Scales makes last minute switch

On the eve of National Signing Day, Barry Odom scored a significant victory. A little after 9 p.m. Lafayette High School tight end Brendan Scales called Odom and said he was committing to Missouri. Scales had been an Alabama commitment since the summer.

Scales took an official visit to Mizzou over the weekend, and said he started considering the switch on Monday. He didn't make the decision final until Tuesday evening.

"I really liked the coaching staff," he told PowerMizzou.com. "I like the coaching staff at Alabama as well, don’t get me wrong there. But I just really enjoyed it there, I just connected there and I felt that Mizzou was a better place for me and my academics."

Scales, the No. 6 player in the state of Missouri, had his sights set on the Tigers early in the process. Many believed he would be one of Mizzou's first commitments in the 2016 class. But after Junior Day came and went without an offer, Scales began drawing national attention and committed to the Crimson Tide. A night before National Signing Day, he is now back where many thought he would be all along.

"I’m ecstatic about it," he said. "It’s a lifelong dream for me. Ever since I’ve been able to comprehend what college football was, I’ve always wanted to play for Missouri."

Scales lined up all over the field for Lafayette and said Odom and offensive coordinator Josh Heupel have talked to him about a similar role in the Tigers' new offense. He will be split out wide at times, attached to the line at times and possibly even lined up in the backfield at times.

"That’s what they intend to do. That’s what they told me," he said. "I feel very comfortable (with the offense)."

Scales will sign with Missouri in a ceremony at his high school at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. PowerMizzou.com will be there with coverage and more from Mizzou's newest commitment.

"Ever since football season was over I’ve been training every day," Scales said. "Now I’m doing the same thing. Nothing's really changing. Just where I’m going to school."

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