Camp Preview: CB
On Aug. 6, Missouri opens its preseason camp for 2015. Prior to that Thursday, PowerMizzou.com is taking a look at every position group to see what Missouri has returning and the outlook as the Tigers attempt to make it three SEC East titles in a row.
Today, we continue with the cornerbacks.
Returning stats: 96.3% of tackles, 100% of pass break-ups and interceptions - 130 tackles, 23 pass break-ups, four interceptions
The Starters: Cornerback is probably the most established position on Missouri's entire roster. The Tigers return both starters from a year ago, Kenya Dennis and Aarion Penton. Dennis is a senior and Penton is a junior, so this season becomes important for Missouri to find the next crop of productive cornerbacks. But those two should be among the best in the SEC season and they provide Missouri with a level of consistency and talent that Gary Pinkel hasn't had in Columbia.
The Backups: The top back-up who really could be considered a third starter is John Gibson. Gibson has been a starter in the past and may be the Tigers' top man-coverage corner. Even the departure of David Johnson hasn't dampened the talent pool much. Big things are expected out of Logan Cheadle this season after playing a limited role as a true freshman, and while Finis Stribling hasn't played in a game yet, his athleticism is well-documented.
Camp Outlook: The only drama is whether Gibson pushes Penton or Dennis for a starting job. Dennis is probably the most secure as Missouri's biggest, most physical corner, but it may not really matter who starts. Dennis, Penton and Gibson will play extensively, and Cheadle should see his playing time increase as the season goes on and he gets more experience.
Projected Depth Chart: Dennis and Penton as starters; Gibson and Cheadle as back-ups