The University of Missouri has had football success in the last two seasons that has not been seen in Columbia since the 1960s. As would be expected, this success has been followed by strong signing classes, and possibilities for even bigger coups in the near future.
It's said that recruiting success usually occurs a year or two after the football team has success. So with that being said, Missouri should start seeing major results on the recruiting trail around this year. They might not knock out a top-10 recruiting class, but Gary Pinkel and his staff have shown the ability to pick out diamonds in the rough.
Here are 10 potentials that Missouri would not only be lucky to sign by next spring, but are also likely to sign. Compared to where we thought Missouri was a couple months ago, the Tigers seem to have a ton of time and talent to work with in filling out this year's class.
10. Parker Graham, ** OL (6'7'', 260)
Although he is a relative unknown right now, Graham is a native of Webb City, Missouri. Webb City is the owner of several state titles and has sent numerous players to play in the collegiate ranks. One notable alum is former NFL DE Grant Winstrom.
Graham has an offer from Arkansas and Oklahoma State has shown interest in this wide-framed lineman, but Missouri could offer if they don't receive attention or commits from other more heralded linemen this winter. If the Tigers offer, they'd immediately be considered one of the favorites for the Missouri native.
9. Kendial Lawrence, *** RB (5'9'', 170)
Lawrence isn't one of the most talked about players from the Lone Star State, but he's putting up some monster numbers in Texas' playoffs. Missouri only recently got into the picture for his services but Lawrence really likes the Tigers.
Don't be surprised if Lawrence commits to Mizzou during his December 19th visit. Lawrence has had the Tigers at the top of his list since they offered him and he also might want to commit sooner than later with star recruits like Bryce Brown and Jeremy Smith looking at the Tigers.
8. Bryant Allen, *** ATH (6'0'', 180)
Bryant will be a two-sport athlete where ever he ends up playing his college ball. He's a basketball and football star for Maplewood High School in St. Louis, where his team is among the best in the state at both sports, largely because of Bryant.
Allen was considered a Mizzou lean for a long time, but has now begun to entertain Big 10 contenders such as Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. It's believed by many scouts that Allen has the skills to play football at the collegiate level, but that he WANTS to play basketball.
If Allen gets the nod from Missouri basketball coach Mike Anderson that he can play both sports at Mizzou, there's a strong chance that he's a Tiger.
7. Andrew Green, *** CB (6'1'', 180)
Green would be a perfect signing for Mizzou because he's a big, physical corner, somebody that could help the team with the coverage problems they seem to be prone to. He's rated as the No. 3 most physical corner in the 2009 class.
Green has made it clear that his decision will probably come down to Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Missouri. He'll visit all three places and probably won't decide where he's headed until later in the recruiting season. But with the Tigers having as much success as any team in that group, Missouri has got to feel good if they can get Green on campus for a visit.
6. Josh Gordon, *** WR (6'4'', 211)
Gordon would be another talented receiver to add to Missouri's spread offense. He's got a big body with speed to boot, so his services would be popular in Columbia.
Lately it seems that Missouri has backed off on their pursuit of Gordon, but that has not changed their status with the talented wideout. Gordon claims that Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech are at the top of his list, and that instant playing time would be a major factor in his decision. If that's the case, Missouri would be the best fit out of those three.
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about 1 month ago
Great article. I wonder if we got them all plus a few of your honorable mentions what our class would be ranked?
If Authur transfers to MU wouldn't he have to sit out a year?
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for reading D! According to my calculations, Mizzou would have about a 3.24 avg star rating for class, with 25 signings if they got all the players on my list plus one honorable mention. That scenario, or something like it with slightly different targets, isn't a crazy thought. Compared to last year's rankings, that would be good for 15-20 nationally, and probably 4th or 5th in the Big 12.
Yes, if Arthur Brown transferred, he would have to sit out a year according to transfer restrictions. BUT, I think there's a good chance Sean Weatherspoon comes back next season, despite the fact that he might be one of the best LBs in the country. If 'Spoon came back for his senior campaign, the Missouri LB corps might not miss a beat with Arthur Brown on board.
Granted, all that Arthur and Bryce Brown talk is a HUGE long shot. Yes, Bryce has been showing interest as of late and has rumored to be becoming close friends with Tiger commit Blaine Dalton, but he still has Oregon and Miami on top. The Tigers have ground to make up before that becomes a reality.
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