Missouri is set to open fall camp 2017 on August 1st. Leading up to that day, PowerMizzou.com takes a look at the Tigers at every position. In this series, we'll give you the best case and worst case scenario for what to expect out of the position.
NOTE: We aren't including injuries here. Obviously the worst case is for every starter to get hurt.
                           QUARTERBACK
Projected Starter: Drew Lock, JR
Projected Backup: Jack Lowary, JR
Best Case Scenario: Lock makes similar improvement this year as he did a year ago. There is little doubt the leap Lock made from his freshman to his sophomore season. He ended the year with 3,399 yards, 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. No doubt it was a strong statistical season, but the next step is consistency. Lock was at times spectacular and at times pretty bad in 2016. Missouri would take the same numbers distributed a bit more evenly throughout the season this year.
Lock has appeared more relaxed and comfortable with being the leader of the team this year. If that translates on to the field, he has all-SEC potential and could be a guy NFL people are talking about at the end of his junior season.
Worst Case Scenario: The worst case is that Missouri ends this season still not sure of what it has in Lock. This needs to be the year Lock steps forward. As of today, public opinion is split on Lock. Some see the world of potential and believe he's the next great Mizzou QB. Some think he has underdelivered for a four-star national recruit out of high school and is headed for a bust. One way or another, Mizzou has to know at the end of this season (and really probably by mid-season). If he's the guy, the program could be headed for better days. If he's not, better to know it now and try to groom the next guy.
