Tristen Holt was a key member of Gilmer's state championship team in 2009 and entered Missouri as one of the Tigers' highest-ranked recruits in the 2010 class. During his senior year in Texas, Holt did it all -- he played cornerback on defense, wide receiver and running back on offense and was a dynamo in the return game.

Missouri, however, was deep at cornerback this year. Although Holt saw time with the second and third defensive teams by the end of preseason camp, the coaching staff decided to redshirt him in 2010.

That hasn't stopped Holt, though. He has big plans for 2011, including making a long-lasting impression on special teams.

PowerMizzou.com: What was the adjustment to redshirtting like for you?

Tristen Holt: "It was kinda hard, because I'm a competitor and I expected to play coming in. It just crushed my heart to not be playing, but I got a lot better."

PM: So it turned into a good experience for you?

Holt: Yeah, it helped me just be a thinker on the field. Just letting stuff go more, because I let things get to me. So just thinking right on the field, it helped my game every day.

PM: Are you approaching these bowl practices any differently because of the guys leaving the secondary after this year?

Holt: Yeah, now and in spring ball, they're evaluating so I just gotta come out and do my thing, make them see what I want them to see.

PM: You were dynamic with the ball in your hands in high school, and you saw some time with the return teams in fall camp. Are you hoping to win one of those jobs next year?

Holt: Oh yeah. I've been working with that all year. It's something I love doing.