Published May 3, 2010
Missouris most wanted
Pete Scantlebury
PowerMizzou.com Staff Writer
Missouri is off to a fast start with filling its 2011 class, and now PowerMizzou.com is taking an updated look at the top ten targets still in play for the Tigers. The list is in no particular order, and will change up until National Signing Day 2011.
The list is only a reflection of the analysis of the PowerMizzou.com staff, and has no bearing on the actual thoughts of the Missouri coaching staff.
1. ATH Rodney Coe/ 6-foot-3, 230-pounds; Edwardsville, Ill.
Coe came to Columbia on an unofficial visit a week ago; he left with Missouri in his top three, and convinced that the Tigers wanted him as a running back. He could be the top prospect in the Midwest, and should be mentioned as one of the top national recruits for 2011. Landing Coe would continue the huge upward swing for Missouri's recruiting.
2. RB Kody Walker/ 6-foot-1, 230-pounds; Jefferson City, Mo.
Like Coe, Walker is a big, powerful runner, and the recruitment of these two backs could hint at a slight change in philosophy in Missouri's run game. Unlike Coe, Walker has been sold on Missouri for a while, and listed the Tigers and Arkansas as his two very early leaders. He said he wants to see what other offers he pulls in before he makes any decision, but an in-state talent like Walker is a big priority for Missouri.
3. ATH Christian French/ 6-foot-6, 220-pounds; Cedar Rapids, Ia.,
French, with his combination of size and speed at the tight end position, seems like he was born for Missouri's offense. He's still a raw prospect, but his talent and potential have been noticed by schools across the nation. Tight end isn't necessarily a position of need, but it's obvious that French is high on the Tigers' wish list.
4. OT Mitch Hall/ 6-foot-6, 310-ponds; Russellville, Ark.
Offensive line is one of the key positions for the 2011 class, and Hall is already high on the Tigers. Along with Ole Miss, Missouri is in Hall's top two, and it should come down to those two schools.
5. LB Kentrell Brothers/ 6-foot, 207-pounds; Guthrie, Okla.
Brothers played out-of-position at defensive end last year, and posted 17 sacks on his way to all-state honors. LIke offensive line, linebacker is a position of need for Missouri in 2011. Brothers might be the top Missouri target in the middle of the defense.
6. TE Dan Tapko/ 6-foot-4, 220-pounds; Kansas City, Mo.
Tapko is another top in-state talent, although French might be higher on Missouri's wish list right now. Tapko's been quiet about his recruitment, but the recent commitment of two tight ends to Oklahoma might help Missouri.
7. OG/DT Anthony Zettel/ 6-foot-4, 254-pounds; West Branch, Mich.
Zettel is such a desirable prospect not just for his talent. A commitment by Zettel could have implications on either side of the ball, as the talented athlete is being recruited as both a defensive lineman and an offensive lineman. Zettel said he thinks defense might suit him better, but either way, his versatility has drawn 11 offers, including Missouri.
8. ATH Kevonte Richardson/ 6-foot-1, 185-pounds; Oklahoma City, Okla.
Richardson has Missouri as his clear-cut leader, and a commitment could come soon. The Tigers will probably take one safety in this class, and it could be Richardson. He also is versatile enough to put on weight, and with his size and speed he could play linebacker -- another need for the Tigers in 2011.
9. DT Angelo Blackson/ 6-foot-5, 290-pounds; Bear, Del.
After missing out on James Castleman, Missouri appears to have focused its efforts on Blackson. On paper, defensive tackle isn't necessarily as important a need as fans think it is (the Tigers only lose one DT after 2010), but it appears the Tigers want at least one more defensive lineman. Whether that's a tackle or end remains to be seen.
10. DE Conrrad Nicholls/ 6-foot-5, 227-pounds; Raytown, Mo.
Nicholls is definitely a sleeper, but he might not go under the radar for long. He continues to impress at combines, and by the time camps role around this summer, he might be one of the most sought-after recruits in the Show Me State. He doesn't have an offer from Missouri yet -- he's the only recruit on this list without an offer -- but that could change soon.
Others to watch: Kansas City (MO) LB Videl Nelson, Dallas (TX) LB Rob Hankins, Duncan (OK) OT Dylan Dismuke, Del City (OK) OG Jamelle Naff, Dallas (TX) S Franklin Shannon