Berkstresser ready for next step

It feels like Lee's Summit (MO) quarterback Corbin Berkstresser has been committed to Missouri forever. In reality, it's only been a year and seven months. But even Berkstresser admits it feels like he made his verbal commitment ages ago.

"Yeah, it has been a while," Berkstresser said through a laugh.

This weekend, however, the future became clearer for the 6'2", 224-pound quarterback. Berkstresser took his official visit to Missouri, along with two other uncommitted visitors -- Alief (TX) defensive tackle Christopher Cormier and Euless (TX) offensive lineman Nila Kasitati. Kasitati is committed to Baylor.

"It did kind of hit me, the reality that college is coming up quick," Berkstresser said. "I'm excited for it. I'm ready to complete."

Berkstresser said one of the highlights of the weekend was "eating a lot of good food," but he was also able to meet with faculty to see the academic side of Missouri. He said he had a lot of questions for his player host, wide receiver T.J. Moe.

"I asked him a lot aout balancing football and academics," Berkstresser said. "I wanted to see how he did it."

Missouri's junior day also coincided with Berkstresser's visit. While he said he enjoyed seeing all the younger players show up, it wasn't a planned occurance that he would attend the same weekend.

"It was just convenience for me," Berkstresser said. "I wanted to visit in December, when most of the other (2011) guys visited, but I had basketball."

As his first year at Missouri approaches, things just got a bit more interesting for Berkstresser. With open competition for the starting quarterback job, the three-star recruit will likely have a good opportunity to throw his name into the race. A starting quarterback likely won't be picked until preseason camp in August.

Berkstresser flourished his senior year at Lee's Summit, his first in a true spread offense. He threw for 3,383 yards and 36 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He also ran for 692 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Tigers into the Missouri state playoffs.

However, Berkstresser is keeping the competition in perspective.

"I just want to come in and work hard and compete," Berkstresser said. "We'll see what happens from there."

Nobody covers the Tigers year-round like PowerMizzou.com. If you are not yet a member, just try out our free trial.