Missouri concluded its spring football practices with the Black and Gold game on April 13. Before settling in for the summer and shifting our focus forward to fall camp, we will take a look back at what we learned during the spring for each position group, as well as where the depth chart currently stands. Today, we examine the defensive ends.
Previous positions:
Defensive tackle
DEPTH CHART
1. Trajan Jeffcoat, So./Chris Turner Jr.
2. Akial Byers, Jr./Jatorian Hansford, So.
THE SKINNY
Missouri’s biggest position of need on the defensive side of the ball got a bit more dire during the offseason, when starting defensive end Tre Williams was arrested on suspicion of assault. Williams is still suspended indefinitely, but at this point a return to the roster does not appear likely. However, indications from the coaching staff have been that the remaining players at defensive end are showing signs of promise.
If Missouri is able to rediscover its pass rush in 2019, the sophomore tandem of Trajan Jeffcoat and Jatorian Hansford will likely be the reason why. Both players were thrust into the fire as true freshmen, and neither appeared quite ready for the jump from high school football to the SEC. However, both possess high ceilings due to their size and athleticism, and both drew praise from the coaching staff during spring practices.
Meanwhile, Chris Turner has elicited praise throughout the offseason as well. Turner played in all 13 games a season ago and recorded just two sacks. Akial Byers is the Swiss Army Knife of the group, as he will likely line up at defensive end on first and second downs and slide to tackle on third downs. Byers saw his role increase as last season progressed, and while he may not have the explosiveness of an elite edge rusher, he was a big part of Missouri’s success against the run a season ago.
SPRING TAKEAWAY
The two sophomores, Jeffcoat and Hansford, are going to play larger roles this season, and not just out of necessity. Hansford has reportedly “turned the corner,” while Jeffcoat is starting to understand the defense better, allowing him to play faster on the field. Both players suited up with the Black team, the first- and second-team units, for the spring game, and Jeffcoat started. If they are able to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season, Missouri’s entire defense will benefit.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
There could be more help on the way for Missouri’s pass rush in the form of junior college product Sci Martin. Martin committed to LSU over the likes of Alabama, Oklahoma and Florida State out of high school, but he ended up at East Mississippi Community College. Missouri nabbed Martin late in the last recruiting cycle, and the coaching staff seems to believe he could make a quick impact due to his talent and experience. However, it remains to be seen how quickly Martin can grasp the Tiger defense and earn a role for himself.
QUOTABLE
Head coach Barry Odom on Trajan Jeffcoat:
“I think his understanding of the position (has improved). Also, he’s physically in a lot better position than he was last year, just a year in the program. I think with his understanding, now he can play fast and use his skills and technique, so he’s made a lot of progress, and I look forward to seeing him as the summer keeps going because I think he’s got a chance to be a really good player.”
Defensive line coach Brick Haley on Jeffcoat:
“He’s growing up. Still got a lot of things to work on, still young and still green, but I think the thing that he’s done is he’s shown some maturity and he’s got himself in a position to I think go play some quality minutes for us.”
Jordan Elliott on Jatorian Hansford:
“He’s more fluid in his movement. He’s not as stiff. He just looks like a d-end. He looks like he’s going to be a dominant player."
