Mizzou Junior Day Notebook, Part 4
We're wrapping up our junior day notebooks with three more prospects that visited Columbia last Saturday. In all PowerMizzou.com posted updates on 32 of the top Mizzou junior day visitors over the last seven days.
Althoff group gives Mizzou junior day high marks
Mizzou Junior Day Notebook, Part 3
Dallas Craddieth comfortable at Missouri
Mizzou Junior Day Notebook, Part 2
Mizzou Junior Day Notebook, Part 1
Decision pushed back for McQuitty
Walton even more motivated after first junior day visit
Last season was tough for 2018 CBC (Mo.) athlete Tyler Walton. The talented sophomore two-way player did not have the season he had envisioned due to an injury.
Despite that he got the opportunity to attend Mizzou junior day last Saturday. He came away from the afternoon in Columbia ready to work harder than ever.
"It makes me want to fight even harder than I was before to reach my goal of being a D1 player," Walton said about his Mizzou junior day visit. "I can see I have a future in college football so now it’s something that I want to work even harder for this season. Just more motivation really. Going on a visit early to see a great school like Mizzou was big."
Walton was surprised by the greeting that he and all his fellow visitors received. Especially since he is not as big of a name, yet, as Larry Boyd, Trevor Trout or teammate Kamryn Boyd.
"The coaches treated us like family right off the bat. I could tell that we meant a lot to them without them even really knowing us that well. They definitely showed a lot of respect as soon as we walked in," he explained. "They treated everybody the same. Some schools treat the top guys a little different than they treat everyone else, but it wasn’t like that at Mizzou. I really liked that. I thought the day was great."
During his talk with coaches Walton got a consistent message. They will keep in touch and will monitor how he bounces back for the always important junior season.
"They were understanding about the injury. They know I’ll be back and playing this year," said Walton. "I talked with Cornell Ford and he said keep doing my thing and we’ll talk more down the road."
In addition to Mizzou, Walton has heard the most from Penn State and Nebraska.
The highlight of the day for Walton was getting a sample of position group meetings.
"They broke down with us how everything goes in the meetings. How a regular day goes for a Mizzou player. It was very cool to see," he said.
Graves is in no rush
Defensive lineman John Graves has visited Mizzou a few times already even though he is just a 2018 prospect. Despite the familiarity he came away from the day in Columbia with some new experiences.
"The visit went great," he said. "I really like the atmosphere and the staff. I met several players and also had a chance to meet Shane Ray."
Graves made sure to have a long talk with new Tiger defensive line coach Jackie Shipp while at Mizzou.
"He actually ate lunch with me," said Graves. "We talked about my future past football and what I wanted to do. He told me to enjoy high school because it goes by fast."
A possible offer was not discussed, but Shipp did tell Graves that the Mizzou coaches are looking forward to having him back in Columbia for a camp this summer. The Tiger coaches will also be in Blue Springs this spring to see Graves and his teammates.
In addition to Mizzou, Graves has heard the most from Kansas State, Oklahoma, Michigan State and Kansas.
Graves has not let himself think about getting a Mizzou offer too much, but if it does happen he admitted he will be very happy. He wouldn't rush into a decision however.
"I would still try to see and compare as many options as I can," added Graves.
The highlight of Mizzou junior day for the 6-foot-2, 244-pound prospect was trying on the jerseys and attending the basketball game.
2017 Rockhurst linebacker Chance May is a unique prospect. Not many players split time between linebacker and quarterback, but that is what May has done the last couple seasons.
Now that his high school career is wrapping up, May is beginning to focus more on linebacker. The position that will likely put him in the best position to play high level college football.
"I talked to [DeMontie] Cross and [Andy] Hill a ton," said May. "They both told me that they are following me closely and evaluating my film. They want to see me come to the one day summer camp to see how I compare to the other linebackers."
"Coach Cross also told me he likes how versatile I am and said a guy like me would fit in perfectly at Mizzou as a linebacker who can adjust to multiple defenses," he continued.
Overall May had a great time at Mizzou junior day.
"I felt like [Barry] Odom and the rest of the coaches were really putting their best foot forward to impress all of us," explained May.
May is hearing from Kansas state, Mizzou, Missouri State, Iowa State and Northern Iowa the most. He is also hearing from Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and Northern Illinois some too.
"I'm going to Iowa State on April 2. I'm going to Missouri State and Kansas junior days in April sometime too," he said. "Then coach Hill asked me to come down to a spring practice whenever it is convenient for me and my family."
May is hoping to earn an offer from the Tigers this summer. If he does it will mean a lot.
"I've grown up a Mizzou fan all my life," explained May. "I would still take my time, but if they would offer me soon I would have my decision at least by the end of the summer"
The highlight of Mizzou junior day for May was two-part. First was taking a picture with his dad while wearing the Mizzou jersey. The other was spending time with Andy Hill.
"He is such a great guy," May said.