scrimmage on Saturday. Before that happens, catch up on the five biggest developments of the Tigers’ preseason so far.
1. Odom still coy on base options
Missouri’s new defensive coordinator, Barry Odom, ran a 3-4 base when he held the same position at Memphis. But Odom, a former Missouri player and safeties coach, hasn’t given a ton of insight on how Missouri’s defense will look.
https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/629677520548335616
With the loss of DT Harold Brantley and DE Marcus Loud, coupled with Missouri’s strength at linebacker and the emergence of Terry Beckner Jr. as a pass rusher (see below), Odom can continue to play with different bases throughout August camp.
A complete switch from Dave Steckel’s 4-3 is unlikely, but at least Odom has options.
2. Nate Crawford’s right tackle ascent
We learned that Crawford, currently the starting right tackle on the depth chart, is coming off June back surgery to repair a herniated disc. His remarkably quick recovery has paid dividends, with offensive coordinator Josh Henson praising Crawford’s improvement. Clay Rhodes will continue to challenge Crawford for a spot, but it seems like the Tigers have found their guy on the right.
3. Quarterback spacing
There was a time when Eddie Printz challenged Maty Mauk for QB1, but that time has passed. Some have speculated that Printz, a highly-rated quarterback from Georgia, will transfer from the program. But the pro-style quarterback still sees a future at Missouri.
#Mizzou QB Eddie Printz: "I'm not here to back up. I'm here to start one day… I'm here to play. I'm waiting for my turn. I'll be ready…"
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) August 12, 2015
Drew Lock, Mauk’s heir apparent and Missouri’s second-most valuable recruit from the Class of 2015, also seems to share Printz’s patience. While Missouri fans across message boards pegged Lock to immediately suit up for the Tigers before he graduated high school, Lock indicated a redshirt year could be beneficial. If that’s the case, perhaps Printz and Lock can both get what they want.
4. Blair over Moore at WR
J’Mon Moore, perhaps Missouri’s most important receiver in 2015, lost his starting spot at X because of an argument with a coach during the summer. At least temporarily, redshirt freshman DeSean Blair is taking his place. Blair is making the most of the opportunity, getting on SportsCenter for this grab and inserting himself into the conversation of Mauk’s top targets.
5. Beckner turning heads fast
As mentioned earlier, Terry Beckner Jr. gives Missouri multiple options on the defensive front. He could play a 4-3 tackle or a 3-4 end. But the Tigers’ top prospect has to prove himself in practice first. So far, he is doing just that.
https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/631137183705886720
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said there will be movement after the team’s first scrimmage on Saturday. Beckner has a chance to be one of the guys moving up the depth chart.
Mike Shaw is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Missouri, Texas A&M and Arkansas. Follow Mike on Twitter @michaelvshaw
