Eli Drinkwitz Lists Standout Performers from Mizzou's Spring Practices

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Tigers went into spring practices with three goals; Individual player development, identifying the team's strengths and weaknesses, instill culture and mindset.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz was pleased with how the team did in all three areas, especially the individual growth and improvement made by many of the players. He highlighted quite a few in his spring wrap-up press conference Wednesday.

One of the biggest challenges for Drinkwitz's staff this offseason is finding replacements for NFL Draft-hopefuls Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Kris Abrams-Draine. One of the assumed starters is junior Dreyden Norwood, who started in five games in 2023. Drinkwitz is confident that Norwood will be capable to step up into a larger role in 2024.

"Drey(den) Norwood really stepped up and made a big jump," Drinkwitz said. "Obviously losing Ennis and KAD, that was a position of need for us and Dre has certainly solidified himself as a very good and capable, All-SEC style of player."

Drinkwitz also reported positive early impressions with Clemson transfer corner back Toriano Pride Jr.. The St. Louis native and former four-star recruit had an interception in the spring game and who Drinkwitz said was constantly competitive throughout practice.

Drinkwitz was also impressed with Ja'Marion Wayne, who is transitioning to the corner back postion after starting out his career at wide receiver.

"(He) moved over to that position during (Cotton) Bowl practice and has looked very good. Not only does he contribute to us on special teams, you can tell that experience on special teams (helps) his physicality, his tracking angles in coverage."

At the safety position, Drinkwitz highlighted Houston Christian transfer Caleb Flagg and returning starter Joseph Charleston. He said that Charleston, a senior, has developed his leadership, attention to detail and his skills in man-to-man coverage. Flagg was named the defensive MVP in the spring game after coming away with an interception.

The linebacker room, like the secondary, will also be experiencing some change in 2024 with both Ty'Ron Hopper and Chad Bailey declaring for the NFL Draft. The group will be led by returners Chuck Hicks and Tristan Newson. Drinkwitz was pleased with the spring performances from Newson, Miami transfer Corey Flagg and incoming freshman Brian Huff.

Later on, Drinkwitz did mention that Huff will be undergoing surgery this week to repair an injury he suffered in high school. He is expected to be back to full health by June. The four-star recruit showed plenty of athletiscm in the spring game.

"He shows flashes of aggressiveness and feel like he can have a role for us in the upcoming season," Drinkwitz said.

On the defensive line, Drinkwitz shared some praise for Austin Firestone and Joe Moore. Both transferred to Missouri ahead of the 2023 season and saw limited playing  time in their first year with the Tigers.

"(Both) really grew in the year that they've been in residence with us and I feel like those guys are more and more comfortable within the scheme, more and more comfortable with their coaches and those guys stood out for their development," Drinkwitz said.

Drinkwitz was pleased with what he saw out of freshman defensive lineman Jahki Lang.

"Jhaki Lang really is growing into his body, continues to play extremely physical and I think his growth is ahead of him."

He also pointed out that sophomore defensive lineman Jalen Marshall has realized the opportunity in front of him to step into a larger role as the line will be losing three players from last year.

On offense, Drinkwitz noted wide receiver Joshua Manning as someone who showed improvement this spring. He also said that senior tight end Tyler Stephens had his best spring since joining the program.

The offensive line is a group that will be in flux for 2024 after losing left tackle Javon Foster and guard Xavier Delgado. Missouri added Oklahoma transfer left tackle Cayden Green through the transfer portal and returning starter Cam'Ron Johnson is expected to switch from right to left guard. This has opened up a spot at right guard. 

The never-ending search for offensive line depth continued through the spring too. Drinkwitz says that senior Mitchell Walters, freshman Logan Reichert and sophomore Jayven Richardson all stood out amongst the offensive line. 

Walters made four starts on the line in 2022 and has not only improved in his play but also in his self-control since that season.

"He's gotten stronger, he's better technique wise, he's better fundamentally," Drinkwitz said. "He used to fight a lot in practice, now he doesn't fight quite as much in practice. Now he focuses on just executing his job, which I think has been a huge addition."

Drinkwitz also was impressed with one of the people the offensive line will be blocking for in running back Nate Noel. The App State transfer, along with Georgia State transfer, will have to fill the void left by Cody Schrader.

"Nate Noel. Man that guy really really had a good spring. Not that the others guys didn't but (Noel) really came out of spring excited about what Nate is going to provide to us offensively."

The Tigers will now work throughout the rest of the offseason on gelling together as a team after focusing on indivual growth throughout the spring. The first game of the 2024 season is set for Saturday, Aug. 31 against Murray State.