Spring Game Preview
Missouri wraps up spring practice with its annual Black and Gold scrimmage this Saturday afternoon at Faurot Field. It is the first chance for the general public to see the 2017 team in action. We've put together some things to watch for in the game.
Important notes about the spring game:
-Admission is free to the public.
-Parking lots open at 8:00 a.m. All lots except for lots B, S and G are open to the public. The PowerMizzou tailgate will be in Lot C.
-For those interested, the Tiger Team Store tent sale starts at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m.- Gates open at 11:30 a.m. -Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
-The game will stream live on SEC Network-Former Missouri football players in attendance will be recognized during the third quarter of the game.
-Postgame autographs will take place on the field after the game.
Offensive position group to watch: Running backs
Unlike the cornerbacks, there isn't much uncertainty with the running backs. This group has everything it needs to be a top ground game in the Southeastern Conference.
There's talent at the top with Damarea Crockett, who looks like a man amongst boys, leading the way. He rushed for 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns as a true freshman last season, and finished with a high yards-per-carry average than Christian McCaffrey, Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook. He said he wants to be the best running back in the SEC, and I wouldn't put it past him. Missouri will ride him in 2017.
There's leadership in Ish Witter, now in his fourth season with the program. He's clearly been the voice the younger guys lean on. On the field, he's valuable in pass protection and proved to be a quality No. 2 back, rushing for 750 yards and six touchdowns behind Crockett.
There's depth and a power runner in Nate Strong who, pun intended, finished strong last season and looks to have a bigger role in 2017. In the final two games of 2016, he carried the ball 25 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns in a limited role.
If that's not enough, incoming freshman Isaiah Miller will be there, too. Miller is a three-star recruit from Baldwin, Florida, who enrolled early to practice with the team this spring.
He also does backflips.
Defensive position group to watch: Cornerbacks
At last year's spring game, J'Mon Moore burned John Gibson on a deep route for a 64-yard touchdown, as Moore casually strolled into the end zone. This is why you can't put too much stock in spring game performance. Gibson went on to start at cornerback for the entire season and was a solid No. 2 next to Aarion Penton.
This year is a bit different. Missouri has to replace both Gibson and Penton. At least with Penton, the coaching staff knew it had at least one reliable guy on the outside. This crop of cornerbacks has little experience.
Expect to see a lot of DeMarkus Acy, Logan Cheadle and Christian Holmes. Those are the first names to come out of Barry Odom's mouth when discussing the position. Cheadle is the senior of the group, but Holmes and Acy have the size DeMontie Cross values. It will be interesting to see how that battle plays out.
Nickel is something to watch, too, as Cross has been toying with the idea of playing redshirt junior safety Kaleb Prewett, a transfer from Kansas State, in that role.
Offensive player(s) to watch: Albert Okwuegbunam/Jonathon Johnson
Prior to Thursday, the offensive player to watch would've been Albert Okwuegbunam. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound wide receiver turned tight end has been impressive throughout practice, receiving more reps after Kendall Blanton's ankle injury sidelined him for the spring.
But Okwuegbunam left Thursday's practice early, and Barry Odom told reporters he would speak to Rex Sharp and get an update on the young tight end later on. It's unclear whether he'll play in the game or not, but the team could opt for the cautious side and hold him out of the game.
If Okweugbunam doesn't play, look out for Jonathon Johnson. Known for his speed and quickness, Johnson has been working with the first-team offense throughout the spring and looks to contribute as a punt returner again this season.
An exhibition like this suits his skill set.
Other names to watch: Brendan Scales, Micah Wilson, Isaiah Miller
Defensive player to watch: Nate Howard
It's weird to have questions about a Missouri defensive line, since, you know, D-Line Zou and everything. But with Charles Harris set to be drafted this month, Marcell Frazier injured and Spencer Williams transferring, there's not much optimism with the group right now.
With all the turnover, Nate Howard seems to be the most talked about from this group. He seems to have really changed his attitude and his focus, and he wants this year to be the year he finally breaks out. If Odom and new defensive line coach Brick Haley revert back to the Missouri defensive lines of the past, Howard could be the biggest beneficiary.
Others names: Brandon Lee, Ronnell Perkins, Tre Williams, Cale Garett
What the players and coaches are saying about the Black and Gold game.
Barry Odom on the differences between this spring and last spring:
"I like where our team is after 14 days. I like what we've accomplished. We got a long way to go, but I know what we've got to work on. Last year, there were some things we were still trying to figure out. There's more of a comfort level, but we still have a lot of work to do."
Defensive end Jordan Harold on what the spring game provides:
"It gives us a chance to connect with the fans some more. Especially with us playing in front of them since it's been so long. And going against our teammates in a game-like atmosphere will be great."
Wide receiver Johnathon Johnson on what the spring game provides:
"When the fans are out there, we just try to show everything that we can do. We go out there and try to compete with each other for one last hard practice. We're out there for the fans, so we're not just going to mess around. We're most definitely going out there to get after it."
We'll have a recap from players and coaches following the game.
