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It’s the first full recruiting cycle for first-year Missouri head coach Barry Odom and his staff, so who are some class of 2017 prospects on which Tigers fans should keep an eye?
Here are five to start.
1. Jeff Thomas, WR, East St. Louis (Ill.)
The five-star rated Thomas is quite special. You turn on the film and he’s an explosive playmaker on both sides of the ball with natural elite instincts on both offense and defense. Obviously East St. Louis is an important recruiting area for Mizzou and the Tigers will have to battle the entire country for this kid. Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama (where some believe he is leaning at the moment) and Florida State are among the earlier suitors, along with Missouri. This is the type of franchise difference-maker that could start immediately for the Tigers.
2. Chester Graves, DE, Kansas City (Mo.) Park Hill
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Graves is raw, but athletic and with tons of upside. The Tigers have offered, along with Iowa, Kansas and Wisconsin, and more are expected. Currently, Graves ranks as the No. 1 overall prospect in the Show Me State per 247Sports Composite rankings.
3. Larry Boyd, OT, St. Louis (Mo.) Trinity Catholic
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Boyd is raw, but has good feet and strength and can really be good in time with development. Missouri, Illinois, Iowa State, Minnesota and Wisconsin all have offered. Boyd currently is the No. 5 overall prospect in the state of Missouri for 2017 per 247Sports Composite rankings.
4. Dijmon Colbert, CB, Mission (Ks.) Bishop Miege
Colbert is a quick cornerback prospect that several who have seen him in person are high on. Missouri has offered and he attends the high school alma mater of former Tigers great Shane Ray.
5. Jaevon McQuitty, WR, Columbia (Mo.) Battle
McQuitty is a local talent with good speed and explosiveness with some early offers from Power 5 programs. Once Missouri pushes for him, the Tigers should be in good shape to land him.
Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South
