Mizzou lands its QB

A self-imposed countdown ticked to zero on Thursday morning, and Maty Mauk became Gary Pinkel's quarterback-of-the-future. The Kenton, Ohio, native announced his commitment to Missouri on his Facebook page while on an unofficial visit in Columbia.

"(Maty Mauk) is officially committed to play football for the university of Missouri!," Mauk wrote on his profile.

There would be no surprises or last-minute teeth gnashing of the Missouri fan base in this recruitment. On Tuesday, Mauk announced he would visit Missouri in two days time. Meanwhile, status updates on Facebook indicated that something noteworthy would occur during his visit. By Wednesday, rumors circulated that Mauk already committed to Missouri. On Thursday, it was official.

Mauk garnered a verbal offer from Missouri the summer before his junior year. Early on, the Tigers narrowed their focus to a pair of signal callers -- Mauk, and Columbus (IN) quarterback Gunner Kiel. Both players visited Missouri unofficially during that summer. Both players unofficially visited Missouri for a game during the 2010 season. Mauk was in attendance for the Tigers' shutout win over Colorado.

Mauk returned to Columbia for Missouri's junior day in January. While Kiel's wanderings dominated headlines in June and into July, Mauk quietly planned a final trip to Columbia.

Now, sources indicate Missouri is done at quarterback for the 2012 class. Mauk, a prolific high school passer, is Missouri's man.